Chapter 3 - A Dangerous Deal and the First Clue

As the thick fog gradually lifted, the faint glow of dawn cast its dim light over the city. The weathered signs hanging in the alleys had long since lost their luster, and the damp air that clung to the buildings carried a heavy, oppressive chill. In the midst of this eerie dawn, Selena, wrapped in a long cloak, moved cautiously forward. Though her steps wavered slightly, her eyes burned with unwavering determination. It had only been a few days since she had reentered this treacherous noble society in search of the true culprit behind her father's murder. Yet, the trials she had already faced were enough to leave her utterly exhausted.

She knocked on the door of a modest mansion and stepped into a small study, adorned with antique furniture. The walls were lined with old portraits, and the soft glow of the red fireplace flickered warmly against the dim room. Under normal circumstances, it might have felt cozy and inviting. But the man she faced exuded not a trace of warmth. Leon Blackwood. Heir to the most powerful family in Eastern noble society—and the man who seemed to hold a crucial piece of the conspiracy she sought to unravel.

"You're quite eager, arriving at such an early hour."

Leon swirled his wine glass leisurely, a smirk tugging at his lips. Selena, still carrying the chill of the morning air, fought to conceal the tremor in her fingers. Yet, facing him, she felt her heartbeat quicken—an instinctive reaction to the ruthless and calculating aura he exuded. The scene of her exile three years ago replayed in her mind, recalling the detached words he had uttered back then. As always, he lounged in his chair like a predator, waiting for his prey to falter.

"I won't waste words. I want the information you have—the truth behind my father's murder."

She was blunt and direct. This was already their third meeting, and each time, he had merely teased her curiosity with cryptic hints, never revealing anything substantial.

"The truth behind your father's murder, you say?"

Leon lifted his gaze, his sharp eyes gleaming in the firelight. His jet-black hair reflected the glow, making his features seem even more striking.

"But why should I hand over such information? Surely, that would require a trade."

Selena had anticipated this. Nothing would come easily. She had already accepted that if she wanted answers, she would have to cooperate—at least to some extent. Leon possessed resources and influence beyond her reach, and outright opposition would only put her at a disadvantage.

"Fine. Then let's get straight to it. What do you want?"

"What I want is simple—but very dangerous."

Leon set his wine glass down and leaned forward. The sheer force of his presence was suffocating.

"There's a rumor circulating about a 'Black List' that exists among the nobles. Surely, you've heard of it. With that list alone, one could overturn the entire balance of power."

The Black List. Selena had indeed heard of it before. A document supposedly containing records of the nobles' deepest conspiracies and darkest secrets. It was said that even the mere mention of a name from that list could send someone into hiding. But whether it actually existed remained uncertain—those who had sought it had all met untimely deaths under suspicious circumstances.

"I believe you are capable of finding it."

Leon spoke as if it were a foregone conclusion.

"This is why I let you live. I have a good idea of how you survived after your exile. If anyone has the tenacity to uncover the Black List, it's you."

"We don't trust each other, so why should I take this risk for you?"

Selena's voice was sharp, though curiosity stirred within her. If the Black List was real, it might contain records about the conspiracy that led to her father's death.

"If you retrieve it for me, I'll give you what you seek."

Leon's words were calm yet absolute. There was no room for negotiation.

"And if you fail… well, that would mean you're no longer of use to me."

Selena clenched her jaw.

"You're testing me."

Leon's smirk deepened. "And? Aren't you testing me, too? You need what I know, just as I need what you can find."

A tense silence hung between them before Selena finally nodded. If she wanted to uncover the truth behind her father's death, she had no choice but to see this through. Opposing someone like Leon outright was not an option—not yet.

"Fine. I'll find the Black List. And in return, you'll reveal the 'real name' behind my father's murder."

"A deal, then."

Leon smirked. And in that moment, a chill ran down Selena's spine. She knew how dangerous this agreement was. But there was no turning back.

From that night onward, Selena began gathering information about the Black List. She scoured old archives, searched through abandoned bookshelves, and even infiltrated secret meetings of record keepers. Few knew of her pursuits, yet she could always feel Leon's unseen gaze watching from the shadows.

One evening, in a rundown tavern, she managed to acquire a small clue—a single piece of parchment. On it was a reference to an old, abandoned noble library. Once a vast collection of books owned by the elite, it had been destroyed in a mysterious fire.

"What exactly am I supposed to find here?"

She folded the parchment and slipped it into her coat. Whether Leon had sent her into a trap or given her a real lead, she had no way of knowing. But either way, she had to go. If this was the path to the truth, she would follow it, no matter how dangerous.

The ruins of the library stood desolate under the pale moonlight. The walls had crumbled into heaps of rubble, and its charred remains lay scattered across the ground. The skeletal frame of the building loomed over her, whispering ghostly echoes of the past.

Selena stepped inside, immediately assaulted by the stench of mold and soot. The remnants of burnt books and scrolls lay in heaps, blackened and crumbling at the slightest touch. A chilling wind howled through the shattered windows, making the whole place feel haunted.

She rummaged through the debris, recalling her father's words: "The smallest clue can lead to the greatest truths." Holding onto that thought, she continued her search.

Then, a faint sound—a soft crunch against the rubble.

Selena froze.

She wasn't alone.

Emerging from the shadows, three men dressed in black cloaks appeared. Their faces were concealed by masks, and the glint of weapons at their sides confirmed their intent.

Assassins.

There was no doubt. They had been waiting for her.

Instinct kicked in as a chain lashed toward her. She barely dodged in time, tumbling behind a fallen bookshelf.

"Damn it…!"

One of them lunged with expert precision. These were trained killers, likely from a hidden faction within noble society. With no other choice, Selena drew her dagger. She had trained for this—survival was all she had known for three years.

Sparks flew as steel clashed. She dodged, parried, and countered, her body moving on sheer instinct. But they were faster, stronger. A sword narrowly missed her face, slicing through strands of her hair. Her chest heaved as exhaustion threatened to take over.

And then, from the shadows—Leon appeared.

For a fleeting moment, she thought he might intervene.

But he didn't.

He simply watched, eyes glinting with intrigue.

"Run," he murmured. "Survive on your own."

Rage flared within her. Was this his test? His way of seeing if she was worth keeping alive?

But there was no time for anger.

She had to win.