Chapter 5

Lily, or as she was notoriously known, the Black Spider of the outer city, was a force to be reckoned with. Her rise to power, without any backing from the influential figures of the inner city, spoke volumes about her sheer will, intellect, and ruthlessness. In a world where men dominated and respect was earned through blood and fire, Lily had carved her name into the annals of the outer city's lore. She wasn't just feared—she was respected, admired, and hated in equal measure.

Cier made his way to the last room at the end of the corridor on the second floor. Standing guard were two men dressed sharply in dark suits, their faces hidden behind eerie, featureless masks that gave them a menacing aura. Before Cier could announce his arrival, a sweet yet commanding voice floated from behind the door.

"Let him in," the voice said, soft yet brimming with authority.

One of the guards silently stepped forward, opened the heavy wooden door, and moved aside to let Cier pass. As he entered, Cier was greeted by a stark contrast to the rest of the inn. The room exuded an air of sophistication and power. Expensive furniture crafted from rare Elmster wood, an imported luxury even in the inner city, dominated the space. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with volumes that ranged from rare magical tomes to books on trade, politics, and warfare.

At the center of this opulent room, seated behind a polished desk, was Lily herself. She was a vision of controlled elegance and danger. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her sharp, captivating features. She held a delicate glass of wine, its crimson hue catching the light as she took a slow, deliberate sip. Lily was dressed in a black, high-slit gown that hugged her figure, with intricate silver embroidery resembling spider webs running along the hem and sleeves. A choker adorned with a gleaming ruby sat snugly around her neck, adding an air of regal menace. Over her shoulders was a sleek, dark fur shawl, further cementing her image as the queen of the outer city's underworld.

Her sharp, piercing eyes locked onto Cier, a small smirk playing at her lips. She exuded an aura of calm dominance that could make even the most hardened men falter.

But Cier knew better than to be lulled into a false sense of security. The woman in front of him wasn't just any powerful figure; she was Lily, the Black Spider. Her name alone was enough to send chills through the spines of the bravest men in the outer city. The reputation that preceded her was steeped in tales of cunning, betrayal, and merciless dealings. Cier understood that every word, every gesture from her held an undercurrent of calculated intent.

"Oh, Cier, it looks like you succeeded," Lily said with a sly smile, her voice like honey laced with venom. She lifted the glass of wine slightly, tilting it towards him. "How about having a sip to celebrate?"

Cier stiffened but maintained a polite demeanor. "No, no, Sister Lily," he replied, lowering his gaze in feigned humility. "I know I'm still not capable enough to sit and drink wine in front of you."

He knew better than to accept her offer. Lily wasn't someone who extended kindness without a price, and he dared not imagine the consequences if he misstepped. The wine wasn't just a drink—it was a test, a game she played to gauge the limits of his loyalty and caution.

Lily leaned back in her chair, swirling the wine in her glass, her smirk deepening. "Smart as always, Cier. That's why I keep you around."

Cier's mind drifted back to the first time he had met Lily, four years ago, when he was just a scrawny ten-year-old fighting for survival in the slums. That day had been like any other—a battle for scraps of food. He had been wrestling with an old beggar for a piece of stale bread, the kind of fight that was all too common in the outer city.

But that old beggar wasn't just defending himself; he was trying to kill Cier over a morsel of food. Desperation had driven Cier to the edge, and in a moment of sheer survival instinct, he had bitten into the beggar's neck with all his strength. The taste of blood and the man's lifeless body haunted him even now. That moment of brutality was what caught Lily's attention. She had been watching the entire scene unfold from the shadows, intrigued by the boy's ferocity.

After the fight, Lily had approached him, offering a lifeline. "Work for me," she had said, her voice devoid of sympathy, "and you'll have money and protection."

At first, it seemed like a blessing, but Cier quickly learned that Lily's kindness came with chains. She wasn't a good person, not by any stretch. Who else would watch a child nearly die in a savage fight, only to recruit him afterward? No, Lily was a predator, and Cier had been caught in her web from that day forward.

Yet, despite her ruthless nature, Lily had an unspoken code—those who worked for her were never left dissatisfied. She ensured that their loyalty was rewarded in her own calculated way. It was through her guidance, after four years of working under her, that Cier learned about the secret supplier and location to purchase the awakening potion. Lily's influence had opened doors that would have otherwise remained firmly shut.

However, for those who dared to deceive her or betray her trust, the consequences were swift and brutal. It was an unspoken rule in the outer city that anyone who crossed Lily would inevitably be found lifeless in some filthy ditch the following day—a grim reminder of her unforgiving nature.

"So, what brings you here, dear Cier?" Lily asked, her tone casual as she sipped her wine, her gaze never leaving him.