“Gordon’s height can make him stand out sometimes, but add that build,” Ginnie observed, taking a sip from her drink.

  “His under—Those of the Realms,” Frank said suddenly, instantly earning looks of disbelief from the crew.

  “Describe him to Hero,” he continued, reassuring the group. “Trust me, it takes less than an impulse to have PTSD.”

  “Is that you and Hero’s PTSD speaking?” Gordon asked pointedly.

  “No, but we’re close to being Wonders. Can’t die now,” Frank replied.

  It was midnight. Azeya’s eyes slowly opened, her body stretching just as she heard the noise outside.

  “The city is awake,” she said with a small smile.

  She quickly cleaned herself, pulled on black jeans and a black shirt, then grabbed a small bag similar to Sky’s. She attached it to a loop near her waist and walked down the stairs.

  “Where’s the lady who was here?” she asked the receptionist.

  “Oh, she’s gone, Mrs. The ladies aren’t allowed to work during these hours,” the man replied.

  Azeya took out her key and two gold coins. “Here,” she said before asking, “You serve food?”

  “Yes, the restaurant next door is ours,” he replied.

  “I’ll need something good to eat when I come back.”

  “Safe travels,” the receptionist said, watching Azeya leave.

  Azeya stretched out her hand at the side of the road. A carriage pulled up.

  “Where to, Mrs.?” the driver asked.

  “Underground guild,” Azeya replied.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  “That’ll be sixty coins,” he said.

  “No. From you, thirty,” Azeya countered, then added, “You thought I wouldn’t recognize you, little Shawn?”

  “It was worth trying,” Shawn replied with a grin.

  “How’s your old man, Sam?”

  “He’s still hiding as the owner of a bakery, but my brother’s the one leading the Stonefold family,” Shawn explained.

  “Dreezy’s the king?” Azeya asked in surprise.

  “Yeah, and you’re in luck. They’re holding the Four Kings’ Meeting right now.”

  “Four? Not three?” Azeya asked.

  “Someone came out with influence—so much that the big three had to become the big four.”

  “Is that so? Anyone seen him before?”

  “No, but their emblem’s a floating figure above trees.”

  “Those of the Realms,” Azeya mused, looking out the window.

  “Supposedly. Could be a lie, though. Either way, no one’s trying to find out.”

  Shawn took every shortcut imaginable—bumpy roads, smooth turns, and enough twists to confuse anyone following.

  “Here we are—the door to the new underground city,” Shawn said, opening the door for Azeya.

  “A gate,” Azeya corrected, eyeing the swirling purple portal before her.

  “It’s only in Ordelith where a gate opener can live freely—or whatever those fancy fools call them,” Shawn replied, then added, “The old one was destroyed, so they improvised. Need an escort?”

  “No, but I’ll need you to wait. I’m retrieving someone,” Azeya said before stepping through the gate.

  The moment she entered the underground guild, a mix of perfume, alcohol, and sweat hit her. It was bright yet shadowed in corners, filled with people, prostitutes, and the loud hum of trade. The bounty board—covered with faces of wanted criminals—stood beside another offering jobs. What caught her attention most was its sheer size; the place was twice as big as a normal guild.

  Finding Sherlyn here would be a nightmare—but an idea sparked. Why not catch the bull by the horns?

  Azeya made her way toward the bar, intentionally bumping into a mercenary or assassin every few steps.

  “What can I get you, Mrs.?” the bartender asked.

  She leaned in close, and he instinctively mirrored her.

  “My offer might be… sensitive,” she whispered. “I need information on where the Big Four are meeting.”

  “Which family are you with?” he asked quietly.

  “Mmm, let’s just say I’ve got fifty gold coins—and a safer job for you than this,” Azeya replied.

  The man leaned back, scanning the restless crowd pounding on the counter for beer.

  “Please, follow me,” he said finally.

  “Drinks are on me, men!” Azeya announced, tossing two hundred silver coins onto the counter.

  By the time she started following the attendant, the counter had erupted.

  “No harm with free drinks!” someone yelled, lifting a mug high as the guild cheered.

  Nice scene — tightened the pacing, fixed punctuation and rhythm, and kept your voice and beats exactly as written. Nothing new added, only cleaned up for flow and impact:

  Azeya followed the man into a room.

  “Woman, I’m taking a gamble with you. I need reassurance,” the man said.

  “Leon Heart. Know the name,” Azeya replied.

  “Yes, but it’s advisable not to speak about it. Lots of people are looking for him,” the man warned.

  “That so. For now, show me the way to the meeting first.” Azeya glanced at him, then added, “By the end of today you might be rich — but only if you pledge your loyalty to me. If you betray me, I’ll kill you.”

  “That fine?” the man asked, stretching out his hand.

  “Show me wealth and I’ll die to give my family a better life,” he said as he shook Azeya’s hand.

  They pushed through the crowd. “Lots of little families nowadays!” the man shouted as they moved. “Now we have to be fast; please don’t get lost.” He nodded toward a door. “It’s got lots of turns because it’s not the original route,” he added, opening it.

  The corridor moved quick — faint light, muffled sounds that could be pleasure or torture — and the man came to a sudden stop. “That’s the door. This is like an emergency exit; two guards only,” he whispered.

  “I don’t know if you’ll stay, but from now on riches will be chasing you,” Azeya said, already stepping for the door.

  “That woman is either crazy or damn strong. I’ve heard of Leon, but not her,” the man muttered as he turned back toward the counter. “Why stay when riches are about to chase me?” he asked himself, moving away.

  Azeya closed the distance with a confident flair.

  “Big and strong — most women’s dream,” she purred, well within fighting distance.