Authors Note: Hello readers, sorry I haven't been updating I've been preoccupied....but I'm back now ready to upload ᕙ( •̀ ᗜ •́ )ᕗ. I'll try to upload at least two chapters a week the time and day of upload will be random whenever I finish the chapters is when I will publish.
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Me and Kai moved swiftly through the crowded streets, their minds racing with the weight of the next task. The bustling sounds of the market began to fade as they made their way toward the docks, where the smell of salt and tar mingled with the distant cries of seagulls.
The Blackwater Crew—the shadowy organization known for smuggling weapons, contraband, and people—held power over this part of the city. I had heard whispers of their operations back when I was a slave, and now, they were their only hope to secure the weapons and resources needed to fight against the nobles.
Kai kept his hand on the hilt of his sword, eyes scanning the streets as they approached the docks. “Are you sure they’ll listen to us?” he asked quietly, his voice laced with concern.
“They’ll listen,” I replied, her tone resolute. “They’ve suffered under the nobles’ rule too. If we offer them something they can’t refuse, they’ll join us.”
The docks were as lively as ever—fishermen unloading their morning catches, sailors loading crates onto ships, and dockworkers hauling goods. But beneath the surface, Luna knew there was an undercurrent of illegal activity. Hidden warehouses, secret exchanges, and deals made in dark corners. This was where the Blackwater Crew thrived.
Ahead, a group of men loitered near one of the larger warehouses, their eyes sharp and predatory. They wore ordinary clothes that a regular fisherman would wear, but I could see the faint outline of weapons strapped to their belts. I nodded to Kai, and together they approached with caution.
One of the men, tall and broad-shouldered, stepped forward, blocking their path. "Sorry kids this point forward is off limits to customers at the dock, if you have no business then it's best to leave." He said trying to put on a fake smile.
"Cut the BS we’re here to see Balthar where we can find him."
At that moment the whole dock seemed to stand still it seemed as though we were the center of attention.
The man’s smile faltered, replaced by a cold glare. His eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Luna and Kai, his posture tensing. “Balthar, huh?” He glanced around, exchanging quick looks with his companions. "You should scram kid you don't want trouble here."
I held my ground, feeling the weight of every gaze on them. The docks had grown quieter, the usual chatter and clatter of workers replaced by a thick tension in the air. I could sense the unease around me, but I refused to back down.
“Tell him Luna’s here. He’ll want to know why.”
The man tilted his head slightly, measuring her for a moment longer. Then, with a low grunt, he turned to one of his companions and jerked his chin toward the warehouse. “Go tell the boss he’s got company.” The man hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicking to Luna, before nodding and heading inside.
Minutes dragged on, feeling like hours, before the door to the warehouse finally creaked open. The man who had gone inside reappeared, followed by a towering figure with a shaved head and a face that bore the marks of countless battles. Balthar. His scarred features were etched with suspicion, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes as he approached.
“Well, well,” Balthar rumbled, his voice as rough as the sea. “Luna, is it? Your pretty famous what brings a celebrity to this part of the city?” He crossed his arms, looming over them, his presence demanding respect.
“We need weapons,” Luna said bluntly. There was no point in dancing around the issue. “And we’re willing to make a deal.”
Kai turns toward me slowly, "Luna you remember the last time you tried to make a deal it didn't go so well, at least for me it didn't.....
Ignoring the comment I took a breath, steeling herself. “Control over the docks.”
That got his attention. Balthar’s eyes gleamed with interest, though his expression remained guarded. “Control over the docks, you say? Bold offer. But I already have control over these docks. Why would I need to make a deal with you?”
“Not for long,” I countered. “The nobles are tightening their grip even though the patriarch died power over the city was transferred to the nobles. They’re cracking down on trade, raising tariffs, making it harder for operations like yours to stay under the radar. If you don’t take action now, they’ll squeeze you out completely.”
Balthar’s jaw tightened slightly, a flicker of anger crossing his face. “And you think you and your little rebellion can change that?”
Kai stepped forward then, his voice firm. “We’ve already secured support from the Green Serpents. We’re gathering forces to push back against the nobles. You help us now, and when we win, you’ll have more than just control of the docks. You’ll have a say in how the city is run.”
The smuggler leader studied them both, his sharp gaze assessing their conviction. For a long moment, he said nothing, the weight of his decision hanging in the air. Finally, he let out a low chuckle. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that.”
Luna stood her ground, not letting his amusement shake her resolve. “We don’t have time to waste, Balthar. The nobles are preparing to make a move, and when they do, they’ll wipe out anyone who opposes them. We need weapons, and you need allies.”
Balthar’s smile faded, his expression growing serious. He glanced at his men, then back at Luna and Kai. “Alright,” he said slowly. “I’ll supply your weapons. But don’t think for a second that I’m doing this out of charity. If you don’t deliver on your promise—if your little rebellion falls apart—you won’t just lose the fight. You’ll lose your lives.”
I nodded, understanding the weight of the agreement. “We won’t fail.”
Balthar smirked, clearly still skeptical, but intrigued enough to take the gamble. “Good. My men will get you what you need. But if I see even a hint of betrayal, I’ll personally see to it that you’re buried at the bottom of the harbor.”
Kai gave a curt nod. “We understand.”
With that, Balthar motioned to one of his lieutenants, who disappeared into the warehouse. “You’ll get your first shipment tonight,” Balthar said, his tone final. “But don’t expect me to play nice if things go sideways.”
I exhaled, a mix of relief and tension still lingering in her chest. “Thank you,” I said quietly.
Balthar grunted, waving them off. “Thank me by staying alive long enough to make this rebellion worth my time.”
As they turned to leave, I glanced at Kai, who gave her a small, encouraging nod. They had what they came for, but this was only the beginning. The rebellion was growing, but so were the dangers that came with it.
As they stepped back into the busy streets, the weight of the impending war settled heavily on their shoulders. The weapons were coming, and soon the real battle would begin. The nobles were ruthless, and The Spider’s web was closing in. Every ally they gained came with its own risks, and Luna knew that one wrong move could send everything crashing down.
But I couldn’t afford to think about that now. They had a rebellion to lead, and the city’s future was on the line.
“What’s next?” Kai asked, his eyes scanning the crowd, ever vigilant.
“We need to get the citizen to our side,” I replied, her voice steady. And I think I have the perfect Idea.
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-To be continued
ns 15.158.61.20da2
