Seraphina followed the man through the twisting alleys of Vesta, the narrow passages becoming darker and quieter the deeper they went— the filthy scent of the slums soon entering her nose.
The scent of dampness and decay grew stronger, mingling with the faint traces of smoke that lingered in the air— the sounds of the bustling city faded behind them, replaced by a stillness that set Seraphina on edge.
She didn't speak as they walked, her hand never straying far from her sword. The man's movements were jittery, his gaze darting nervously to every shadow and corner as if he were expecting someone to jump out and attack him.
It was clear he didn't feel safe entering the undercity, he didn't want to be here in the slightest.
Finally, they stopped in front of a dilapidated building that leaned precariously against its neighbors. Its windows were boarded up, and the door hung slightly ajar, its hinges rusted and creaking in the breeze.
"They're inside."
The man said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Seraphina glanced at him, her violet eyes narrowing slightly before she finally spoke.
"Stay here."
He flinched but nodded quickly, stepping back as she pushed the door open with a creak— the interior was dim, the faint light from outside barely penetrating the gloom.
Dust hung in the air, and the wooden floor creaked beneath her boots as she stepped inside; the scent of rotten wood was clear, and this building was barely holding on.
Her gaze swept the room, taking in the five figures gathered around a makeshift table in the center. They looked as worn and desperate as the man who had brought her here— their clothes were tattered, their faces hollowed by hunger and hardship.
They were three male and two female; two of the male and one of the female looked younger than her.
One of them, a wiry young woman with sharp eyes, stood as Seraphina entered.
Her posture was defensive, her hand resting on the hilt of a short and broken knife.
"Who are you?"
The woman demanded, her voice steady despite the tension in her stance.
Seraphina stepped forward, her expression calm but firm.
"My name isn't important. I'm here because you're looking for a way out of the undercity."
The group exchanged wary glances, but the woman didn't lower her guard.
"And what's in it for you?"
Seraphina's gaze remained steady.
"I need people who are willing to work with me. People with no ties to the undercity, and no loyalties to its factions. I can offer you protection, resources, and a chance to rebuild your lives— but only if you're willing to commit."
The woman's eyes narrowed, some of the others were already interested in the proposal, ready to fold, but she didn't let them speak.
"Sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?"
Seraphina's tone turned colder.
"The catch is that you'll be loyal to me. You'll follow my orders and work toward my goals. If you betray me, there will be consequences."
The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air. Finally, one of the others, a gaunt man with sunken eyes, spoke up.
"What kind of work are we talking about?"
"Whatever is necessary— is your life now any better?"
Seraphina replied bluntly.
"Gathering information, completing tasks, maybe even fighting if it comes to that. I won't force you into anything you can't handle, but I expect competence and dedication."
The young woman's grip on her knife tightened, but she didn't speak. Another figure, an older man with a weathered face, nodded slowly.
"We don't have much to lose."
He said, his voice hoarse.
"And what you're offering... it's more than anyone else has."
Seraphina studied the group carefully, weighing their responses.
"Think carefully before you agree. This isn't a decision you can take lightly— once you decide there is no turning back. Your path will be set."
The woman finally lowered her knife, her sharp gaze meeting Seraphina's.
"We're in."
The others murmured their agreement, their faces a mix of resolve and uncertainty, they had a hard life, to begin with; they suffered the chance of death every day, at least this way they could be rewarded for it.
Seraphina gave a curt nod.
"Good. For now, stay here and out of sight. I'll return with further instructions— I will bring you food and other necessities."
She turned to leave, pausing at the door to glance back at the group.
"And remember— this is your chance to change your lives. Don't waste it."
With that, she stepped back into the alley, where the man from the slums waited anxiously.
"They agreed?"
He asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Seraphina nodded.
"For now. You've done well. Keep an eye on them until I return."
The man's expression shifted to one of relief, and he gave a quick nod.
"Thank you. I... I'll make sure they don't cause trouble."
Seraphina didn't reply, her mind already shifted to the plans she had for the people; for now, she would improve them and then build her group further from there.
She needed to test their loyalty, their capabilities, and most importantly, their usefulness.