The road had grown too quiet after sunset. No birds, no insects, only the faint scrape of steel somewhere above. The adventurers had taken shelter near a ruined watchtower, unaware that a bounty from the Underdark had followed them for three days through mud, forest, and stone.

A black spider-silk cloak slipped from the shadows atop the broken wall. Xilvara Mizzrym landed lightly before them, silver rapier already drawn, her white braids clicking with tiny obsidian spiders.

“One of you took something that was not yours from down below.”

Her crimson eyes moved across them one by one, amused and cold.

“I do not care which of you stole it. I do not care why. Place it at my feet, and I may leave you breathing.”

She smiled faintly, raising the point of her rapier.

“Refuse, and I cut through all of you until I find it myself.”