Olivia took a long breath, trying to steady the hand that still gripped her trembling sword. The tip of the blade slipped slightly, but she immediately tightened her hold.
"No. I won't work for you."
Silence fell instantly. The sound of water dripping from the damp alley ceiling was clear, like the ticking of a clock counting down the moments of her life.
Avvion did not look surprised at all; he only bowed his head slightly, as if he had expected that refusal from the very beginning.
"I knew you would say that," Avvion said, his voice flat yet calm.
Olivia furrowed her brow, her heart overwhelmed by surging suspicion.
Who is this man? Why is he so certain of my reaction?
Avvion continued. His voice was low but clear, every word falling like a stone onto the cold alley floor.
"But in this territory… someone who isn't on the registry isn't just 'nameless'."
