Sely opens her eyes. The light filters through the branches of the trees. She feels herself swinging, suspended in the air and light.

Oh, oh, I feel like… but what happened?

I remember there was water, Filo went to wash himself and...

Oh, sure!

I fell into an ambush.

Feeling some discomfort in her nose, Sely tries to reach it with her hand. Nothing happens and she's still groggy from waking up.

Her hand doesn't reach.

She feels that something about her is holding her back. The same happens with the other hand and her legs.

Damn, I can't even move my head.

The awareness of being imprisoned dawns. But that's not enough to make her give up.

By moving her eyes and twisting as much as possible, Sely manages to get an idea of the situation: she is trapped in a spider's web, suspended between the trunks.

I won't be able to move, but they certainly won't stop me like this.

Yet, we didn't touch any wires...

Maybe Filo got distracted and lured them by taking a bath.

But why not call?

Although Sely doesn't see anyone around, that doesn't mean she's alone. She realizes it perfectly, but she has to take a risk.

“Filo.”

There is no response to her whisper. Only a few birds seem to chirp in the branches. A couple leans right on a twig visible to the girl.

You're practical, huh?

“Filo!”

The echo is lost among the plants, the result does not change.

Sely is alone.

No Thread, no spiders, no enemies. Maybe someone was lurking, but it would be foolish to worry about it.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

In the situation I'm in, present or not, I'm done for.

Mom told me to watch out for spiders. Being eaten by them and melted into a cocoon is a horrible end.

There are two problems to solve: the web and the height.

The height itself is not a problem. Sely is skilled at climbing plants and trained in stalking to hunt with Tossyllia.

The web is a completely different matter.

They must be large spiders. I can't break it.

As much as she tries, there is no way to break the bonds.

Furthermore, swinging and pulling only causes a strong feeling of nausea, forcing her to rethink the plan.

If they had cocooned me it would be easier, by stretching out my hands I would reach the knife... but like this, with my hands above my head, it is impossible.

“No!”

“Agitated?”

A sleepy voice comes from below. Sely wants to turn around but she can't.

Nonetheless, she is sure, there is no doubt about the source of that voice. Its mere presence sounds guilty, provoking a surge of anger in her.

“ENDYA!?”

“You guessed it, ha ha!”

“Damn you! In the end, it's true!”

“True what? Sorry, eh, what is this sudden hatred? You met the master, didn't you?”

Sely grits her teeth. “Don't call him that! It's all a lie!”

Silence falls.

“Lie? Lie, you said?”

“…”

“Well, it doesn't matter what you think. The master taught me many things, even though he never formally recognized me. I am his student. I'm like a son to him.”

“Liar! You're just a vile liar!”

Another silence follows. Her web swings and Sely uses all her strength trying to break it.

“What you do is in vain. Creraga's web is stronger than iron. By doing so you only risk flaying yourself.”

“Shut up!”

“But may I know what you have?”

“I told you to shut up! Murderer, murderer that you are!”

Sely let's go. She has no strength left.

I can't break them, I feel like crying.

“Look, I don't know what they told you in town… I'm not a murderer! But do you think so? What about you, the important news for the city? Eh, why did you come after me?”

Shut up! Please shut up, shut up, shut up!!!

“You do not answer? Do you have something to hide or, again, do you ‘don't feel like’ answering me?”

“…”

“Well, thanks for the eloquent response. Now it's all clear.”

“Why did you kill Dad?” Sely hums, answering reluctantly.

“Huh? You speak louder than you can hear down here.”

“WHY DID YOU KILL MY DAD.”

…

Sely can't see Endya's expression, but she's sure she's made the point. Now there's no point in hiding it, he's at her mercy anyway.

I might as well show him his cards and unmask him.

“I didn't kill anyone.” Endya's dark voice betrays the gravity of the matter.

“Of course, not you directly. Your explorer friends though are another pair of hands, right?”

“They don't kill people.”

“Stop lying. You always lie, you just know how to lie! They admitted everything, I heard their speeches with my ears and antennas!”

“You're lying.”

Sely would like to go down and slap Endya. She begins to writhe in anger again.

“Sely, you're lying!” The young man cheers up. In his voice, however, Sely recognizes the beginnings of a sob.

Cry.

Tears.

“Folfo and his family just asked me some questions, we prepared the way for the embassy. The mayor, my mother, decided that I should leave with you and...”

“Come on, finish your lie.”

“…Oh God I understand! Sely, this is a trap!”

“Are you kidding me!? Look, it's not funny, you're great...”

“Sely, I'm not kidding you.”

“Then come and free me, so I can see your face.”

“I would but…”

“But?”

“…I was imprisoned shortly after reaching the Spider King.”