Chapter 3: The Black Swan Tavern (part2)
Elian stood outside the Black Swan Tavern, his heart racing. He took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
Inside, the tavern was dimly lit, with patrons huddled in shadows. Elian spotted Morwen, her piercing gaze locked onto him.
"Welcome, Elian," Morwen said, her voice husky. "I've been expecting you."
Elian approached her, his hand resting on his dagger.
"What's the job?" Elian asked, his tone firm.
Morwen smiled, her lips curling upward. "A simple delivery. A package to the Tower of Temptation."
Elian's instincts screamed warning. "What's in the package?"
Morwen's smile grew wider. "That's need-to-know, Elian. Are you interested?"
Elian hesitated, weighing risks and rewards.
Elian leaned in, his voice low. "Morwen, I know about Nightshade. And I know you're involved."
Morwen's expression froze, her eyes narrowing. "What do you know, exactly?"
Elian's grip on his dagger tightened. "Enough to understand the risks. Nightshade's poisonous, used in dark rituals and assassinations."
Morwen's gaze lingered on Elian's, searching for signs of deception. "You're quite informed, aren't you?"
Elian nodded. "I have my sources. But I want to know more. What's the package for?"
Morwen's smile returned, laced with danger. "You're bold, Elian. I'll give you that. The package contains... insurance. For a certain transaction."
Elian's instincts screamed warning. "Insurance for what?"
Morwen leaned closer, her voice barely audible. "A ritual. One that requires Nightshade. And discretion."
Elian's determination hardened. "I'm not helping with anything involving Nightshade."
Morwen's eyes flashed with anger. "You're in no position to refuse, Elian. You see, I have... leverage....
Elian's eyes blazed with intensity as he interrupted Morwen.
"I don't care about your leverage, Morwen. But I'll make you a deal. I'll deliver the package, but only if you agree to one condition."
Morwen's expression darkened, her voice icy. "What's your condition, Elian?"
Elian's grip on his dagger tightened. "I want Ryker eliminated."
Morwen's eyebrows arched, surprise
Morwen's smile returned, cold and calculated. "Excellent. The package will be prepared. Deliver it to the Tower of Temptation, and Ryker will meet his end."