Chapter 181: Ashes Don’t ForgetThe air in The Broken Compass turned thick with tension as Lilith lifted her goblet once more, her calm demeanor a fragile mask. The flickering lantern above her cast shadows along her jawline, emphasizing the cold steel in her gaze.That’s when a sleazy-looking man swaggered up to her table. Gold rings on every finger, a filthy toothpick dancing between his lips, and the unmistakable stench of rum and arrogance clinging to him.He slapped a few crumpled bills onto the table and grinned. “You look expensive, sweetheart. But I’m feeling generous tonight.”Lilith didn’t even flinch. “Pick those up before I shove them down your throat.”The man laughed like she’d told a joke. “Oh, come on, don’t play hard to get. I heard about you. Night Order, right? Bet you’ve done worse for less.”Her hand twitched near the dagger strapped to her thigh, hidden beneath her coat. “Last warning.”He leaned closer, his breath hot and disgusting. “You’ll change your mind aft

Chapter 181: Ashes Don’t ForgetThe air in The Broken Compass turned thick with tension as Lilith lifted her goblet once more, her calm demeanor a fragile mask. The flickering lantern above her cast shadows along her jawline, emphasizing the cold steel in her gaze.That’s when a sleazy-looking man swaggered up to her table. Gold rings on every finger, a filthy toothpick dancing between his lips, and the unmistakable stench of rum and arrogance clinging to him.He slapped a few crumpled bills onto the table and grinned. “You look expensive, sweetheart. But I’m feeling generous tonight.”Lilith didn’t even flinch. “Pick those up before I shove them down your throat.”The man laughed like she’d told a joke. “Oh, come on, don’t play hard to get. I heard about you. Night Order, right? Bet you’ve done worse for less.”Her hand twitched near the dagger strapped to her thigh, hidden beneath her coat. “Last warning.”He leaned closer, his breath hot and disgusting. “You’ll change your mind aft

185Outside the Tavern — Moments LaterThe night air hit like a wave—cool, quiet, and heavy with everything that just happened. The door creaked shut behind them, muffling the tavern’s buzz, but it didn’t stop the whispers from bleeding through the cracks. Dylan and Lilith stood under the flickering lantern light, its soft hum the only sound for a heartbeat.Lilith adjusted the collar of her coat, eyes gleaming. “You do realize half the underworld just peed their pants in there, right?”Dylan didn’t answer. She tilted her head, watching him with mild amusement. “So, what now? You just embarrassed the most feared crime boss in the city. He might’ve backed down tonight, but Goliath’s pride? That doesn’t bleed—it explodes.” Just then, a whistle sliced through the silence.Dylan’s head turned slightly, just enough to catch the glint of movement from the rooftop across the street. He didn’t blink. Didn’t flinch.Lilith’s smile faded. “Snipers.”The hiss of a bolt echoed—thunk!—as it embe

187Dylan didn’t answer—not right away.He tore around the corner with Lilith on his heels, boots slapping against the wet stone, the scent of ozone still trailing after them like a storm cloud. His jaw was clenched tight, eyes hard with something between fear and fury.“Dylan!” Lilith shouted again, grabbing his shoulder and yanking him to a stop behind a rusted iron gate. Rainwater dripped from her coat. “Talk to me. Who the hell was that?!”He exhaled slowly, chest rising and falling. His eyes darted past her, scanning the alley. “His name’s Veyr.”Lilith’s brow furrowed. “Veyr? That supposed to ring a bell?”“It should.” He wiped blood from a shallow cut across his cheek with the back of his wrist. “He’s not just anyone. He’s a Reaver.”Her eyes widened slightly. “Wait. Reavers? As in those Reavers? You mean those ghost-story assassins we used to joke about during rook rotations?”He nodded grimly. “They were never just stories. I saw one of them tear through an entire outpost onc

189The rain hadn’t let up as they made their way through the back alleys, the city’s dim glow flickering against the wet pavement. Dylan kept his senses sharp, eyes scanning every corner, every shadow. They couldn’t afford to relax—not yet. The ambush had been too close, and the mention of the Black Mantle made things even more complicated.Lilith stayed close, her footsteps light despite the wet ground. She was quiet, her usual sarcasm absent for the moment. They didn’t stop until they reached a rusted metal door, tucked away behind a decaying warehouse. Dylan knocked twice, the sound sharp against the silence, and the door creaked open.“Mr. Nelson’s place,” he muttered, pulling Lilith inside.The inside of the building was dim, lit only by the faint hum of old fluorescents. It smelled like oil and dust. Dylan wasted no time, heading straight for a back room. Lilith followed, her curiosity piqued despite herself.Once inside, Dylan locked the door and leaned against the cracked wal