Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 174: Garrik’s Test

**Tiana's POV**

I stayed awake all night, staring at the note on the table. The words "I know who you are" seemed to leap off the page, as dark and ominous as dried blood. It wasn't just a threat, it was a test. Someone was trying to see how I would react.

I needed to find out who sent it. By the time the sun started to rise, I had a plan. I would go about my day as usual, but I would be watching and waiting.

As the city woke up, I blended in with the crowds. I went back to work at the tavern, scrubbing floors and listening to the conversations around me. The owner, a sharp-tongued woman, didn't ask me any questions as long as I did my job.

I kept my head down and my ears open. Guards walked by the windows, talking about the murder in the alley. They were looking for someone and I knew it was me. I tried to stay calm, but my heart was racing.

I wasn't the only one watching, though. I caught sight of a man in the marketplace, lingering just a little too long. He never looked directly at me, but I could feel his eyes on me, like a knife at my back.

I saw him again later, this time near the city gate. He was talking to one of the guards, but he glanced my way, just for a moment. I knew then that he was following me, watching me. But why?

Was this the same person who had followed me before, or someone new? I needed answers. When the sun started to set and the tavern got busy, I snuck out. The alley where I found the note was quiet now, but I could tell someone had been there recently.

As I turned a corner, I heard footsteps behind me. I spun around, my hand reaching for the knife hidden under my cloak. A figure leaned against the wall, arms crossed. It was the man who had been following me.

"You're brave to come back," he said, his voice deep and smooth. But there was something in his tone that I couldn't quite read.

I didn't move. "If you wanted me dead, you would have done it by now," I said.

The man chuckled. "You're smart, but not smart enough." He reached into his coat, and my fingers tightened around my knife. But instead of a weapon, he pulled out a folded piece of paper. Another note.

"You're testing me," I said.

He tilted his head. "Garrik was right about you." My heart skipped a beat. Garrik was a name I knew, and it wasn't a good one.

"You work for Garrik?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

The man smirked. "Among other things."

I snatched the note from his hand, opening it with a flick of my fingers.

You didn’t run.

Come back in two days.

Your papers will be ready.

I exhaled slowly.

“So this was all a game?” I muttered. “To make sure I wasn’t a spy?”

The man shrugged. “Garrik doesn’t take chances.”

I gritted my teeth. I should have known better. A man like Garrik, who made a living helping criminals and fugitives, wouldn't trust anyone easily. But it meant I had passed his test.

The man stepped closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "You got what you wanted, stranger. But let me give you some advice: stay out of trouble." Then he disappeared into the shadows before I could ask him anything else.

I clenched the note in my fist. Two more days, and I would have my way into the palace.

The next day dragged on. I did my job, ignored the whispers about the murder, and avoided any more trouble. When night fell, I went to Garrik's hideout.

I knocked on the door, but no one answered. I knocked again, louder this time. Still nothing. My stomach started to twist with anxiety.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, and it smelled of ink and old paper. Garrik sat behind his desk, carving a wooden stick. 

"Two days," I said, trying to keep my cool. "I held up my end of the deal."

Garrik looked at me, then at the stick in his hands. "You're late," he said.

I narrowed my eyes. "I was told to come today."

He chuckled slowly. "And yet, I wondered if you'd even make it."

I clenched my fists. "Do you have the papers or not?" I asked, trying to keep my patience.

Garrik looked up at me, a small smile playing on his lips. "Oh, I have them," he said. "But I'm not sure I'm ready to give them to you just yet."

My heart sank. What was he playing at?

Rolling my eyes, I pulled out the dagger and slid it over for him. 

Garrik finally set the stick down and took the dagger, his eyes glinting as he examined it. Finally, he put it down and slid a small bundle of papers across the table.

I didn’t touch it.

“The coins?” I asked.

He smirked. “You’re a stubborn one. I am not meant to give it to you because I did several methods for identification. Birth certificate, residency, national identification..."

I didn’t move. "I didn't ask for that. I just needed an ID. Moreover, that dagger is worth a lot more."

With a sigh, he reached into a drawer and pulled out the small pouch of coins I had given him before.

I picked it up. 

He didn’t look pleased.

“Smart move,” he muttered. “But don’t think for a second that means I trust you.”

I smirked. “Good. That makes two of us.”

I turned to leave, but Garrik’s voice stopped me.

“Tell no one.”

I glanced back.

“I don’t know who you are,” he said, “and I don’t want to know. But if the wrong people find out about this… we both go down.”

I tilted my head. “Don’t be stupid. Why would I out you when I’m the one who’s illegal here? I thought we had gotten past this?”