deal with the devil

Chapter 1: A Meeting of Fates The private club was filled with the smell of expensive cigars and quiet conversations. Tarfiya Ali, sitting in the corner, felt out of place but didn’t care. She had learned to blend in with people who were all about power and money. As the owner of two successful companies, she had earned respect in the business world—and fear. But it was her control over underground markets that made her untouchable. Her fingers gently stirred her drink, the ice clinking in the glass as she prepared for the meeting. Everything depended on this deal, but there was one person who stood in her way: Zain Shah. Zain was the kind of man who made others nervous. His empire stretched far and wide, built from the shadows of the underground world. He was known as Mortal—a name that made everyone hesitate. Tall, fit, with moon grace dark Zain was every bit as dangerous as the rumors said. But what bothered Tarfiya most was his smile. It wasn’t kind. It was knowing. Like he could see straight through her. “Didn’t expect to see you here, Tarfiya,” he said, his voice smooth. Tarfiya didn’t look surprised. She had known this moment would come. “I’m here for business, not small talk.” Zain raised an eyebrow. “Business is never just business with you.” She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she studied him—trying to figure out what game he was playing. There was no room for doubt in their world. With Zain, it was all or nothing. “I have a deal,” she said, her voice firm. “It could work for both of us.” Zain smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m listening.”