Samia had been in Novilla for a few days, finding places to sleep and eat. She'd stayed well hidden, and eventually managed to track down Reynaldo and Lexo. They were going to pay for what they did to her.
It was a big city, a good place to hide in, but it was also much nicer than Vernia, which meant Samia stuck out like a sore thumb against the white walls. It was hard to blend in with the people wearing fancy clothes.
She spotted Reynaldo one morning, and kept hidden from him, following him to a building on the outskirts of town. He headed up a dim archway beside the bridge.
As he rounded a corner, she lost him. Then she felt cold sharp steel on her throat, just like the first time.
“You've been following me,” he said coldly, whispering in her ear. "Who are you?
“Someone who seeks ****, for what you did to me in Vernia.”
“Samia? No way.” He stepped back, retracting the blade until it was hidden up his sleeve. Did he always have that up there?
Reynaldo's eyes widened, and he searched her face for any sign of truth in her words. But there was only determination, the same fire he had seen in her eyes back in Vernia.
"You took everything from me, but now I'm taking it back," she whispered, her voice barely audible. “Starting with Barrington’s jewels.”
Reynaldo's expression softened, the anger replaced by curiosity and concern. “I am sorry for what happened, but it wasn’t my idea. We were discovered, we had to flee quickly. You slept for too long, and it was too dangerous to send anyone back for you.”
Samia's heart ached at the thought of living in peace, but she knew the path had led her to face Reynaldo. Was he telling the truth? Or was leaving her to take the fall the plan all along? It was hard to believe otherwise.
With that, she twisted away from his hand, revealing the knife hidden in her sleeve.
Reynaldo let out a loud chuckle, his eyes widening in surprise. "You're truly a remarkable woman, Samia. I didn't expect to see you again, let alone prepare for this."
He slowly raised his hands, gesturing for her to stand down. "You've learned well, my dear. You've grown into a true Shadow Blade yourself."
Samia hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. "Are you willing to let bygones be bygones? Or will I have to fight for what I want?"
Reynaldo considered her words, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "I won't deny that you've earned your place among us. But you must understand, Lexo will never give that jewel up."
Samia nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. "I understand, but I have my own plans now. I won't take no for an answer, and I'll do whatever it takes to get what I want." Samia replied, her determination unwavering.
Reynaldo sighed, knowing that he couldn't stop her. "Very well, but be careful. Lexo is unpredictable and cunning. He won't make it easy for you."
Samia took a deep breath and nodded. With that, she slipped away from the corner, her heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and excitement. This was her chance to take back what was rightfully hers, no matter the cost.
