Lily's POV:
A very simple story.
Even in any random company, there was always a hierarchy among managers and supervisors, and some politics might come into play, but the most serious consequence might be someone unlucky getting kicked out of the company.
It was entirely different in a cult organization. If you want to force someone out, it has to end with death to ensure no repercussions.
The owner of the Lily of the Valley was a madman, and the god of the Lily of the Valley didn't care at all about the life or death of its followers. So, the benefits that the officers could obtain were limited. It was not about money or social status; it was about life, power, and the opportunity for a complete transformation!
Everyone was competing for this, and the winner was already becoming evident.
Clearly, the officers who followed Linda in planning the kidnapping case have received benefits, while the officers who had worked undercover among the Silver Moon Pack like rats for years have received nothing.
"If it weren't for us collecting intelligence and making connections, those idiots wouldn't even have been able to set foot here!" Marty said angrily.
This was in a safe house controlled by werewolves. According to Marty and the merchant, they were being pursued, not by the Lily of the Valley.
Marty had betrayed the Lily of the Valley because he was about to be pushed to the brink of survival.
At first, I didn't believe it until Marty presented evidence of his surrender - the head of 'dwarves', Anthony.
Accidentally, he killed Anthony, leading to the Lily of the Valley pursuing him. According to him, it had all started with a simple argument, then escalated into a fight, which wouldn't have been a big deal given that physical conflicts were common in this organization filled with lunatics.
Anthony had received immense power from Azazel, including 'immortality', as long as his soul remained unharmed.
But this time, Anthony died, a bullet pierced his heart, and instead of gradually recovering like a puppet repaired by a craftsman, he bled, convulsed, and then went cold.
"That one has declined to such an extent," Marty said. "That the power he bestowed upon the believers has completely vanished, like a mirage. I killed an officer, and Linda won't spare me. And now, the Lily of the Valley has no reason to keep me around. I would rather not die; the human church won't take me in, and I'm a dead end in any part of Jasper controlled by the Lily of the Valley. So, I can only seek refuge with you - I have value to you."
He said it sincerely, but we both knew the underlying motives.
"If you're still with the Lily of the Valley, then you do have value," I said without reservation. "But I really can't see what's worth valuing in a hunted dog."
"Inside information. I know most of the Lily of the Valley's confidential information, except for those about that one, those are taboos that Linda would never touch. I am the Lily of the Valley's chief liaison, and over the years, the Lily of the Valley has expanded recklessly in Jasper, involving celebrities, politicians, wealthy businesspeople, and even scandals that could shake the entire country.
"I can hand all of it over to you, whether to deal with the Lily of the Valley or guard against this powerful neighbor of ours. I know everything and can tell everything. My only request is to stay alive."
He was smart, aware that putting on a show of resistance wouldn't work in this life-or-death situation. He decisively laid down his most valuable chip.
And the werewolf pack couldn't refuse; it was a more than fair deal.
Following the queen's orders, the next day, I told Marty that the werewolf clan could provide him with shelter. But the price was that he would spend the rest of his life in prison - the reckoning for all that blood and hatred was yet to come.
Marty accepted it calmly. I felt he didn't have such a strong desire to survive for some reason. "I thought cultists brainwashed by the Lily of the Valley were all devout, single-mindedly serving that damn deity." I couldn't help but ask, "When you betrayed the Lily of the Valley, did you not have a moment of hesitation?"
Marty said, "Devout? No, no, don't overestimate the Lily of the Valley. People die for wealth. In fact, most believers join the Lily of the Valley for the benefits they can get their hands on. Interests bring us together, and Linda's high-handed methods make us fear her, but devout? Far from it.
"I'm not the only officer who has defected from the Lily of the Valley. Since we're cooperating, let me spill the beans early-have you seen those propaganda trucks on the streets? Marissa shaking hands and collaborating with the politicians? Hah, it's quite amusing. Once the favors from the god disappear, people like us immediately turn to pursue worldly fame and fortune.
"In fact, Linda can no longer control the Lily of the Valley completely. She's the one who depends most on Azazel, even her lifespan. Azazel is dying, and she won't survive either. She no longer has any means to control her subordinates, and backlash is inevitable."
"Then why are you still so afraid of her pursuit?"
"A camel is still bigger than a horse, Miss. I must survive until that evil father and daughter truly die, don't I?"