Chapter 138 Hamburg

Olivia grinned, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Hamburg has a dark underbelly, full of those who operate on the fringes of society. We just need to know where to look." The next day dawned grey and cloudy, mirroring the mood within the small inn room. Olivia had spent the night scouring the taverns and back alleys of Hamburg's seedier districts, returning with a handful of names and a promise to meet with potential recruits later that evening. Jane and Lucian spent the day preparing their own weapons and armor, a nervous anticipation simmering beneath the surface. They knew the risks involved. Mercenaries were unpredictable, and their loyalty often lay with the highest bidder. But they had no other choice. They needed all the help they could get. As dusk settled, casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets, Olivia led them to a hidden gambling den tucked away in a forgotten corner of the city. The air inside was thick with smoke and the stench of stale ale. Men with hardened