Another Villainess

Chapter Twenty

Leisl is notorious for two things. One, Its immense amount of intel, being the holder to a large information guild, and two, its red light district.

The empty street is covered with cracks in the road and garbage. No one comes here unless they want information or sex. The latter is the more likely reason. Leisl town comes alive during the night.

I approach Green Gate, Eden's steps get heavier the closer we are.

"Leondra-" He catches my hand before I enter. "It isn't safe here. Please-"

I stare at him. He doesn't want to go in, but he won't tell me to turn back. Both of us know it'd be useless.

"Please– just be careful. It will be night soon."

I smile reassuringly and shake his hand off.

"It's alright, Eden." I pull my hood down over my face and wait for him to do the same before we enter.

Inside there is only one man. He's an older man sitting behind the bar, reading a newspaper. The lobby is otherwise eerily quiet.

"Come back later. We're not yet open for business." He doesn't look up.

"Yes, I apologize for stopping by so suddenly, but do you serve Darkwood here?"

He glances up at me, and then at Eden. "A little early to be drinking, isn't it?"

"I'm eager to try it."

The man gets up. "As are most." He smiles, his teeth rotten and his lips dried over with blood. "Please, miss, follow me."

He leads us out of the common area and through a short hall consisting of three doors and a staircase.

Hicc. Sob.

One of the doors is cracked slightly. A girl with red hair is covering her mouth with ripped cloth, the same fabric color as her skin-tight dress. Her puffy eyes lock with mine before the man with rotten teeth shuts the door. I wonder if Eden saw.

"The girls aren't ready yet." He smiles again and stops at the bottom of the staircase. "Before we go any further, I'm afraid you'll have to leave all weapons behind." He eyes the hilt of the beautiful, blue sword I'd gifted Eden.

Eden keeps his hand firmly on the hilt.

"Either the sword stays, or he stays."

"Leave it, it'll be alright." I look at the man. "I trust it'll be kept safe?"

"Of course, miss." He takes the sword and brings it into one of the other two doors, a small closet, filled with weapons.

He takes us up the stairs dark stairs, the light-brown, wooden walls of the common area and hallways being replaced with peeling maroon wallpaper with a diamond pattern. A bristling feeling creeps along my skin.