Chapter 76: Names, Part Five

{The next day}

Zura's boss, a shadowy figure entrenched in the murky underworld of Telvan's slums, summoned her the following morning.

The meeting occurred in the same dimly lit room where Zura usually received her orders, where the air seemed to thicken with tension as if it were her first time being there.

A grin bloomed on his face the instant he saw her. 

While Zura stood before him, he was shrouded in darkness. The air in the room hung heavy with anticipation as the boss leaned forward.

"So, Zura, my girl..." The words slithered through the dimness, a subtle undertone of menace underscoring each syllable. The boss's voice carried the weight of authority, a puppeteer orchestrating a clandestine performance. "... Would you like to make 50,000 royals?"

Zura's eyes narrowed. A flicker of defiance battled with the weariness etched into her features.

Instantly, she became suspicious. Very suspicious.