"What happened?" Lilith asked, as she entered. The demon lord looked mildly concerned.

"I have caught a spy, she claims to be part of the Dominion but I had no way to confirm that. I was afraid one of the other demon lords could be responsible so I sounded the alarm." I explained.

Lilith nodded. "A good decision. One should not take spies lightly, although they are always expected."

Lilith studied the captive, who looked really concerned now. "Hm. Shadow elf?"

"Yes." Thessia confirmed.

"Rather capable spies. Not as great as succubi but not bad for mortals. I assume you don't want to break her?" Lilith asked.

"I don't want her permanently harmed. If you could confirm her identity without doing any damage, that would be preferred. I just have no idea how I could confirm it. Other than holding her and asking the High Queen directly." I replied.

Lilith snorted. "You think she would tell you the truth? All major powers spy on each other. Nobles spy on each other. Once an agent gets caught you feign ignorance, pretend to be outraged, and give them a small gift. Or trade spies, if both sides caught one."

"Really?" My eyes narrowed. "Are you spying on me?"

Lilith looked at me. "Obviously I tried, at first. However, I have realized that I can just ask you things and you tend to answer. The risk reward ratio just wasn't worth it."

"You… just admit that?" I asked.

"Of course. I was stabbed in the back and at your mercy. So you slew a demon lord and fed me his soul. I am rather paranoid. I don't trust easily. But at some point even I had to admit that you are a friend. And if you get mad I can just feed you some snacks." She teased.

I was uncertain what to do with this revelation. Should I be mad? I had not trusted Lilith at first. We had a mutually beneficial relationship because we both wanted Beira gone. That she had been trying to spy on me and my people was not unexpected. But her honesty was. I guess we truly had become friends.

"As enlightening as this is, is this the right place for such a conversation?" Thessia asked.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Nothing I said is confidential." Lilith replied with a shrug.

Actually, did she want the spy to hear that? Probably. Although I was not sure if Liandra would believe anything she heard here.

"So, if you give me some time with this little spy I will have her singing. Don't worry, I won't do anything you would disapprove of." Lilith suggested.

I studied the demon lord. Did she know me well enough to know what I would approve of? Possibly. I guess we had spent quite some time travelling and fighting together. And ultimately I had come to trust her. I made my decision.

The chains disappeared and the elf slumped to the floor. "She is all yours, friend." I said.

Lilith gave me a genuine smile, then she grabbed the shadow elf. "I will try to be quick."

I felt her aura shift, as she stared into the captives eyes. I heard her murmur something, a spell? Curious, most magic did not need words.

I could feel magic, powerful magic, reaching out to Liandra. Her face changed, her eyes glazed over.

"Who are you?" Lilith asked.

"Liandra, First Shadow of the High Queen."

"Why are you here?"

"To ensure her majesty's safety, to find out more about Amya."

"Do you consider her a threat?"

"She is an unknown, her connection to hell is concerning."

Lilith smirked at that response.

"Are there more hidden agents?"

"Yes, Jonah the baker is an agent."

"Are there more hiding inside the palace?"

"No."

"What will you do if you are freed? Will you uphold a deal with Amaya?"

"If my Queen does not command me otherwise, or I deem it necessary to break my word for the Dominion, yes."

"Will you try to run away if I release you?"

"No."

"Amaya, do you have more questions?" Lilith asked me.

I pondered that. I guess I had heard enough. "That was all, thank you."

Lilith ended her spell. It had been an impressive display of mind magic. She had made it seem trivial to interrogate the captive. I suppose she had recently ascended to the third aura stage and was a master of mind magic.

Liandra was slumped on the floor, still looking slightly delirious. Thessia knelt next to her, examining the elf.

"She should be fine with some rest." She declared.

Now that I had determined that there was no immediate threat, I reigned in my aura again. Lilith did the same. I mentally informed Lucy that there was no threat as well.

Lily appeared and took the elf away to recover. Elisee and Thessia joined them. That left me alone with Lilith.

"Thank you for your help." I told her.

"Anytime. What are your plans now, concerning the Dominion?" She asked.

I shrugged. "I am not sure. I want them as allies, I am kind of part of them. I want to build a prosperous town here. I guess I will have to talk to the High Queen and see what she has to say."

I sighed. "Life was easier when I was just travelling, without so many people depending on me. I have never liked politics."

"Storm fey are known to be a bit… flighty." Lilith replied. "But you have some competent people working for you. Ruling is a lot about having good advisors and listening to them. I can also offer you access to my spy network. The portal connects our homes and the grove will soon grow on both sides. I think we could deepen our alliance and work even closer together."

It was a good offer and a reminder that I was not alone in this endeavour. I had friends, I had Lucy and I had trustworthy people. Maybe it was time to actually put some more effort into this, properly use my resources and ensure a prosperous future for my town.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.