The room fell silent as Fern carefully placed three silver coins into the coin purse Mika had given her earlier. Everyone waited for her to speak. She clasped her hands together, fingers interlocked, and brought them near her face, her expression casual.


    “I think you all have an idea of what I’m about to say,” she said, eyeing the group. “Judging by your expressions.”


    Azrael swallowed hard, his body tense as he waited for her to continue. He could already feel it in his gut, he knew what she was about to reveal. Beads of sweat started to form on his forehead.


    Fern didn''t waste time. “You’ve probably heard the rumors about the illegal slave trade in Tancki Valley, right?”


    Azrael’s hands clenched into fists in his lap, trying to suppress the anger building inside him. Even though Fern hadn''t said everything yet, deep down, he already knew where this conversation was heading. Sweat trickled down his neck.


    Mika nodded, her eyes locked on Fern, answering without speaking.


    Fern’s next words sent a chill down their spines. “The Kent Family is behind all of it.”


    Azrael''s heart raced. ''I knew it'', he thought.


    His grip tightening until his knuckles turned white. The anger in his face was starting to show, and Mika noticed, glancing over at him. But she remained calm, listening intently to Fern.


    Fern''s tone didn’t change. “That’s why the price for this information is so high. The Kent Family’s reputation is solid, especially since they’re part of the SDS. No one suspects they could be involved in something like this.”


    Azrael gritted his teeth, unable to hold back. “Is... is the Kent Family the only one doing this?”


    Fern gave him a confused look but answered anyway. “I don’t know anything about other families’ businesses, so sorry, but this is all I can share.”


    Azrael exhaled slowly, letting the anger subside just enough to speak. “It’s okay... Thank you,” he muttered, not meeting her eyes.


    Fern shifted gears, her voice light and easy. “So, no more questions?”


    The group exchanged glances, but Azrael kept his head down. Mika finally spoke up. “That’s all.”


    With a smile, Fern stood up. “Alright then! It’s settled. I’ll see you at the Lost House.”


    She went to a drawer behind her and pulled out something, placing it on the table. As she opened it, a map of Tancki Valley unfolded before them. She pointed at a spot on the map. “This is the plaza… and this here is the Lost House.”


    Mika leaned in, examining the map. “What are we supposed to do once we get there?”


    Fern’s smile grew wider. “You’ll wait for me, of course. Stay at the plaza, and I’ll meet you there.” She slid the map over to Mika. “Here, take it. I’m not sure if you have one already, but it’s best to know the way to the plaza.”


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Hafa spoke up, looking a bit uncertain. “I know where the plaza is… I could show them the way.”


    Fern shook her head firmly. “No. You’re not going to the plaza. You’ll stay at Mr. Qedue’s house. It’s safer that way.”


    “But—”


    “No buts,” Fern insisted, cutting his off.


    Hafa lowered his gaze, defeated, while Carl gently rubbed his back in support.


    Mika took the map from the table, her voice soft. “Thank you for everything.”


    “Don’t mention it,” Fern replied, sitting back down. She added with a cheerful grin, “It’s settled then. See you tomorrow at the plaza, eight in the morning.”


    *


    The morning arrived, and the group was ready to leave to meet Fern at the plaza. But before they could head out, something unexpected happened.


    “What do you mean you''re not coming?” Jarred raised an eyebrow.


    Kyle sat on the rocking chair, engrossed in a book. Without looking up, he answered, “I’ll just wait here for you guys. Or, if something happens, I’ll come find you.”


    Carl scratched his head in frustration. “What’s your problem? We talked about this last night, didn’t we? Why the sudden change of heart?”


    Mika sighed, shaking her head. “Let him be. It’s probably better to have someone stay behind to keep an eye on our stuff.”


    Carl opened his mouth to argue but paused. After a few seconds, he closed it and sighed. “Alright, if you say so.”


    Azrael glanced at Kyle, concern in his eyes, but he didn’t press the issue. They all had their reasons for what they did.


    *


    By the time they arrived at the plaza, they waited a few more minutes for Fern. The group sat by the side of a large fountain in the centre of the plaza, ordering bread and coffee in a nearby restaurant to start their day.


    After a short wait, Fern finally appeared, waving at them with a wide smile on her face. But it wasn’t just Fern who caught their attention. Behind her stood a tall woman with long, orange hair, striking red lips, and sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through anyone who met her gaze.


    “Sorry I kept you waiting!” Fern called out as she approached, her grin ever-present.


    Mika responded nonchalantly, “No worries. We were just having breakfast. Feel free to join us.” She pointed to a nearby chair. “Take a seat.”


    Fern sat down, and so did her companion. The group noticed the woman but stayed silent, waiting for Fern to introduce her.


    With a smile, Fern gestured to the woman beside her. “This is Karla. The person I told you about.”


    Karla smiled politely. “Nice to meet you all. Fern told me about your plans. You’re hoping to work at The Lost House, correct?”


    Mika nodded with a polite smile. “That’s right. Is there anything we need to do, like interviews or forms?”


    Karla shook her head. “No interviews, no forms. I only need one answer from all of you.”


    The group exchanged uncertain glances, not sure what question she was about to ask.


    Karla paused before speaking again, her tone calm but with an edge of something unreadable. “I heard from Fern that all of you are criminals.”


    The words hung in the air, sharp and heavy, as if they’d just unleashed something toxic that coiled around their hearts. The four of them couldn’t speak, but their eyes were locked on Karla, stunned by her directness.


    In that moment, the realization hit them: this woman wasn’t just anyone. She was a member of the Kent family, one of the most feared branches of the royal family. The mere mention of their name sent shivers down the spine of any criminal organization, and even the most powerful groups were cautious of them.


    The tension in the air thickened, and none of them knew what to expect. Were they being recruited by the Kent Family, or were they about to be arrested for their past sins?


    Mika’s gaze shifted to Fern, her expression tense. A flood of thoughts raced through her mind. ''Did she set us up?'' She didn’t have an answer but kept her eyes locked on Fern, ready for anything.