Chapter 254: More than a pawn

As the night settled over the Undercity, Zafron made his way back to the Rusty Nail. The events of the day played through his mind like a fever dream - the brutal match, the unexpected victory, and the surprisingly pleasant time spent with Sakura afterward. Her moans echoed in his memory.[Well, well, my lord. It seems you've had quite the eventful day,] Calista's voice chimed in his head. [Though I must say, I'm more interested in what our dear Matilda has been up to in your absence.]

Zafron frowned at the thought. The idea of Matilda alone with the Governor and the twins still made his stomach churn.

As he approached the Rusty Nail, the sound of jubilant voices drifted through the worn wooden door. He paused, hand on the handle, surprised by the unusual merriment.

[My, my. It seems the celebration has started without us,] Calista remarked dryly.

Taking a deep breath, Zafron pushed open the door. The noise inside swelled to a crescendo as he entered, the twins' faces lighting up with uncharacteristic joy.

"There he is!" Shadow exclaimed, her eyes glittering with excitement. "The champion returns!"

Whisper appeared at his side, ushering him towards a table. "Come, sit! Your meal awaits, and we have much to discuss."

Zafron allowed himself to be guided, his eyes scanning the room for Matilda. "Where's-"

"Now, now," Shadow interrupted, her voice dripping with false concern. "Let's not worry about that just yet. Today is a day of celebration! You won your match without too much... permanent damage." Her smile was sharp as she glanced pointedly at his bruises.

[Oh joy, more backhanded compliments. How I've missed them,] Calista muttered sarcastically.

Zafron's eyes narrowed. "Where's Matilda? You didn't leave her at the Governor's house, did you?" The thought made his blood run cold.

Before the twins could respond, the kitchen door swung open.

Matilda emerged, carrying a large bowl of steaming vegetables. The aroma hit Zafron's nostrils, making his mouth water despite his concerns.

"Champion!" Matilda called out, her smile warm and genuine. "I've managed to tame that stubborn vegetable, I believe you will like so much. A fitting feast for your victory."

The twins exchanged amused glances. "Our little Matilda is full of surprises today," Whisper purred.

Zafron's eyes were fixed on the dish as Matilda set it before him. The vegetables were perfectly cooked, their colors vibrant against the earthenware bowl.

Steam rose in lazy spirals, carrying the scent of exotic spices he couldn't name. It looked like something from the upper levels, not the usual fare he has been seeing in the Undercity.

Before Zafron could take a bite, his worry got the better of him. "How did things go at the Governor's house? What happened?"

The twins shared a conspiratorial look. "Oh, you should have seen her," Shadow gushed, her tone a mixture of pride and surprise. "She played her part beautifully."

"Indeed," Whisper added. "She even asked for a private moment with the Governor. Our little Matilda is learning the ways of the Undercity faster than we expected."

Zafron's fork paused halfway to his mouth, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Matilda. The words 'private moment' echoed in his mind, stoking a fire of jealousy and concern.

Matilda met his gaze steadily, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's not what you think," she said softly, her eyes conveying a message he couldn't quite decipher.

[Oh, the plot thickens,] Calista mused. [Our Matilda seems to be playing a game of her own.]

Before Zafron could press further, Shadow leaned in, her eyes glinting mischievously. "So, tell us, how was your little outing with Sakura?"

Zafron shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant despite the turmoil in his mind. "It was fine. Just a drink to celebrate the win."

The twins launched into an animated recounting of the match's aftermath, their voices overlapping in their excitement.

"You should have seen the faces in the crowd when you took down Draco and the Butcher," Whisper said, her eyes wide.

Shadow nodded vigorously. "The entire Undercity is buzzing with the news. You've made quite a name for yourself, Zafron."

"Some are saying they even saw Raxus at the match," Whisper added in a conspiratorial whisper.

As the twins continued their enthusiastic chatter, Zafron ate mechanically, his mind elsewhere.

The food was delicious, but worry soured each bite. What had really happened at the Governor's house? What game was Matilda playing?

[You know, for someone who just won a death match, you're remarkably gloomy,] Calista observed. [Though I suppose juggling the attentions of two women and the machinations of the twins would put a damper on anyone's victory celebration.]

As Zafron finished his meal, he excused himself, retreating to the relative sanctuary of his room. The stress of the day settled over him like a heavy blanket, his muscles aching from the fight and his mind reeling from the day's events.

He had just sunk onto his bed when a soft knock came at the door. Matilda slipped in, her face set in determination.

"We need to talk," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She glanced over her shoulder, ensuring the twins were out of earshot. "About what really happened at the Governor's house."

Zafron sat up straighter, his fatigue forgotten. "I'm listening."

Matilda's eyes gleamed with a mix of triumph and mischief. "We're close, Zafron. So close to getting that cart. All that's left is to get the crystal activator from Raxus, then meet with Hector to see what he's found."

Zafron's curiosity was piqued as he asked, "What do you mean? What did you do?"

Matilda sank into the bed beside him and began to explain the conversation she had with the Governor.

Relief washed over Zafron, but it was quickly tempered by caution. "Matilda, men like the Governor... they rarely do things for free. He'll want something in return."

To his surprise, Matilda seemed unconcerned. "Let him want. We'll be long gone before he realizes I have no intention of giving him anything. I wouldn't give that man the time of day, not even after death."

[Well, well. Our little Matilda has claws after all,] Calista remarked, a note of approval in her voice.

Zafron couldn't help but smile at her determination. "We'll need to move fast. I'll meet with Hector tomorrow, tell him about this development. We should start making plans to leave as soon as possible."

Matilda nodded, her expression serious. "The sooner, the better. I don't know how long I can keep up this charade with the Governor and the twins."

As they discussed their plans in hushed tones, a shadow passed by the crack under the door. Neither of them noticed the soft sound of retreating footsteps.

Outside, in the dark streets of the Undercity, a figure melted into the shadows.

Whisper's eyes glinted in the dim light, her mind racing with the fragments of conversation she'd overheard. A slow, calculating smile spread across her face as she disappeared into the night.

Back in Zafron's room, the conspirators continued their planning, unaware that their secret was no longer entirely their own.

As the night deepened, the game of cat and mouse in the Undercity grew ever more complex, with each player believing they held the winning hand.

[You know,] Calista mused as Zafron and Matilda finalized their plans, [I can't help but feel we're dancing on the edge of a blade. One wrong step, and we'll have more than just the twins to worry about.] Searᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

As Matilda left the room, Zafron lay back on his bed, his mind whirling with possibilities and dangers.