28. Chapter 24
Chapter 2 4
Lillith
M y heart pounds in my chest as I enter the secret underground lair, using the shadows as a cloak for my disguise.
After the masquerade last night, I struggled to sleep. My interactions with the prince had been confusing and the reemergence of my ex, Lexir, has me on edge still, honestly. First light, I gave up on sleep entirely and opted to see if any still-inebriated villains were up for spilling the beans on the location of Lexir. We need to get out of here before everything falls apart.
"Oi! Watch where you stand!" a gruff voice suddenly snaps, pulling me from my thoughts.
I look down to see Grundle the Greedy glaring up at me as he counts his latest winnings. His thick brows scrunch with irritation, but there’s a glint of humor in his eyes .
"Apologies," I say, injecting a hint of haughtiness into my voice as I shift my weight away from his coin purse. "I was merely admiring your success."
"Ha! Well, you'd better get used to it, lassie!" Grundle retorts, puffing out his broad chest proudly. "Ain't no one gonna bring me down!"
"Is that so?" I tease, allowing myself a small, secretive smile. "Well, best of luck to you then."
"Thanks, but I don't need luck!" he scoffs before returning to his mountain of gold.
"Ah, there you are!" exclaims a voice I recognize all too well.
Kade, one of Lexir's top men, saunters toward me with a smug grin plastered on his tanned face. His dark hair thrown back in a messy bun probably from the aftereffects of a highly inebriated night.
"I thought I smelled the stench of failure," he adds.
"Charming as always, Kade," I retort, rolling my eyes. "What do you want?"
"Nothing from you," he sneers, "but I thought I would come and see what you've been up to. I spotted you the moment you came into town and found it interesting that you arrived under a different name."
"Is that so?" I feign disinterest.
"Indeed," Kade confirms, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "I've been following you since you got here. What are you up to, Lillith?"
I bat my lashes. "Just trying to reconnect with my old fling."
"Why? Hoping for a romantic reunion?"
"Hardly," I scoff, folding my arms across my chest, "but if I were to find him, it would be to settle some unfinished business."
"Ha! Well, good luck with that, sweetheart," Kade taunts before stalking away.
"Fine," I shout, swallowing my pride. "I really am here to see Lexir. Will you take me to him?"
"Really?" Kade walks back, eyes narrow, suspicion in his voice. "Why would Lexir want to see you after all this time?"
"Because he still owes me a favor. Besides, I thought we could catch up on old times." I force a laugh, trying to sound casual. "You know how it is."
"Indeed," Kade replies, his skepticism evident. "Very well. Follow me."
As we navigate the shadowy corridors, I keep a close eye on the various rogues and miscreants lurking in the corners. Their stares follow us, making me uneasy. I can't help but feel like a lamb being led to slaughter.
"Are we almost there?" I ask, struggling to keep the growing anxiety from my voice.
"Patience," Kade chides. "We'll get there when we get there."
"Of course," I reply, biting back a sarcastic retort. "How silly of me to forget the secret underground lair etiquette."
"Ah, your wit hasn't changed," Kade muses, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It's one thing I actually missed about you."
"Missed?" I raise an eyebrow. "Well, I'd say that makes two of us, but that would be a lie."
"Ouch," Kade feigns hurt, chuckling as he pushes open a heavy wooden door. "Here we are."
The small, empty room is filled with mismatched furniture and dimly lit by flickering candles. It looks like a makeshift study or meeting place, not the kind of space my ex would spend his time.
"Is Lexir not here?" I ask, masking my relief with disappointment.
"Sadly, no. He's up near the Rodel border taking care of some business," Kade admits, leaning against the doorframe, "but don't worry. I'll let him know you stopped by."
"Thanks," I say, trying to sound grateful while inwardly cursing the fact that my plan hit another snag. "I suppose I should get going then."
"Wait," Kade calls out as I turn to leave. "You can't just walk in and out of here without raising suspicions. It's dangerous."
"Then what do you suggest?" I ask, exasperated .
"Stay a while," he replies with a grin. "We could always use more... resourceful members like yourself."
"Very funny," I retort, rolling my eyes.
"I've always been known for my humor, or did you forget that? Follow me. We're almost there."
We leave the room through the same door and head further down the hall.
"Where are you taking me now?" I ask Kade, trying to keep my voice steady as we continued down a dimly lit corridor.
"Patience," he replies with a sly grin. "You'll see soon enough."
As we round a corner, my heart skips a beat when I see who awaits me in the next room. Seated at an elegant chess table is none other than Lord Azantor himself, his fingers drumming lazily on the polished wood. The flickering candlelight casts eerie shadows across his face, yet he seems perfectly at ease in this underground lair.
"Ah, Lillith, so nice of you to finally join us," Azantor greets me with a sneer, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Please, have a seat. It seems we have much to discuss."
"Lord Azantor," I reply coolly, trying to hide my surprise and apprehension. "I didn't expect to find you here."
Lord Azantor is a man I hoped to never cross again. He’s a close friend of Lexir’s, and during my time here as a child, he had been my tormentor. His version of competing was to completely take out his adversaries or render them useless unless he had a use for them. I thought I was free of him when I escaped, but years later, when I was dating Lexir, Azantor decided we were competing once again. Little did he know, I had no intention of ever competing with him. By that point, I could already kill him on a whim , but I didn’t for the sake of the man I loved.
There is no love anymore, though, and that will protect this man from my revenge. Perhaps, though, I can get some information from him instead if he is still connected to my ex.
"Life is full of surprises, my dear," he says, gesturing for me to sit opposite him. "Now, shall we play?"
"Play?" I echo, looking at the chessboard in confusion. "I haven't played chess in years, and I'm afraid I don't have the time. If you would excuse me..."
I turn to leave but find the door closed behind me and locked. While I could just blow it open, I decide to wait it out and see what exactly he wants.
"What's the point of playing chess right now?" I ask, my tone indifferent.
"Consider it a friendly game between old acquaintances," Azantor suggests, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Besides, I'm curious to see how well you've honed your strategic skills since we last met."
"Very well," I agree reluctantly, taking a seat and eyeing the chess pieces carefully .
What does Azantor possibly want from me? And why did he choose to confront me here, of all places?
"Let the game begin," he announces grandly. He always was overly dramatic. "First move's yours," he adds, clearly enjoying the power he held over me in this moment.
"Fine." I grimace, moving one of my pawns.
As we play, exchanging moves and countermoves, the tension between us grows heavier. Despite my best efforts to keep up, it’s clear that Azantor has the upper hand.
"Your mind seems to be elsewhere, Lillith," he taunts, capturing one of my pieces. "Are you perhaps worried about someone?"
"Hardly," I snap back, taking out one of his knights with a hasty move. "I'm just wondering why you're wasting both our time with this game."
"Ah, but time is a luxury we villains can afford, don't you think?" Azantor smirks as he advances his queen. "Besides, it's been so long since we last crossed paths. It's only natural to want to catch up."
"Is that all this is? A friendly chat over chess?" I ask, my thoughts racing as I try to predict his next move.
"Of course not," he replied, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers, "but you'll have to play along if you want to find out what else I have in store for you."
"Fine," I muttered, forcing a smile onto my face. "Let's keep playing, then. "
As we continue, I can't shake the feeling that there’s more to Azantor's intentions than he lets on. I have no choice but to focus on the chessboard and hope I can uncover his true motives before it’s too late.
"Your move," Azantor says, his eyes never leaving mine as I stare at the chessboard.
With a sinking feeling in my stomach, I notice something engraved on the base of each piece.
"Is that..." I lean in closer, squinting to read the tiny letters etched into the wood.
I can't believe it. Each piece bears the name of someone I care for or at least had at one point in time of my life. My parents, Silviana, even Mrs. Umbernuckle...
"Surprised, Lillith?" Azantor smirks, enjoying my reaction. "I told you we have much to discuss."
How did I not immediately expect this? It’s so very predictable of him.
"Let me guess." I sigh, trying to keep my composure. "If I lose this game, those people die?"
"Very perceptive," he replies, tapping his fingers on the table, "and if you win, they live. Simple as that. I thought I would work with your most recent interactions. Figured at least a few of them would be people you care about."
"Fine." I grit my teeth, forcing myself to focus on the game. "But remember, Azantor, two can play at this game. "
"Of course," he purrs. "That's what makes it so thrilling."
The tension mounts with every move. For the first time in my life, I’m playing a game I actually want to win but doubt I will. The names I’ve seen so far, I wouldn't be too upset if they’re killed. Of course I would be sad, but I don't let just anyone actually matter to me. That would give me a weakness and absolutely is not something a villain can get away with having.
We exchange pieces like old friends trading insults, each capture a small victory or defeat.
"Check," Azantor announces, moving one of his bishops.
I frown, shifting my king to safety. There’s no time to waste. I need to find a way to turn the tables before it’s too late.
"Ah, you're putting up quite a fight, Lillith." He leans back in his chair. "But will it be enough?"
"Quit the theatrics," I snap, capturing another of his pawns. "We'll see who has the last laugh when this is over."
"Indeed, we shall," Azantor agrees, moving his queen to threaten my remaining knight.
I hesitate, weighing my options. Is it worth sacrificing the piece to gain a better position? Or should I try a more defensive approach?
"Ticktock, Lillith," he taunts, tapping the table impatiently. "Time waits for no one, not even you. "
"Fine," I mutter, moving my knight out of harm's way.
It isn't the most aggressive move, but it could buy me time to regroup and plan my next attack.
"Very cautious." Azantor smirks as he takes another of my pieces. "But will caution save your friends or simply prolong their suffering?"
"Enough," I growl, pushing aside my doubts and fears as I make a bold bid to turn the tide of the game. "Check."
"Ah, well played," he admits, shifting his king to safety, "but don't get too cocky, Lillith. The game is far from over."
"Then let's finish this." My voice is shaking with barely restrained fury. "For once and for all."
"Indeed," Azantor agrees, his eyes narrowing as the final moves unfold before us. "Let's see who truly deserves the title of top villain, shall we? Check," he announces with a triumphant grin, his rook putting my king in peril.
I quickly move my king to escape the threat, but it’s becoming clear that I’m cornered. The cold sweat trickles down my back as I try to maintain my composure and strategize.
"Feeling the pressure, Lillith?" Azantor taunts, delighting in my struggle. "Don't worry. It'll all be over soon."
"Stop talking," I snap, focusing my attention on the board.
My desperation is mounting, and I can't afford any more distractions.
Why do I care this much? Does it really matter if I win?
I move a bishop, hoping to create an opening for a counterattack.
"Ah, clever girl," he says, mockingly clapping his hands, "but not clever enough."
He slides his queen across the board, forcing me to sacrifice my last knight to protect my king.
"Checkmate," Azantor declares triumphantly, his eyes gleaming with malice.
I stare at the board in disbelief. He’s trapped me.
"Time to face the consequences, Lillith," he sneers.
He flips over the fallen chess pieces one by one to reveal the names of those I care or cared about. Each name feels like a dagger in my chest, and I clench my fists, struggling to contain my anger. I hate losing.
"Prince Asher Sunbash," he reads aloud, holding up the knight I just sacrificed.
My breath hitches, and panic wells up inside me. How could I have let this happen? If anything happens to Asher...
"Angry, are we?" Azantor mocks, relishing in my pain. "Well, you should have thought about that before you lost."
"Shut up!" I yell, my voice cracking with emotion. "You don't get to gloat! This was a twisted game, and you know it!"
"Perhaps," he concedes, his grin never wavering, "but in the end, Lillith, you were the one who played along and lost."
The last straw has been placed on my back, and I will not stand for it any longer. Fury burns within me like a wildfire, consuming every bit of restraint I have left.
"Your twisted games end here! Rule number eight of being a good villain, Azantor, only reveal your evil plan if the person you are revealing it to is either needed to help fulfill it or will be the victim of it. I refuse to be either. Take your monologues and shove it," I scream.
I raise my hand to unleash a simple but devastatingly powerful spell. A surge of raw magic flows through me, and I channel it into a concentrated blast aimed directly at Azantor's smug face.
"W-Wha..." he stammers, his eyes widening in shock as the spell hits him with full force.
His body crumples to the ground, lifeless and broken before disappearing entirely.
"Trust no one," I whisper, swallowing the lump in my throat, "especially not in this villainous world."
I turn away from Azantor's corpse and stride toward the exit, determined to leave this wretched place behind. With each step, I focus my lingering rage into another spell, one that will bring this lair crumbling down around me.
"Time to bury this den of snakes," I mutter, releasing my magic into the walls .
The stone groans and shifts, cracks spiderwebbing outward as the tunnels began to collapse.
As the destruction unfolds around me, I think of Asher. There may be no place for me in his world, but the realization that I have feelings for him—real, genuine feelings—is both terrifying and exhilarating. It fuels my resolve to protect him at all costs, even if it means facing my past and seeking out Lexir myself. Having an excuse to take on both the villain and hero parts of Necia’s society is just a perk.
Lexir Crow, you won't know what's coming for you. I narrowly dodge a falling chunk of rock. And when I find you, you'll wish you'd never crossed me
The world outside seems impossibly bright and open as I emerge from the collapsing lair, dusting off my clothes and tucking away the last remnants of my fury for another day. Even as I step into the sunlight, I remind myself, steeling my resolve, "Trust no one, Lillith, not even yourself."