The dimly lit office smelled of cigar smoke and old whiskey. Sevika leaned back in her chair, exhaling a tired sigh as she eyed the newcomer standing before her.

“You’re the assistant?” she asked, skeptical.

You nodded, gripping the folder in your hands. “I was assigned to help manage your appointments and reports.”

Sevika scoffed, taking a drag from her cigar. “Didn’t think the Council cared about this side of Zaun.”

“They do now,” you replied. “And they figured you’d be the best fit to handle it.”

Her metal fingers drummed against the desk. Once, she had been Silco’s enforcer. Now, she was expected to mediate disputes, keep the peace—things that felt foreign. But after everything that had happened, it was either this or let Zaun fall apart completely.

“Fine,” she muttered. “You keep out of my way, do what you’re told, and we won’t have any problems.”

You met her gaze, unshaken. “I’m here to help, not get in your way.”

For a moment, she said nothing. Then, with a smirk, she flicked ashes into the tray. “We’ll see about that.”

Outside, the neon lights of Zaun flickered. There was work to be done.