TWELVE YEARS BEFORE, IN THE CITY498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfym0sxxjH
Tanya was nervous. She wasn't sure what to do with the small bundle in her arms. The baby wasn't crying—maybe that should have made this easier. It didn't.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZaK3tW0Ta
She didn't want to be a mother.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gmrEaTDSB
As she looked down at the child, all she felt was regret. He'd been born from a random fling with a no-name adventurer just passing through the city. If she'd been smart, she would've taken a potion beforehand to prevent this. But she hadn't. And now...498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCHKta2JAa
The baby squirmed gently in her arms, trying to get comfortable.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYO3s343JK
Sorry, little one. I'm no mother.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5ThMxObQI
She'd snuck out the back of the guild hall in the dead of night. Only a handful of people knew she'd ever been pregnant, and she planned to keep it that way. Shadows gathered around her as she moved through the city streets—her magic responding to her will, cloaking her in darkness. The city was well-lit, mana lanterns burning at every corner, but she flowed around the scattered passersby easily. Most assumed it was fog from the misty night air.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU1vVrpCWx
The church rose before her, its doors always open. Always welcoming.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanHZqTSLbY
She slipped inside, shadows clinging to her like a second skin.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixDlLTuUAP
The main hall was quiet at this hour. A few scattered worshippers knelt in prayer. Several gray-robed attendants moved silently through the space, tending to their nightly duties. None of them looked her way.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZFl5QPUgJ
Tanya moved through a side corridor, searching. The bishop should be at his desk—she hoped. When she reached his office door, she hesitated, then knocked softly.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcujbvQXZ4
Her heart hammered in her chest.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1wTEMXRoj
"Terra? I told you, you don't need to knock." The bishop's voice came through the door, warm and familiar. "I'll have the documents ready soon if you wish to wait."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAEsRD26LEN
Tanya froze. He thought she was someone else—Terra, probably one of his assistants. She should respond, but her throat had closed up. The baby shifted in her arms, and guilt stabbed through her chest like a blade.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3p8gYSSwX
I can still go back. I can still change my mind.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0ycLtdSSn
"Terra?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmcYuTLeTb
No. She'd made her choice. Even if it killed her, she wasn't a mother. She couldn't be.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0a3HFbmRV
Tanya opened the door.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVSEheqpSO
Bishop Oliver looked up from his desk, clearly expecting someone else. When the shadows faded from around her and he saw what she was holding, surprise flickered across his face. Then something sadder. Understanding.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQx48n3ScqP
He didn't move.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavZFZLWBLH
"Oliver," she said quietly.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVmTIvFKYf
"Tanya." His voice was gentle, resigned. "I was hoping you'd change your mind."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv8EniFwi5
"I thought about it for nine months." Her voice came out harder than she intended. "I don't want to keep this a secret anymore. I can't."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJMG8j0oIr
"So you abandon him to the church instead?" Oliver's tone sharpened. There was no judgment in his eyes—only disappointment. He'd already seen too many beastkin children abandoned at his doors. He'd hoped humans wouldn't do the same.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofDW4EEwO0
Tanya wanted something to calm her nerves. A drink—she could drink again now, at least. Or maybe something else. Anything to dull the pain. But she had nothing.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBmLOYa0l6
"Judge me all you want," she said, forcing steel into her voice. "The child will be better loved by the gods and the church than by a mother who can't raise him."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCp2IMpU3u
Oliver sighed, a heavy sound that seemed to carry years of weariness. "Alright."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXb2D6aiQ2L
He stood slowly, moving around his desk. "He'll be here if you ever change your mind."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBIsD91fTp
A pause. Then, quieter: "Does he have a name?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAquoLh4qDr
Tanya felt something crack inside her chest. She nodded. "Arlin."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHOHeJLUf4
She moved forward, each step deliberate, and placed the baby in Oliver's arms.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8q1BmUNkl
Arlin started crying—a small, keening wail, as if he knew his mother was giving him up.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLFN44Tvwz
Tanya steeled her heart. She knew she was cruel. She knew she wasn't a loving mother. That's why this had to happen.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQrqoDsZOY
"Raise him well," she whispered.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeEXnkK6RE
Then she let the shadows consume her, dissolving into mist that flowed out the door and into the night.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6iA8e2vam
Behind her, Arlin's cries echoed down the empty corridor.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSMw8eA7vc
Tanya stopped in front of the guild hall, staring up at the building. Her home. Her prison.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uHXBxa9K7
She was exhausted. Was it late? Early? She'd lost track of time somewhere between the church and here.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfJw7AvIAL
She pushed through the heavy doors and stopped short.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzjjujnKQf
Terry was at the front counter, polishing the already-immaculate surface with methodical precision. Not a speck of dust to be seen. He looked up when she entered and gave a small nod.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgke51pGXtX
"Bit late to just be coming home," he said mildly.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuUKfVeCsT
Tanya let the shadows fall away from her. "And why are you up at this hour?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7m5XKnnB2j
Terry was a friend—had been for years—but also a colleague. He worked the guild hall, handled logistics, kept things running. He'd never been ambitious. Never wanted more than enough coin for food, drink, and a roof over his head. It made him steady. Reliable.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHpAuiQzsi
Sometimes infuriatingly perceptive.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjQO9lTfdx
"You want to talk about it?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKMWMR1u5r
Tanya flinched. Shadows instinctively gathered around her again. "I don't know what you're talking about."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlm7A33z92
Terry sighed and set down his polishing cloth. Even with the shadows wrapped around her, he could see everything: the tear tracks on her face, her brown hair disheveled, her brown eyes hollow and wrecked.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVim8NCuO0
"I thought we were friends," he said quietly. "We've been working together for years, Tanya."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0Kaj026ZJ
She broke.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDbnXJ4Xpr
The lie crumbled. He knew. He'd always known. Her secret shame was no secret at all.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqinJpj2RFW
"How long have you known?" Her voice came out raw.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvUM6NJjAd
Terry barked a short laugh. "Sorry. I knew pretty much since you did. Maybe a week after." He gave her a sad smile. "You're not subtle when you're trying to hide something."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5mkO2581H
A fresh tear slid down her cheek. She retreated further into the shadows, her form becoming almost mist.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4573wRsOyn
"I can't raise him," she whispered.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqycw0to9n
"I know." Terry's voice was gentle. "Or you would've asked me for help. At least, I'd like to believe you would have."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN27oo0qsIG
Tanya shrugged, uncertain what she could have done differently. What she should have done.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUuHJHmsv5
Terry sighed. "Get some sleep, Tanya. Then tomorrow, go see the alchemist. They have potions and herbs that can help with anxiety and depression."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwpVRpyvPV
Tanya didn't respond. Couldn't respond.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mREA4yXfY
A choice was made. What will be, will be.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKacPhUbr9E
Tanya didn't sleep.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXSIZ63dJH
She tried. Lay in her bed staring at the ceiling until the darkness outside her window began to lighten. When dawn finally broke, she dragged herself up, washed her face, and dressed for the day.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRPIX0ip4Z
Terry was still at the counter when she came downstairs. He gave her a small bow—respectful, not mocking—but said nothing. There was nothing left to say.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHLFHr0jvs
The morning streets were quiet. Tanya walked with purpose, her path straightforward. She'd lived in this city for years; the roads were as familiar as the back of her hand. What might be a confusing maze to others was simply routine.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QjY2JQGEb
She knew about the alchemist. Tommy. The new "top dog" in the alchemy trade.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j2O3tdIwA
Tanya wasn't entirely happy about his methods—he hired thugs, kept muscle around his shops. But she had to admit, it got people off the streets. And the thugs didn't commit crimes, at least not in the traditional sense. Tommy just liked having protection. Something about lacking magic made him paranoid, made him want bodies between himself and potential threats.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJkDe63AFV
He ran two locations: his main shop in the merchant district, where he sold standard potions to the public, and his personal workshop on the outskirts, where he did his real work. The main shop was clean, welcoming, designed not to scare customers. The workshop? That's where he kept most of his thugs and handled his more discreet clientele.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQotPxvWm7P
Since Tanya needed discretion, she went to the workshop.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqddExgoFwp
Two thugs stood outside the door, looking bored. Tanya had unconsciously wrapped shadows around herself as she approached—an old habit. She didn't realize it until both men flinched and tensed, hands moving toward weapons.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS3mXCUSTK
She let the shadows drop. Willed herself visible.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSQx0onRlO
The thugs relaxed when they saw she was just a woman, not some monster born from darkness.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBu3eO09eL
"Ya got a meeting?" one asked. Both were leering now, eyes roaming over her in a way that made her skin crawl. She wore loose black silk—practical, easy to move in—but they were trying to see more. Shadows gathered subtly around her again, obscuring what she didn't want them to see.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVIC6qgxev
"Tell your boss someone with money wants a discreet meeting," Tanya said, her voice flat. "He'll see me."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLs0gudy0w
The thugs exchanged uncertain glances. Their orders were simple: don't let anyone in without an appointment. But money talked. Everyone knew that.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwElLZsybuP
"Wait here," one finally said, disappearing inside.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uuyznBU2A
Tanya stood in the empty street, fighting the urge to retreat fully into shadow. She hated being exposed like this, vulnerable. But the street was empty except for the remaining thug, and she'd dealt with far worse.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghzytSJSVL
She forced herself to stay calm.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26SyetS8JL
A few minutes later, the thug returned. "Boss'll see ya."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2pDcsLfpk
He led her inside without further comment.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqixfmPDdd
The workshop was larger than she'd expected—a wide, open space with multiple side doors. Storage rooms, probably. Maybe smaller workshops for specialized work. The thug led her straight to the back, where a heavy wooden door stood closed.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwwRmeJ9nZ
He knocked once, then opened it without waiting.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfCBm3CsrV
The man inside sat at a desk, writing in a leather-bound ledger. He was unremarkable at first glance—average height, average build, wearing spectacles that caught the light. But his clothes told a different story: an expensive gray suit, perfectly tailored. Slicked-black hair. Piercing green eyes that flicked up as she entered.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulO1dCdmHc
Tommy. Had to be.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8YaXEEYBT
He stopped writing and waved the thug away. The door clicked shut.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80EaOT8j6q
Tanya moved forward and sat without being invited. If he wanted to play power games, she could play too.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkNruyFbfi
"I don't know you." Tommy set down his pen and leaned back, studying her. "May I have a name?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPVrBn7Ne0
"Tanya. Guild master."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvHLW3kOrv
He'd been reaching for a bottle on the shelf behind him. His hand hesitated, just for a moment, at the title. Then he recovered smoothly and pulled down an amber-colored liquor in an elegant glass bottle.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBRHJhec2j
"Would you like a drink?" He held it up. "Rare vintage. I made it myself. Very smooth—not too much alcohol."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp94g1TO8Qc
Tanya's nerves were screaming. The sleepless night was catching up to her, exhaustion making her hands want to tremble. She nodded.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk2PSTVhYA
Tommy poured two glasses with practiced ease and slid one across the desk.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIuo3LMCBD
She took a sip. It was good—surprisingly good. Smooth, like he'd said, with a warmth that spread through her chest and took the edge off her anxiety.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC0yj7dDreA
"It's good," she admitted.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQWv0n2lQ7
Tommy smiled, sensing opportunity. "I can make you a bottle as a gift. For taking this meeting."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VkgmDarTG
"No." Tanya set the glass down. "I want something else. That's why I'm here."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7HgOayi5R
The smile faded slightly. Tommy's expression shifted to something more calculating. "Well then. May I ask what? Or should I guess?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDU06YtNzB
Tanya met his eyes evenly. She knew he was only being friendly because she had worth to him—guild master, connections, resources. But she didn't care. She was only here because he had worth to her.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC0KYVz2xc
Transactional. Clean. That's how she preferred it.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlabNtP2Ng
"I need something for stress and anxiety," Tanya said. "Something I can take whenever I need it."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRvhyMKmna
Tommy nodded slowly. "Our line of work can wear a person down. It's why I enjoy the drink myself." He swirled his glass thoughtfully. "You're used to hiding."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRxDsoHnt6
His eyes had caught on the faint edge of darkness that clung to her, shadows that never quite left.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzZP2jjkZB
Tanya's eyes narrowed. "What are you implying?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzM8W9ihyB5
Tommy swallowed, realizing he'd overstepped. "I meant no disrespect. Merely observing a skill at play. Nothing more."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwx0eH1SROz
She continued to glare, and he hurried to change the subject.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifEsANQJXB
"I do have something that might help. An herb that can be smoked. It's excellent for mana recovery and stress relief—calms the mind very effectively."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkmq5gGhND
Tanya's posture eased slightly. She was listening.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM5ogF1sL9
"And?" she prompted.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2ZkZHGZ0W
"It does have side effects." Tommy set down his glass. "Nothing harmful, unless you're particularly vain. Long-term users report that it works wonderfully, but it tends to change your appearance. Red eyes. White hair. The effects are permanent."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4Bl7TGzD1
Tanya considered this. She'd never cared much about her looks—well, that wasn't entirely true. She liked being attractive enough to catch a man's interest when she wanted company. But beyond that? Appearance meant nothing to her.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKGLAlcTMU
A small price for peace of mind.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKLfkct2vT
"Fair trade," she said. "What's the cost?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrO7hdKari
Tommy smiled. "Nothing."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1vaRNHSjU
Her eyes narrowed immediately. "You think me a fool? There's always a price."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CnKqFZ5Bq
"Wise words." Tommy took a slow sip. "And you're right—I never do business without gaining something. But in this case, I'd rather have your goodwill."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0855lc0V33
"My goodwill."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzOFhdIryd
"You're a guild master," he explained. "People bring you mana crystals for trade. High-quality ones. I'm simply asking that you keep me in mind when you receive the rare specimens. Instead of selling them to enchanters or armorers."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW118VIi0Lr
He leaned forward slightly. "That's what adventurers prefer, you see—magical equipment, enchanted armor. Things that last. It's difficult to convince them that a potion is worth more than armor that could save their life a dozen times over." He spread his hands. "But you understand value. You understand investment."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBwbnGpgax
Tanya studied him. The logic was sound. Adventurers did prefer permanent equipment over consumables. And she did handle a steady flow of mana crystals through the guild.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnbVm7mlkR
"When can you deliver?" she asked.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleTeJA2vpD
Tommy's grin widened. "My dear, what kind of businessman would I be if I couldn't provide what you need immediately? Please, excuse me for a moment."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaVuWi2Lfn
He rose and stepped out of the office. Through the briefly open door, Tanya heard him speaking with one of the thugs in low tones before the door clicked shut again.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YUsGuGQ8V
She sat alone in the quiet office.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKFMLIvsWN
Tanya didn't entirely trust Tommy—she wasn't a fool. But he'd been running his business in this city for years now, building a reputation. If he tried anything, she could return the favor tenfold. Shadow magic had its advantages.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZWsTynJxB
Still, sitting here waiting made her uneasy.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL220kSwHtN
Whether it was the alcohol finally settling in her system or just the brief respite from her spiraling thoughts, Tanya felt herself relaxing. Her eyelids grew heavy. She hadn't slept in over a day...498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoflJruTBay
The door opened.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamDdULuimt
"—already told someone about the shipment, boss," the thug was saying.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdwvku0Ha9
"Fine, fine." Tommy waved him off and closed the door, returning to his desk. "Sorry for the delay. I had to find a proper pipe to match the gift."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCWo6DUWmh
He set two items on the desk: a small leather pouch and an elegant wooden box.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT3FNdqQiS
Tanya took them both, examining the box first. Inside was a beautifully crafted pipe—dark wood inlaid with gold filigree. She could feel the faint hum of enchantment in it.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuswIBY21In
"This is too much," she started to say.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrvVXT3r5T
Tommy raised a hand. "I know a gnome tinkerer. Brilliant craftsman, utterly annoying. He prefers to pay in trinkets rather than coin or crystals, but he loves my potions." He shrugged. "Some of his work is worth ten times what I charge, so I allow a certain... flexibility in our arrangement."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOA2mEltjXP
"And you assume we'll have a similar outcome?" Tanya asked, running her thumb over the pipe's smooth surface.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcXghSoXu2
"Very astute. Yes." Tommy leaned back. "I plan to be here for years, guild master. There's plenty of time for you to bring me returns on these petty gifts."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHisoKxKpEi
Tanya set the pipe down and opened the leather pouch. The scent hit her immediately—earthy, sweet, with an underlying sharpness that made her feel slightly lightheaded just from the smell.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy8sfpQB4f
"I would prefer you not smoke it here," Tommy said quickly.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb4digcXVe
Tanya nodded and tucked both items into her coat. She wanted this day to end. Wanted to sleep. Antagonizing the man who'd just helped her wasn't high on her list of priorities.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfqW4iL5Wv
She stood and moved toward the door. "I'll stay in touch."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKnmWI2aGt
"I look forward to it."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL75iCixkKL
Tanya stepped into the hallway and let the shadows embrace her, her form dissolving into mist as she made her way out.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno8Uv93zCX
Behind her, the thug watched her transformation with wide eyes. "You good, boss?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWivbAg7Fw
Tommy was already back at his desk, pen in hand. "Fine. She's a business associate. Just keep me informed, as always."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgwTPapuSP
The thug nodded and closed the door.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PkEXasikK
Tommy smiled to himself as he wrote a note in his ledger: Guild master—mana crystals—long-term investment.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kcSgxkvoV
Back in her room at the guild hall, Tanya closed the door and locked it. She needed privacy for this.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNACkH6WoN
She filled the pipe with a pinch of the herb, hands steadier now that she was alone. When she lit it and drew in the first breath, the effect was instant.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtk8tFZkDm
The anxiety that had been clawing at her chest for months simply... vanished. The guilt, the shame, the crushing weight of what she'd done—all of it dissolved like morning fog.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3Tg2LXiJj
Peace.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvEahNTgy2
She'd forgotten what it felt like.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqe2Elmg9L
Tanya managed to set the pipe down on her nightstand before her legs gave out. She collapsed onto the bed and was asleep before her head hit the pillow.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEjn3UYMw4E
When she woke, sunlight was streaming through her window. Bright, warm, midday sun.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR881l2Tedd
Tanya sat up slowly, disoriented. Only a few hours had passed, surely. The sun couldn't be that high already.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k1MA2T766
She slipped the pipe into an inner pocket of her coat and made her way downstairs. Terry was at the counter, helping an adventurer sort through a stack of contracts.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlUjUgDVgO
"Sleep well, mistress?" he asked without looking up as the adventurer walked away.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQtz1pBcVW
"Not enough. Only a few hours."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG19WYCTnjg
Terry raised an eyebrow and finally glanced at her. "You do know a day and a half has passed since we last spoke?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXgYyckPYJ
Tanya blinked. "What?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz81wlZpF2
"You've been asleep for over thirty hours."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmE0Lyktc9s
She let out a short, surprised laugh. "Guess it had more of a kick than I thought."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZOK8OYJse
"It?" Terry's tone was carefully neutral.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MQezFJBGm
Tanya pulled out the pipe and showed him. He leaned in, sniffed the residue at the tip, and nodded slowly.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovWsgdFaYb
"I don't know the full mixture, but I can smell fairy root. That's what helps with sleep and calming the mind." He frowned slightly. "Though I've always heard it has to be consumed as a tea or tincture. Smoking it is... unusual."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKlYMQhxkv
Tanya shrugged. "The alchemist gave it as a gift. Said long-term use might have side effects, but nothing harmful."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pI82xpQ1Z
"Fairy root does cause side effects if used too often," Terry confirmed. "I suppose smoking it would work the same way as drinking it. Though I've heard humans are more susceptible to magical herb effects than beastkin are."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFA4JP8ivN
Even as they spoke, Tanya could feel the anxiety creeping back in. The edges of her thoughts growing sharper, more jagged. Without thinking, she pulled out the pipe again and lit it. Drew in a slow breath.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIN95VNlug
Everything washed away.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABQXmqdh6B
"It's fine," she said, exhaling smoke. "I'll deal with it as it happens."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rDe8XFtTJ
Terry watched her for a long moment, then nodded.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiDrMqS9EH
It was the start of her new life. A life without being a mother.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGYceUjWa6
TWELVE YEARS LATER498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCor4e1cRIh
How many years had Arlin lived in this prison?498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmnWdGIRcx
That's how he thought of the church—a prison. Gray robes and priests surrounded him, people constantly coming and going, always acting so kind, so loving. But he knew better. It was fake. Performance. They weren't his family, no matter how many times they welcomed him with open arms.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8zuE4yIkF
He was twelve years old and he'd never had a real family. Never would.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoC4757aqh
The day he'd been told he had level three darkness magic, he'd felt a brief spark of pride. The bishop said he could use it for many things—seeing other people's magic, reading their potential, becoming a Seer like the woman who tested children at the tribes.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWA4yGwr6E
Why would he want that? Arlin had no idea.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSC4RYeEKRW
He preferred making shadows. Wrapping darkness around himself like a cloak. It let him hide, escape to places where no one could follow. When he had nowhere else to go, at least he was safe in the shadows. Alone.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEairoXnfg
Even when he didn't want to be alone.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mBjfDthw8
Then one day, two wolfkin children arrived at the church.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNbACQJBLi
Nobody knew why they'd been abandoned. Rumors spread quickly: their parents had died in a dungeon. No, they'd fled debts and left the children behind. No, the tribe had cast them out for some crime.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvPhMUeqd9
The truth was stranger. The children—siblings, around ten years old—claimed they didn't know their own past. Said they'd been moved from place to place before ending up at the city church.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziTpunPaLF
Arlin didn't believe it.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkQg8NCYAG
He spent a week following them through the shadows, watching, learning. They were mistrustful. Obedient. They did what they were told and kept their heads down, survival instincts honed sharp.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYm9QYkVxp
But Arlin thought he could offer them more than just accepting their fate.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb6kKCzyS5
Maybe they could even be a family.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDrBYsdNbi
Arlin kept his distance at first, not wanting to scare them. Then, when the moment felt right, he stepped out of the shadows.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rqNwrMNcH
"Hey. I've seen you two around. My name is Arlin."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbR4kQofQr
Both children jerked at his voice, spinning to face him. He'd been more hidden than he realized—the darkness magic made him nearly invisible when he wanted to be.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPnMyJ9tsk
"Sorry," he said quickly, raising his hands. "It's my magic. I use it to hide. Helps me avoid chores."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kzxCMLW77
They stared at him, wide-eyed. Not afraid. Amazed.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgka4JxcXI
"You can do magic?" the girl asked, her voice hushed with wonder.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZyxDAsJ86
"Yeah." Arlin grinned. "You're beastkin—you should have magic too. Probably even stronger than mine!"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLQSJDQ6Em
Both children looked down immediately, ears flattening.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTMjxjLCaQ
"No," the boy said quietly. "That's why they abandoned us. We have no magic."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ETIrHD4XE
Arlin's grin vanished. "What? Nobody would be that cruel..."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF0MCSmjoN
"Our family was." The girl's voice was barely a whisper. "They said magic is everything. If the gods didn't give us any, we weren't welcome in the tribe."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEleYnTB95I
Arlin stood frozen. He'd spent his whole life wanting a family, desperate for someone to claim him. And these two had been thrown away by theirs. For something they couldn't control.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwbo8HOLE9
"Maybe we can be a family?" The words tumbled out before he could stop them.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYEmyaXiS5
Both children looked at him like he'd said something wrong. Offensive, even.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARboDaTIcY
Arlin sighed. Wrong approach. "Okay, what about a leader then? A boss. I won't abandon you—I promise. I'll be there to guide you instead."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCysPFgIQ93
The boy studied him for a long moment, then shrugged. "Okay, boss." He gestured to himself, then his sister. "My name is Rock. This is my sister, Ziala."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ44YToxtOY
"I can speak for myself," Ziala snapped, though she nodded to confirm the introduction.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygOkDUaBrs
Arlin smiled. "Rock? That's an interesting name."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eKW04th9I
Rock's ears drooped. "Our parents were strong in earth magic. They wanted me to be like a rock—strong, unbreakable. At least, that's what they said before things went..." He trailed off.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06XZjVHBa6
Ziala patted his back gently.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvMLrfpJ2s
"I understand," Arlin said quietly. Then, to lighten the mood: "Ziala is a pretty name too."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lDyfEzTLf
She gave a small smile, but there was no joy in it.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr2ammzlT0
Arlin saw this as his chance at a new start. A purpose.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYqjIHYPQN
Over the following weeks, he showed Rock and Ziala that life at the church wasn't so terrible. They helped the gray robes with simple chores—sweeping, carrying water, organizing supplies. They learned basic reading and mathematics from the priests.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe9Vw8rqRW
The siblings already knew some of these things, but the tribe they'd come from had focused almost entirely on magic training. Everything else had been secondary, barely taught. So this—practical knowledge, useful skills—was new. Different.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKey4FDHGz
Good, even.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl31BK4nt4f
For the first time in years, Arlin felt like things might be looking up.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HNWeR7nbw
A few months passed. Arlin was happier than he'd been in years, leading his small group. Rock and Ziala didn't see him as family—not exactly—but it was close. Close enough.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tOrdZsYzh
Then Ziala started getting sick.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkKF1nQHkv
It was gradual at first. She played a little less. Moved a little slower. Complained of being tired more often. She still got out of bed, still did her chores, but everything seemed to exhaust her.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrqiNPORWQ
They tried everything. Prayer. Healing potions from the church's stores. Rest. Nothing worked.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7UVHWUKXT
It didn't make sense to Arlin. She wasn't getting worse, exactly, but she wasn't getting better either. Just... weaker.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhNgNdKg8W
He went to see Bishop Oliver.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqIcFZDKFV
"Arlin!" The bishop looked up from his desk with genuine warmth. "It's good to see you. It's been a while since I've seen you this happy—or helping others, for that matter. A welcome change." He gestured to a chair. "What can I do for you?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLhGNbdbYs
Arlin steadied his resolve. "You've seen Ziala. She's getting weaker every day. We need a cure."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8lmt0XCzG
The bishop's smile faded. "I'm afraid we can't provide that."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfc4U1Za5Jx
"What? Why not?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPHuvYM1I8
"Her condition isn't life-threatening," Oliver explained gently. "It's uncomfortable, yes, but given time—a few years at most—she'll recover naturally. Most beastkin do."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvVOoehdLl
"Years?" Arlin's voice rose. "She's suffering now."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPooajzxgv
"And she'll grow out of it." The bishop's tone was patient but firm. "That's why they were abandoned in the first place, wasn't it? The wolfkin tribes—they're known for being rather zealous about magic. They don't tolerate weakness, even temporary weakness. It's cruel, but it's their way."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTxQhLJeKV
"There's no 'but' about it," Arlin interrupted, anger rising. "They were abandoned. You know it, I know it, they know it. And now you're abandoning her too."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYaCPF4QiS
"Arlin." Oliver's voice sharpened. "We are not abandoning anyone. But we have limited resources. If you'd been helping around the church more instead of hiding in shadows, you'd know we're constantly treating the weakness curse—and it affects humans far more severely than beastkin."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzacSDvkLf
"I don't care about—" Arlin started.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFtcp5hCKk
"The humans suffer for years, Arlin. Sometimes their entire lives." The bishop's voice was steady but sad. "Ziala will recover naturally in a few years at most. The humans? Most never do. They live in constant exhaustion, barely able to work, barely able to survive. And we only have so many cures to give."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND2dCrFZMG
"Then make more!"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JhoFwU3e3
"We can't." Oliver spread his hands, helpless. "The herbs are rare. The process is difficult. We do what we can, but there are never enough."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid12zUEtj9
Arlin's fists clenched. "So Ziala just has to suffer because she's not human?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYjsIUGpVI
"Ziala will recover on her own. But humans..." The bishop shook his head. "Their bodies can't handle it the same way. The weakness just... stays."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO64yk6mRGe
Arlin stopped listening. Excuses. That's all he heard. The bishop was choosing to help humans who might never recover over Ziala, who was suffering now.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxEpnSsjEx
He'd find another way.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6rSmpvXrW
Oliver saw the stubborn determination hardening on the boy's face and sighed. Perhaps Arlin needed to understand the difference. Needed to see what chronic suffering looked like.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJpEmtjcis
"Follow me," the bishop said, standing. "There's something you should see."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq4D9dj7ln
The bishop led Arlin down one of the side corridors—a part of the church Arlin usually avoided. This was where the gray robes spent most of their time, tending to work he'd never bothered to learn about.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCeplXF6Q1
The hallway was lined with doors. Many were closed. Some stood open.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSI5NSiNxx
"The closed doors are people sleeping," Oliver explained quietly. "We check on them regularly. The open ones are those who are awake. We assist them when we can."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M28FF4mKX
He stopped at one of the open doors and gestured for Arlin to enter.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6Ac7QPA1d
The room was small and simple: a narrow bed, a small table, a single chair. Basic. Nothing like the large communal hall where Arlin and the other children slept.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG8o8QhyMW
Why did these people get private rooms? What made them special?498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKK5OzhD6O
The bishop saw his confusion. "These rooms are for people who have nowhere else to go. No family. No home. We care for them until we can obtain a potion for their cure, or until they recover naturally—though that's rare." He paused. "Some choose to stay and become gray robes afterward, to repay what we've done. Others donate what they can. We don't judge either way. The city and the guild help fund this work. It keeps people off the streets."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bCH905ofm
Arlin looked around the empty room. The bed was neatly made but clearly used. Personal belongings sat on the table—a worn book, a chipped mug.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLxvsGqk2v
"Where are they?" he asked.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAM4tdWmcV
"We try to give them exercise when we can. It helps slow the decline, though they're always exhausted." The bishop's voice was patient. "We have to be careful—small amounts, always supervised."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOV0aJOlSb
Arlin did remember seeing people being guided slowly through the church halls. He'd assumed they were elderly or recovering from injuries.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo1w94tO5j
"You said you can help them," Arlin pressed, his tone hardening. "So you can spare a potion. Just one."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrNqqVVEQ6
The bishop sighed heavily. "The potions are rare, Arlin. Difficult to make. And every year, we receive fewer of them, not more." He met Arlin's eyes. "And every year, more people develop the weakness. New cases. Always new cases."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOA8bq2xJp
"I'll work harder," Arlin said desperately. "I'll earn it. I'll do anything—"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhSqD8HZNU
"Arlin." The bishop's voice was gentle but firm. "This is your home. You owe us nothing. We do wish you'd help more, but out of desire to be part of our community, not out of debt or obligation."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99OnSHKN75
"This isn't my home."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtJY55TRT8
The words slipped out before Arlin could stop them. But he didn't regret saying it. He'd always hated it here—the false warmth, the hollow welcome. And now they wouldn't help his family.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ422gYIzYWc
The bishop's expression softened with sadness. "I wish you didn't feel that way. But we will continue to care for you as long as you're here."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAqbmBnK5T
"Excuse me."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMB03aYXKkQ
Both of them turned at the new voice. A gray robe appeared in the doorway, supporting a young man who looked like he'd been walking for days without rest. His skin was pale and clammy, his legs barely holding him upright. Each breath seemed to cost him immense effort.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Xjiut6har
Arlin and the bishop quickly moved aside.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlF03v0yfn
"Mr. Smith," the bishop said quietly as the gray robe guided the man toward the bed. "He was passing through the city about a month ago."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBO9dZgfLC
The gray robe eased Mr. Smith onto the bed with practiced care. The man collapsed onto the thin mattress as if his strings had been cut.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFsZQXCCdK
"He has a home," Oliver continued, "but it's overseas. When he started feeling the symptoms, he traveled here looking for our alchemists."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBYKRxhvGK
Arlin watched as the man's eyes fluttered closed, exhaustion overtaking him immediately. "How did he even know to come here? Looking like that?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lz0AZAH8a
"We try to maintain churches in every town," the bishop explained. "We share information, coordinate resources. Mr. Smith had been tested years ago—no magic. He knew that one day he might develop the weakness. So when it started, he came looking for a cure."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA3XNqrQXv
The gray robe dampened a cloth and gently wiped the sweat from Mr. Smith's face. The man didn't stir. He'd already fallen into a deep, exhausted sleep.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9MwFUUBeu
"It happens to everyone without magic?" Arlin asked.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ1Sk4Ncqa
"Not everyone, but many. Especially those who live near dungeons." The bishop gestured toward the door. They shouldn't disturb the man's rest.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKG2iEAACVr
They stepped into the hallway. The gray robe bowed respectfully and closed the door behind them.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BxuC7VNKn
"Now you understand," Oliver said quietly. "People like Mr. Smith are waiting for cures. Some have been waiting for years. Ziala will recover on her own in time. He might never recover at all."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XuDhQ48qy
But Arlin didn't see it that way.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYthUle3FGw
All he saw was proof that he needed to save Ziala before she became like that. Before the weakness took hold so deeply she couldn't escape it.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf19yxKc6W
He had to act now. While there was still time.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTwuMUginQ
Tommy rubbed his eyes, exhaustion weighing on him.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBHZ0tWYyc
Another one of these damned cures finished. Another month's obligation to the church fulfilled.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn7uUqg1WV
He was trying to build up a backlog—make two or three at once so he could delay the next batch longer. But the potions were a nightmare to craft. The herbs grew rarer every year, no matter how much he was willing to pay. Supply was dwindling, and he had no idea why.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUK0BDacYb
Footsteps approached his workshop. Tommy didn't need to look up to know who it was.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNkThQVu3d
"What do you want, Herbert?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAntwWa2vC
His oldest alchemist—a perfectionist who'd been pestering him for months about studying the herb more closely—stopped in the doorway. Tommy had refused every time. The recipe was his. His monopoly. His power.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1p7MWsazo
"I still think you're doing it wrong, sir."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmxaPS3QIx
Tommy finally glanced up. "Perhaps. But it's my method, and it works."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokt2jewNdm
"You could be saving more lives if you refined the process." Herbert's voice was measured, patient. "With better techniques, we could stretch the herbs further, make more potions—"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIowl73GciD
"Maybe. And make less money doing it."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouc4zp1Ksp
"Is that all that matters to you?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmlctbxbr9
Tommy laughed. "Do you really need to ask?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WS63pMVQ6
Herbert's jaw tightened. "I do. Because I cannot continue working for a man whose only goal is greed. The gods gave us the knowledge of alchemy to save lives, not to bleed them for coin."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTkDLC5svp
"Touching." Tommy set down his pen and leaned back. "But this is my shop. My rules. This isn't your precious school with its lofty ideals. You came to me, remember? This is my empire. I built it with my time and my money."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3JHQy63Le
Herbert sighed, heavy with disappointment. "Then I'll be leaving."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EPy6GZNcd
That surprised Tommy. He'd expected argument, not resignation.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLj4DIrlJRE
"Is this about a raise?" Tommy asked, his tone shifting. "You could've just asked. Or I suppose I could spare a single herb for your research, if you insist on staying."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL591MNYWA2
He studied Herbert's reaction carefully. The old man was well-dressed but squinting—years of staring at alchemical formulas had taken their toll. Tommy wondered idly if there was a potion for that. Probably more profitable than the weakness cure.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pT2iK8Fzz
Herbert looked worn down. His fine clothes couldn't hide the weariness in his eyes, the way his shoulders sagged with defeat.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU14xv22ylU
"No, sir." His voice was quiet but firm. "Your greed knows no bounds. And as much as it pains me to admit it, I believe I can do better work elsewhere. Even without access to that herb."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnNsPiTq1m
Tommy laughed before he could stop himself. The idea of Herbert recreating the weakness cure from scratch, without the key ingredient—it was absurd.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUbWBNQa2s
"Sorry," Tommy said, though he wasn't. "That was rude. I do wish you well, truly."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrD6tP6LNQ
He leaned forward, all business now. "Let the guild know you're leaving. I prearrange all worker contracts through them—payments, terms, severance, everything. It's a failsafe I set up years ago. Even if we part on bad terms, you'll still get everything you're owed fairly." He paused. "And Herbert? If you change your mind, my door is always open. I've always admired your work."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSIUz5M1Mi
It wasn't a threat. Tommy genuinely believed in paying his workers well, treating them fairly. He was greedy, yes—obsessed with profit—but he valued the people who helped him earn it. Good workers were investments worth maintaining.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBFdSDcc3h
But Herbert wanted more than fair pay. He wanted purpose. Meaning.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXbeT59QLG
Tommy couldn't understand that. Didn't want to.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrS6yMPxk0
Herbert stared at him for a long moment, uncertain whether Tommy was being genuine or dismissing him. Then he realized: it didn't matter. He'd been dismissed either way.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnf1Tf8QshS
It was a solemn walk to the front door. None of the other alchemists stopped him. None of the thugs questioned him. He passed through like a ghost, barely noticing the young boy standing outside, pleading with the guards to let him in.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHy0D8VcpEZ
Tommy sat back in his chair, set the completed potion on his desk, and poured himself a drink. He was exhausted. As much as he loved what alchemy had given him—wealth, power, respect—the work itself was mentally draining.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdOVPFGOeT
He wanted to sleep, even though it was still early afternoon.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICET1DS9ZC
A knock at the door.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6SlmoqLhA
"Boss?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVi9OJyvYe
Tommy sighed. "What?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoggpSHDCem
The thug hesitated. "Never mind, I—"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH5cBQIeYT
"Just tell me." Annoyance crept into Tommy's voice. "They don't interrupt me unless it's something. I'd rather know than be left wondering."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0UXgo4uXE
The thug opened the door wider, looking conflicted. "There's some kid outside. Says he wants to make a deal with you."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ40lLdtcL
Tommy blinked. A child? Wanting to make a deal?498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6Jf5MEgFt
The absurdity of it caught him off guard. How did a child even know where to find him?498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTgY2aD7na
Tommy considered. A child making deals was unusual, but unusual often meant opportunity.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcMysklX2X
"I'll allow it. Send him in."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmRFpILgZF
He finished his drink and set the glass aside, composing himself. When the door opened again, a young boy entered.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1b0Ium56g
Shadows clung to the child like a living outline—darkness magic, barely controlled. The boy wore a simple robe, the kind the church provided to orphans. He hesitated just inside the doorway, then moved forward and sat without being invited. He wouldn't meet Tommy's eyes.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEP7p5bdM1
Interesting.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIZ6loWLlz
"Well," Tommy said, leaning back. "You came here. What do you need?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4pnaiy5gS
He was curious, but not particularly invested. Children rarely had anything to offer.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5SUSj83Po
"My sister is sick."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwCWQQMP9n
"And?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcgwkCHjsw
"I need a cure."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9d91xiFudH
Tommy sighed. "This isn't a church, child. We don't give things freely. And the church can heal most ailments easily enough."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7988tEVfi
"It's the weakness."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HTm5Dacai
Tommy's interest sharpened slightly. "Ah. Well, my statement stands. The weakness cure is not something I give away. What's it worth to you? Why should I even care?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRnJyNEfSz
"I can work," the boy said, finally looking up. Desperation burned in his eyes.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfzowmUgbj
"I have plenty of workers. Thugs, mostly, but they serve their purpose. You're far too young to be useful in that way." Tommy gestured dismissively. "And I don't think any amount of sweeping floors is worth a potion that's not easily made."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYqr8sZi2e
"I'll owe you," Arlin pressed. "Whatever you want. Eventually."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwGFE2K416
"Charming. But that's not much of a sales pitch, is it? A vague IOU from a child?" Tommy studied him more carefully. "You'll need to offer something more concrete if you want me to care."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYflyP0xdF
The boy's jaw tightened. "I have darkness magic. Level three. I can earn money—real money. I just need time."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBQ4Yaiw8T
Tommy went very still.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtZxYaofd8
Level three darkness magic. In a child. That was rare. Valuable.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bEnY5q5z3
He could feel the edges of a plan forming.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8omu8xRJJ
Level three darkness magic. Rare for any human, let alone a child this young. Tommy could find uses for that—later, when the boy was older. When that power had matured.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wenJuQpJE
And he'd just finished making a potion. The monthly obligation to the church sat right there on his desk, still warm from the final heating process. It pained him to think about that deal—one cure per month, every month, in perpetuity. He hated making them. They pulled him away from his real work, his real research.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrK493Vdxv
But perhaps this situation could serve multiple purposes.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpghM62Jja0
Tommy leaned forward, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Here are my terms. You cannot steal from anyone with legitimate business on my streets or around my shop. Beyond that?" He spread his hands. "I don't care how you get the money."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp8o75Q69D
The boy looked up, hope flickering in his eyes.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVnhcILCtJ
Tommy's smile widened. The boy's face fell—he knew there was more.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9E12W9fFDX
"Of course," Tommy continued, "you'll never be able to pay me back through petty theft. The potion is worth far more than anything you could steal in years. But it will be interesting to watch you try." He tapped his fingers on the desk. "I need materials from the dungeons—rare herbs, monster parts, mana crystals. You're far too young for that kind of work now. But one day..."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JQaWETEkY
He trailed off deliberately, letting the implication hang.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHYGCsnn1l
There were other benefits to this arrangement that Tommy kept to himself. Letting a church orphan run wild making impossible deals, racking up debts he could never repay—it might give Tommy leverage. The church wouldn't want that scandal. Perhaps he could finally end that wasteful monthly potion agreement.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96udNjAKdo
Tommy reached across his desk and picked up the freshly made potion. He held it out to the boy.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvs1HYgdYCi
"This is a rare gift. You've done nothing to earn it. Remember that."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysT0boUfaE
Arlin snatched the potion from his hand and bolted for the door without a word of thanks.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ31a6CVfll
The thug in the hallway noticed the boy sprint past but didn't give chase. The boss looked unconcerned, even pleased.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEyFQv0Edv
"You good, boss?"498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyb9Rs3JBpK
Tommy poured himself another drink, savoring the burn. "Fine. Just setting up my future, is all."498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQBSGHxeFv
The thug nodded and closed the door.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHqGdtQdNn
Alone again, Tommy stared at the empty space where the potion had been. He hated making those cures. Wasted time. Wasted effort.498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIK9eMyzVA
But this one? This one might actually pay dividends.
498Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNfC6CGSLu
and then Add to home screen.