*Chapter 13: The Price*
Lilith's eyes seemed to bore into Aria's soul as she waited for a response. Elijah shifted uncomfortably, clearly wary of Lilith's intentions.
"What do you want in exchange for the information?" Aria asked, trying to sound calm.
Lilith's smile grew wider. "Oh, I think you'll find my price very... reasonable," she said. "I want a share of the profits from the Angels Dragon Mafia's next big heist."
Elijah's eyes narrowed. "You can't be serious," he said. "We're trying to take down Vraxxis, not help him."
Lilith shrugged. "I'm afraid I'm not interested in your moral crusade," she said. "I'm only interested in one thing: getting paid."
Aria hesitated, weighing her options. She didn't trust Lilith, but she needed the information.
Suddenly, a loud explosion rocked the room, sending debris flying everywhere. Aria stumbled backward, her ears ringing from the blast.
When she looked up, she saw a figure standing in the doorway. It was a young woman with short, spiky hair and a scar above her left eyebrow.
"Looks like we've got company," the woman said, her eyes scanning the room. "Lilith, you're a hard woman to find."
Lilith's expression turned cold. "Ah, Kaelin," she said. "I've been expecting you."
Kaelin smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I'll bet you have," she said. "You see, Lilith, I've been hired to bring you in. Dead or alive."