I became Villain's Best Friend

After securing the tool in a small cloth, Seraphina, Rose, and Jonny made their way toward the bustling streets beyond the slums. The stark contrast between their world and the city's thriving marketplace was always jarring. Here, people walked with purpose, dressed in clean clothes, their stomachs full, their eyes bright. Seraphina felt a familiar pang of anger and resentment settle in her chest.

As Rose confidently led the way through the craftsmen's district, Seraphina tightened her grip on Jonny's small hand. His eyes darted everywhere, filled with wonder, but she could feel how tightly he clung to her. The world outside their alley was overwhelming, and she couldn't blame him for his unease. Yet, amidst his curiosity, Seraphina noticed how his gaze lingered on a bookshop. The longing in his eyes was unmistakable, but just as quickly as it appeared, he masked it, turning his focus elsewhere. Her heart clenched at the sight. He was suppressing his desires—denying himself things he loved, simply because he knew he couldn't have them. He wasn't the only one. Every child in the slums did the same.

"Most artisans, blacksmiths, and even magic tool makers have their businesses around here," Rose explained, her voice carrying an edge of pride. "If we're going to sell that thing, this is the place."

Seraphina nodded, determination pushing her forward. "Then let's find a buyer."

They approached the first shop, but before Seraphina could even speak, the guard at the door sneered down at them. "Get lost."

Her chest tightened, but she kept her voice even. "We have something to sell—"

The guard's boot struck without warning, knocking her backward. The air left her lungs in a painful gasp as she hit the ground, clutching her stomach. The agony blurred her vision, and for a moment, all she could do was struggle for breath.

Rose's furious voice rang in her ears. "You bastard—"

"Rose," Seraphina rasped, forcing herself to sit up. She grabbed Rose's wrist before she could retaliate. "Stop."

She knew better than anyone—when you had no power, you couldn't fight back. Not yet. Her body trembled as she pulled herself up, willing her legs to steady beneath her.

Jonny knelt beside her, his small hands gripping her sleeve, his eyes filled with helpless tears. She hated that look more than the pain lancing through her ribs. She forced a weak smile. "It's alright. I'm alright."

But it wasn't alright.

One rejection turned into two, then three, then five. Every door was slammed in their faces, every sneer another knife in her gut. The sun was beginning to set, and with every failure, the weight pressing on Seraphina's shoulders grew heavier.

Why? Why wouldn't anyone give them a chance?

Her stomach twisted with hunger, her hands clenched so tightly around the cloth-wrapped tool that her nails dug into her palm. She looked at the silver coins in the hands of a passing noble and felt something inside her waver. Her feet moved before she could think, driven by desperation. It would be so easy—just one quick motion—

Then, a voice echoed in her mind. 'For me… do it for me.'

Lucian's words pulled her back, anchoring her to the promise she had made. Her breath came in shallow gasps as she shook her head violently, forcing herself to step away.

She wasn't going to lose herself. Not to this.

They sank onto the footpath, exhausted, hopeless. Seraphina dug her fingers into her knees, trying to stop the trembling. She was at her limit. She had believed—truly believed—they could change things. But the world didn't care about belief.

Then, a conversation reached her ears. Two men, talking as they passed by.

"Let's go to the merchant guild. I heard they even let beggars show what they've got," one man said with a scoff.

His companion, a gruff-looking man with a weary expression, chuckled. "Yeah, but I heard even beggars with a good idea can make it big if they impress the right people."

The first man snorted. "You actually believe that? The merchant guild isn't some charity. They just want to squeeze every last coin from desperate folk."

"Still better than these noble-run shops," the gruff man muttered. "At least they'll listen."

Seraphina's head snapped up. Rose and Jonny looked at her, eyes wide with renewed hope. Slowly, a smile spread across her face, fierce and unyielding.

"I'll lead the way!" Rose declared.

Seraphina exhaled, a mix of relief and determination filling her chest.

They weren't done yet.