JJ t his gaze steadily, the weight of the question lingering in the air. She took a slow breath. If I can just get more out of him, maybe I'll have enough to figure out how to help Ty later. She tilted her head slightly, feigning curiosity. "Before? What exactly do you an by that?"
He leaned back in his chair, swirling his drink as if savoring the mont. "I don't have all the details, but my master told that Ty didn't arrive here as a human. His soul… it was ripped from his body, placed into a skeleton. One that had died centuries ago. But when his soul entered that body, it ca back to life—flesh and all."
JJ's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. That lines up with what Ty told , but why does this man know so much?
"My master believes that whoever brought him here—whoever ripped his soul from his original body—put him into the last living demon on this planet."
JJ's brow furrowed. "Last demon? What are you getting at?"
He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping lower, conspiratorial. "The demons weren't wiped out because they were a threat to humanity. No, they were wiped out because only a demon can kill the King. He's immortal, at least in part."
JJ narrowed her eyes. "Immortal? You can't be serious."
He gave a small, humorless laugh. "We don't fully understand it yet, but we're getting closer. We believe it's tied to the wish the winner of the Arena of Life receives. The King has been keeping the true history of the demons hidden for a reason. And Ty… Ty may be the key."
JJ's stomach churned. Ty, tied to the demons and the King? What does this an for him, for his survival?
The man continued, not waiting for her response. "That's why I'm here. We need your help, Jadenui. You're close to Ty, closer than anyone else. You can get us information, access to places in the kingdom that we can't reach."
JJ tensed. "You're asking to betray the kingdom?"
He didn't flinch. "I'm asking you to help us understand the inner workings—schedules, when the King leaves, anything we can use to get ahead. You would be doing it for Ty, wouldn't you? After all, if the kingdom finds out what he really is, they won't hesitate to kill him."
JJ's mind raced. I've already risked so much for Ty. But working with the Black Bulls? If I get caught, they'll kill too.
"I…" she hesitated, her voice faltering as she thought of the consequences. "I'll need ti. This is a lot to process."
The man didn't move, didn't blink, his eyes fixed on her. "Ti is sothing we don't have much of, Jadenui. You've already risked your family na by donating to Ty's cause. You're walking a fine line. But we believe you're the most trustworthy person for this mission because of how much you care for him."
JJ's heart pounded in her chest. I have to be careful. Too much, too fast, and I'll give myself away.
"I have to think this over," she said, her tone firr this ti. "I've already risked my life, my family's na. If I'm found working with you, that could be it for . I need to make sure my family house remains intact before I make any more moves."
The man regarded her for a long mont before nodding slowly. "I understand. Take your ti, but don't take too long."
JJ shifted in her seat, swallowing hard. "In exchange, I'll need sothing from you."
He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's that?"
"I'll need a caravan ready by morning to take back to the Arena waiting grounds. I need to watch Ty, and I can't afford to linger here too long."
He studied her for a beat, then gave a slow nod. "Consider it done."
JJ exhaled, relief barely seeping through the tension that still clouded her mind. She was playing a dangerous ga now, and she knew it.
"I'll be in touch," he said, standing from the table and giving her one last, pointed look. "I hope you'll make the right decision."
He walked away, leaving behind a pouch on the table. JJ scuffed under her breath, her lip curling as she eyed it. I don't need his stinking money. She grabbed the pouch to run it back to him, but as soon as it touched her hand, sothing felt off. It was too light—much lighter than she expected.
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Her brow furrowed as she loosened the drawstring and peeked inside. Instead of coins or paper, there sat a small tal spider, no bigger than her fingernail. It glowed red for a brief second before the light faded, leaving it cold and still.
So this is his plan to track for my answer? She scowled, flipping the pouch closed. I can play along for now. I don't want to be killed. The thought gnawed at her. If I flat out rejected him, that's a real possibility.
Her eyes flicked to the door he had disappeared through. Plus, these people like him for whatever reason. They'd likely hide my body, too.
She let out a long sigh, gripping her bandaged shoulder as the pain flared briefly. Ti to grab a room, sleep, and figure out what the hell happened to my adorable Blue.
The pouch still in her hand, she shoved it into her cloak and made her way through the town. It wasn't long before she found an inn tucked between two larger buildings. The sign outside was weathered, but welcoming. She stepped inside, the warmth of the hearth washing over her as she approached the counter.
An old woman, hunched with age but with bright, keen eyes, greeted her. A mark on her wrist caught JJ's attention—a unique, swirling pattern that looked almost like a tattoo, though it seed older and more mysterious.
"Welco, dearie," the woman rasped with a warm smile. "Need a room for the night?"
JJ nodded. "Yes, please."
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