This is it. I have to get this right.
Serphine stood outside Servan's, the air thick with tension and uncertainty. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart.
She adjusted her grip on the small satchel at her side, pushing the door open.
Serphine was immediately greeted by the faint hum of conversation and the clatter of dishes. The dimly lit space felt different than she remembered; the decor was worn, and the usual patrons were conspicuously absent.
She scanned the room, her eyes landing on the waiter behind the bar.
With hesitant steps, she approached him, keeping her head low to hide the anxiety flickering in her chest. "Excuse me," she said, her voice barely rising above a whisper. "I need… I need a Red Lemonade with ice."
The waiter paused, looking her over with a curious expression. "Is that a joke? We don't serve that here anymore. Please leave, ma'am."
Serphine took a deep breath, the code words echoing in her mind. "No… it's serious. Please tell your supervisor, 'Every debt must be paid in blood.'"
My family's fate relies on this. I can't mess it up.
His eyes narrowed, recognition flickering in his gaze. "Wait here."
Serphine's heart raced as the waiter slipped into a back room. She stood frozen, glancing around as a few patrons eyed her with suspicion.
What if this doesn't work?
Moments later, the waiter returned, his demeanor now serious. "Follow me."
She nodded, feeling the weight of his gaze on her back as she walked behind him. The atmosphere shifted as they entered a dimly lit corridor, the sound of muffled voices drifting from the end.
At the end of the hall, the waiter gestured for her to enter a small room.
Inside, the air was thick with the smell of smoke and the sound of hushed conversations. Seated at a large table was a tall man with sharp features and a brooding intensity that made her stomach flutter.
"Serphine," The man said, his tone neutral as he leaned back in his chair, studying her. "Maid of Noctis. How do you know that code? Is it The Duke? Or, Duchess?"
Serphine swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his gaze. "I need to speak with the leader. I was sent by Master Valac."
"I am the leader. Nico Leitzeir." Nico's expression shifted, intrigue replacing the initial wariness. "Valac Noctis? That waste? How can he know that code?"
"I'm not lying," she stammered, her heart racing. "He… he really asked me to tell you about this."
Nico's brow furrowed as he leaned forward. "He sent you here alone? Are you not afraid of death, Serphine?"
"I'm more afraid of my family suffering," she said, surprising herself with the strength in her voice. "Please meet my master once. You can decide his competence yourself. Elenora has been poisoning him, and he's trying to turn things around. He wants to make a deal with you."
The room fell silent, and Nico's gaze hardened. "You did say a very important code. Even if I'm being tricked I just can't ignore it now, can I?"
Serphine's heart raced, the tension in the air palpable. "So, will you go to meet my master? He thinks he can help you. He's willing to make it worth your while."
Nico leaned back, considering her words. "I'm just giving him a chance. Why should I trust a drunkard? You know as well as I do that trusting the Duke's bastard son can lead to trouble. I don't even know why a fragile woman like you would risk her life to come here on orders of a drunkard like that."
She took a deep breath, feeling the pressure building. "I'm in debt, and he's willing to pay it off for me. He's really changed. Please make a wise decision."
Nico studied her for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Fine. I'll hear him out. But if I find out you're lying, I won't hesitate to take you down with him. Tell him I'll see him tomorrow night."
"Understood," Serphine said, relief washing over her. "I'll tell him you'll come."
"Good. Now, get out of my sight before I change my mind," Nico said, his tone sharp.
Serphine quickly turned and left the room, her heart pounding as she navigated the dim corridor. She emerged back into the main area of the tavern, where patrons eyed her curiously.
What now?
Just as she started to step outside, a group of rowdy men entered, laughter spilling from their lips. They were clearly drunk, and one of them caught sight of her.
"Look at that little beauty! What's a pretty thing like you doing here?"
Serphine's heart sank as she tried to slip past them, but the man blocked her way, smirking. "Hey, don't ignore me! Come here!"
She felt the heat rising in her cheeks, panic bubbling beneath the surface. "I-I'm not here to talk."
"Aw, come on! We're just having a bit of fun," another man chimed in, stepping closer.
"Leave me alone!" Serphine snapped, attempting to push past them, but the first man grabbed her wrist, pulling her back.
"Just a little chat won't hurt," he taunted, leaning closer.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the tension. "Let her go."
Nico emerged from the back room, his presence commanding. The men turned, their bravado faltering as they recognized him.
The man's bravado wavered, and he stepped back, glancing at his friends for support. "Boss, we were just—"
"Just what?" Nico interrupted, his voice low and menacing. "Because it looks like you're about to cross a line you won't be able to return from. Zanieth. She's a precious guest. Mind your behaviour."
The men exchanged uneasy glances before muttering under their breath and backing away. "Fine. We'll leave," one of them said, holding up his hands as they retreated.
Serphine breathed a sigh of relief as the men stumbled out of the tavern, leaving her alone with Nico. "Thank you," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Nico shook his head, his expression softening slightly.
"A woman shouldn't be here in the first place. Next time, ask your master to send a knight. It's quite troublesome."
"A woman can fight as well. However, thank you for your help," Seraphine bowed, grateful for his protection. "I have to go now. I need to deliver the message to Valac."
Nico nodded, his gaze serious. "Tell him to keep his head down. If he's planning something, it better be smart. We don't need the Duke's wrath coming down on us. Or, the Dutchess's men."
"I will," Serphine assured him. "He'll be careful. Please visit as you promised."
As Serphine stepped into the cool night air, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease.
What have I gotten myself into?
As she hurried back to the mansion, her mind raced with thoughts of Valac's plan.
Just, what is master planning?