TWELVE YEARS BEFORE, IN THE CITY483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡET0zbiHCdX
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTHB8jzhpn
She didn't want to be a mother.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgRNY3TnfG
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...483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXCDY7ybgN
The baby squirmed gently in her arms, trying to get comfortable.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSbMMpFJTe
Sorry, little one. I'm no mother.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5CNMuBJTM
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyxIhMRdPw
The church rose before her, its doors always open. Always welcoming.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JJFRJ0BMe
She slipped inside, shadows clinging to her like a second skin.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6aoBJZqKq
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1GhIpHKIJ
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyieNcOsX4
Her heart hammered in her chest.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsusDLjbmGR
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn0KVlB11e
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMN99CjQEK
I can still go back. I can still change my mind.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl7BiTmCIR
"Terra?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSSMfBYzBo
No. She'd made her choice. Even if it killed her, she wasn't a mother. She couldn't be.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg54zoqh2H1
Tanya opened the door.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTAdnjjZJ8
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpGM7c4PnH
He didn't move.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sqZrP1Zvi
"Oliver," she said quietly.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdixbELIwiP
"Tanya." His voice was gentle, resigned. "I was hoping you'd change your mind."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW08E8YsmL6
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirGodlZlF8
"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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpu4Ojctevx
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRXdNfgusM
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vlxfGUA8e
Oliver sighed, a heavy sound that seemed to carry years of weariness. "Alright."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtgrNazl6N
He stood slowly, moving around his desk. "He'll be here if you ever change your mind."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcgeKOSvwW
A pause. Then, quieter: "Does he have a name?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhS2Xa9Mhxo
Tanya felt something crack inside her chest. She nodded. "Arlin."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZhQN7kL36
She moved forward, each step deliberate, and placed the baby in Oliver's arms.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAEincd4k6
Arlin started crying—a small, keening wail, as if he knew his mother was giving him up.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlPNuqOHcZ
Tanya steeled her heart. She knew she was cruel. She knew she wasn't a loving mother. That's why this had to happen.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpB9QtAfvA
"Raise him well," she whispered.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmB0f0PgcF
Then she let the shadows consume her, dissolving into mist that flowed out the door and into the night.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbtDmRVY6l
Behind her, Arlin's cries echoed down the empty corridor.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxko6fd4nK
Tanya stopped in front of the guild hall, staring up at the building. Her home. Her prison.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5IM1fUn8h
She was exhausted. Was it late? Early? She'd lost track of time somewhere between the church and here.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WHXgeb0Z5
She pushed through the heavy doors and stopped short.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCknEgkFLOa
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ0oWDU1DB
"Bit late to just be coming home," he said mildly.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnFIr8WlL7
Tanya let the shadows fall away from her. "And why are you up at this hour?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XNz1TX04u
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfNrZ6m6zZ
Sometimes infuriatingly perceptive.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2JcxHwFsJ
"You want to talk about it?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpO6LDaG4I
Tanya flinched. Shadows instinctively gathered around her again. "I don't know what you're talking about."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKYdxxKbmc
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoh9PvdcofF
"I thought we were friends," he said quietly. "We've been working together for years, Tanya."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpBu8ErC5E
She broke.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡat0OLFKgKA
The lie crumbled. He knew. He'd always known. Her secret shame was no secret at all.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy1bdP3Nlb
"How long have you known?" Her voice came out raw.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXbg1n0oc7
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPehWK0pYQ
A fresh tear slid down her cheek. She retreated further into the shadows, her form becoming almost mist.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1OGZOyrDa
"I can't raise him," she whispered.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc4p9Z0gHZj
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtTJsWCAHg
Tanya shrugged, uncertain what she could have done differently. What she should have done.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZeXMsyPXw
Terry sighed. "Get some sleep, Tanya. Then tomorrow, go see the alchemist. They have potions and herbs that can help with anxiety and depression."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhDIqQCilP
Tanya didn't respond. Couldn't respond.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYq9xA1bwsF
A choice was made. What will be, will be.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QekJRbriN
Tanya didn't sleep.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7BuAaH4am
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBikXJJJH05
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgOAhxu3Fb
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4jOcmZ5G0
She knew about the alchemist. Tommy. The new "top dog" in the alchemy trade.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXeUyqyIS1
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgLQ69VBnL
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxILlrUWd0K
Since Tanya needed discretion, she went to the workshop.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QlBGQ3DFp
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4kzdTQZ3j
She let the shadows drop. Willed herself visible.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXByftBAIF
The thugs relaxed when they saw she was just a woman, not some monster born from darkness.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP7OAz8ddV
"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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGLVF7xSjJ
"Tell your boss someone with money wants a discreet meeting," Tanya said, her voice flat. "He'll see me."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrzgvNVdi1
The thugs exchanged uncertain glances. Their orders were simple: don't let anyone in without an appointment. But money talked. Everyone knew that.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAx7odpPBcZ
"Wait here," one finally said, disappearing inside.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr2FB7OjGP
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYYniAh1w7
She forced herself to stay calm.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6kuzwkl6l
A few minutes later, the thug returned. "Boss'll see ya."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tHLwOM8yc
He led her inside without further comment.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxgnWR2SHZ
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsXpmUQ1gv
He knocked once, then opened it without waiting.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPD7D2JUkxl
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLFdoAeOnO
Tommy. Had to be.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpUYy9tIQi
He stopped writing and waved the thug away. The door clicked shut.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyrElCMkkn
Tanya moved forward and sat without being invited. If he wanted to play power games, she could play too.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDIXOhbqii
"I don't know you." Tommy set down his pen and leaned back, studying her. "May I have a name?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S6ExQz6SG
"Tanya. Guild master."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYsmxcm87G
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQOnMS5hWi
"Would you like a drink?" He held it up. "Rare vintage. I made it myself. Very smooth—not too much alcohol."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2dkJCKQFm
Tanya's nerves were screaming. The sleepless night was catching up to her, exhaustion making her hands want to tremble. She nodded.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gqDqjfmrz
Tommy poured two glasses with practiced ease and slid one across the desk.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbkqyudLVR
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLYNBgqGSR
"It's good," she admitted.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzZAAbKge5
Tommy smiled, sensing opportunity. "I can make you a bottle as a gift. For taking this meeting."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAoH2lmShd
"No." Tanya set the glass down. "I want something else. That's why I'm here."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3ZopEbBgV
The smile faded slightly. Tommy's expression shifted to something more calculating. "Well then. May I ask what? Or should I guess?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7UCjbquhv
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECAS4cU0RP
Transactional. Clean. That's how she preferred it.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi1jnpNokM
"I need something for stress and anxiety," Tanya said. "Something I can take whenever I need it."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAXeUaTNH3
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvztnvXq49
His eyes had caught on the faint edge of darkness that clung to her, shadows that never quite left.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ478Z04KArM
Tanya's eyes narrowed. "What are you implying?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8sF79lpl4
Tommy swallowed, realizing he'd overstepped. "I meant no disrespect. Merely observing a skill at play. Nothing more."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqFKRnbGWS
She continued to glare, and he hurried to change the subject.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JOzdwHhHo
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOnyP64uKd
Tanya's posture eased slightly. She was listening.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHFETfp3Hz
"And?" she prompted.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ytixqjuwp
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIHDalzHFj
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4fUAvW4nI
A small price for peace of mind.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvldkthlYAs
"Fair trade," she said. "What's the cost?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyBuU3g9mg
Tommy smiled. "Nothing."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1clt5twVu
Her eyes narrowed immediately. "You think me a fool? There's always a price."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhF2wW3VFpM
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHekFmPV0N4
"My goodwill."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk6p0bISZf
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFJu3gCO76
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6dl9eMUic
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8rJ0uESB0
"When can you deliver?" she asked.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzefmvPGXJq
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWixUzcQNXz
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb3PbWpQB8
She sat alone in the quiet office.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrs6LUlrRAD
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IenlYlboo
Still, sitting here waiting made her uneasy.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzNDORWaRN
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...483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOjrd4GDbp
The door opened.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8vhZyYOOI
"—already told someone about the shipment, boss," the thug was saying.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o4zLu7Caf
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOEPpR43rf
He set two items on the desk: a small leather pouch and an elegant wooden box.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrOd9khDRu
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukTIadk2DX
"This is too much," she started to say.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkAccBgPru
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZc4BVUIzm
"And you assume we'll have a similar outcome?" Tanya asked, running her thumb over the pipe's smooth surface.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0IWGivMK9
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgfnmM03Cq
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONlUJFDoYO
"I would prefer you not smoke it here," Tommy said quickly.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XlwZX1znS
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5drbm1XVI
She stood and moved toward the door. "I'll stay in touch."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7LUrW7qHO
"I look forward to it."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kh63OgeTl
Tanya stepped into the hallway and let the shadows embrace her, her form dissolving into mist as she made her way out.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB41sGyIX1R
Behind her, the thug watched her transformation with wide eyes. "You good, boss?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mBhR1JrmC
Tommy was already back at his desk, pen in hand. "Fine. She's a business associate. Just keep me informed, as always."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbPz2h04AR
The thug nodded and closed the door.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5SQOFzP2U
Tommy smiled to himself as he wrote a note in his ledger: Guild master—mana crystals—long-term investment.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe680e12SeB
Back in her room at the guild hall, Tanya closed the door and locked it. She needed privacy for this.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimymuNBI8J
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcE00xn9sk3
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTm7PY485a
Peace.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGEIEhg8un
She'd forgotten what it felt like.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLJjlBFfKX
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZE4Ft03ST
When she woke, sunlight was streaming through her window. Bright, warm, midday sun.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93FNRnlVEM
Tanya sat up slowly, disoriented. Only a few hours had passed, surely. The sun couldn't be that high already.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbN3s1mvCh
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlssnks7KOr
"Sleep well, mistress?" he asked without looking up as the adventurer walked away.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tzmgRXyv1
"Not enough. Only a few hours."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmkU7hlWEs
Terry raised an eyebrow and finally glanced at her. "You do know a day and a half has passed since we last spoke?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVDKWlDuQN
Tanya blinked. "What?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxzplI3Arx
"You've been asleep for over thirty hours."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuVrZcucGu
She let out a short, surprised laugh. "Guess it had more of a kick than I thought."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UE9kFua0u
"It?" Terry's tone was carefully neutral.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXocyD6vVU9
Tanya pulled out the pipe and showed him. He leaned in, sniffed the residue at the tip, and nodded slowly.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYQ7xctrQT
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTbjOXTpV5
Tanya shrugged. "The alchemist gave it as a gift. Said long-term use might have side effects, but nothing harmful."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRqY0WkgTl
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRB5K9Mfwfd
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPjRR3r2sF
Everything washed away.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCVsKNphTi
"It's fine," she said, exhaling smoke. "I'll deal with it as it happens."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusyvmtk82F
Terry watched her for a long moment, then nodded.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI76M21hoFF
It was the start of her new life. A life without being a mother.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtsijDfpBv
TWELVE YEARS LATER483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFa74XdD1e
How many years had Arlin lived in this prison?483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ALwNcIB0T
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0C4VXhe64
He was twelve years old and he'd never had a real family. Never would.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjSSGK120a
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBarpnBkSlr
Why would he want that? Arlin had no idea.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4vF0pTBPa
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy41SCdmxzV
Even when he didn't want to be alone.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLX1M6WhpER
Then one day, two wolfkin children arrived at the church.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kdtg17Yrx
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vfESoNZVN
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe0wrkUXIS
Arlin didn't believe it.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNxV9fbnlM
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrBxHpJTlw
But Arlin thought he could offer them more than just accepting their fate.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaMyeSUTYA
Maybe they could even be a family.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jhklIapjz
Arlin kept his distance at first, not wanting to scare them. Then, when the moment felt right, he stepped out of the shadows.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBeEXXxWuI
"Hey. I've seen you two around. My name is Arlin."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTA3wmLgmi
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaNj61UO30
"Sorry," he said quickly, raising his hands. "It's my magic. I use it to hide. Helps me avoid chores."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzWjq4Cwil
They stared at him, wide-eyed. Not afraid. Amazed.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3ehyXBuhx
"You can do magic?" the girl asked, her voice hushed with wonder.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW5dlH6pmI
"Yeah." Arlin grinned. "You're beastkin—you should have magic too. Probably even stronger than mine!"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJvEQbAam2
Both children looked down immediately, ears flattening.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEZTNPhf4N
"No," the boy said quietly. "That's why they abandoned us. We have no magic."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH4gyAACX3
Arlin's grin vanished. "What? Nobody would be that cruel..."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZuQInMqUY
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza6m4inW7y
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4DqnecKxh
"Maybe we can be a family?" The words tumbled out before he could stop them.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76utip7As7
Both children looked at him like he'd said something wrong. Offensive, even.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Pv4BOSnGH
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkCHMigp7q
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ALIcw2m9Y
"I can speak for myself," Ziala snapped, though she nodded to confirm the introduction.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzljnloWZvr
Arlin smiled. "Rock? That's an interesting name."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC74iHhqd2
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9FbKU71Zv
Ziala patted his back gently.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Tl46azrNl
"I understand," Arlin said quietly. Then, to lighten the mood: "Ziala is a pretty name too."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeQNDv6Rbx
She gave a small smile, but there was no joy in it.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAOf6ntZqP
Arlin saw this as his chance at a new start. A purpose.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcutmken2BF
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDDxbZSWM5
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1B9ERntd1
Good, even.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqbgGYjdOp
For the first time in years, Arlin felt like things might be looking up.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0XyY01Yk5
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EEnS8AQgy
Then Ziala started getting sick.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPwgnAYu1u
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFMXAIW5oD
They tried everything. Prayer. Healing potions from the church's stores. Rest. Nothing worked.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGBapNt3cS
It didn't make sense to Arlin. She wasn't getting worse, exactly, but she wasn't getting better either. Just... weaker.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpHUeMIod5
He went to see Bishop Oliver.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC3sfGkqcF
"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?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrloI5grgKh
Arlin steadied his resolve. "You've seen Ziala. She's getting weaker every day. We need a cure."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOp8cvGICPS
The bishop's smile faded. "I'm afraid we can't provide that."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUjs5WFts3
"What? Why not?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVODO9xDu5f
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp0F0InTqC
"Years?" Arlin's voice rose. "She's suffering now."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTWEQksCjq
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8BXtz4CML
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcVLL3kXiz
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oYmAU2pbD
"I don't care about—" Arlin started.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wbcmsdmXY
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtKQMYhQ2g
"Then make more!"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3mlpAK96U
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHc1ClQtyu
Arlin's fists clenched. "So Ziala just has to suffer because she's not human?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74N94sDZIy
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVISRkSst3f
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBxE3Rc4Rr
He'd find another way.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVsOn3ABO0
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEPFTdv00B
"Follow me," the bishop said, standing. "There's something you should see."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs2AXs8jwI
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2OyXIVlrK
The hallway was lined with doors. Many were closed. Some stood open.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQDFwwEzuA
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflKhqqtlbr
He stopped at one of the open doors and gestured for Arlin to enter.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWPJ5iiI6b
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HgW2IOtCP
Why did these people get private rooms? What made them special?483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaHJux7igM
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfIWxqODt5
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNClimoE6C
"Where are they?" he asked.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jTKj5eLgh
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEn7gOjPLU
Arlin did remember seeing people being guided slowly through the church halls. He'd assumed they were elderly or recovering from injuries.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxaRLEzEPI
"You said you can help them," Arlin pressed, his tone hardening. "So you can spare a potion. Just one."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfF4PkctbG
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88XDJRaRK1
"I'll work harder," Arlin said desperately. "I'll earn it. I'll do anything—"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCNKX8I0ev
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKThfTr8mGA
"This isn't my home."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtzNvAiZSE
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgGjVAmYKK
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a1zcdCQEG
"Excuse me."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaoFhiQMDU
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcROASA7Dzq
Arlin and the bishop quickly moved aside.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbPlRygdaF
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdouTIOwar
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeyewzudvS
"He has a home," Oliver continued, "but it's overseas. When he started feeling the symptoms, he traveled here looking for our alchemists."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdRfCtYPWd
Arlin watched as the man's eyes fluttered closed, exhaustion overtaking him immediately. "How did he even know to come here? Looking like that?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2WlYNKHWR
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aFnzm8SRV
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEnNPocsyy
"It happens to everyone without magic?" Arlin asked.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkVInr4FNQ
"Not everyone, but many. Especially those who live near dungeons." The bishop gestured toward the door. They shouldn't disturb the man's rest.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKhiw5ZjvN
They stepped into the hallway. The gray robe bowed respectfully and closed the door behind them.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUFQBc7ZXl
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwgKy5gy6K
But Arlin didn't see it that way.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdfrk83YcQ
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjONRWDtDQ
He had to act now. While there was still time.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJNTivrGIB
Tommy rubbed his eyes, exhaustion weighing on him.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cQaUhIZFY
Another one of these damned cures finished. Another month's obligation to the church fulfilled.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAFbUdr6zG
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXaAMhgvTm
Footsteps approached his workshop. Tommy didn't need to look up to know who it was.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q1RVAHyjM
"What do you want, Herbert?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbAzu7fG5D
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLj5H0Qjmj
"I still think you're doing it wrong, sir."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0sVrXkaVW
Tommy finally glanced up. "Perhaps. But it's my method, and it works."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcW9qgmv2t
"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—"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUtLXkIY3G
"Maybe. And make less money doing it."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8WCbT5D1z
"Is that all that matters to you?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBn54KY42i
Tommy laughed. "Do you really need to ask?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lMmDYZgTW
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlnAlNQtsj
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnD9Ya8wDM
Herbert sighed, heavy with disappointment. "Then I'll be leaving."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB27b5W9407
That surprised Tommy. He'd expected argument, not resignation.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjPNEF4QCz
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYrn83Q4g4
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtHVqwNcr4
Herbert looked worn down. His fine clothes couldn't hide the weariness in his eyes, the way his shoulders sagged with defeat.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslbcvds0KG
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnM8tLvopT
Tommy laughed before he could stop himself. The idea of Herbert recreating the weakness cure from scratch, without the key ingredient—it was absurd.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfcFyLdbl2
"Sorry," Tommy said, though he wasn't. "That was rude. I do wish you well, truly."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfAU5Z2YBx
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhOnTJsM0C
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmQY2UagxC
But Herbert wanted more than fair pay. He wanted purpose. Meaning.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡye4BUDYfRi
Tommy couldn't understand that. Didn't want to.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMRJSdwDNe
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuvGOrITMK
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqXnSAeiUF
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiJpzf03Wc
He wanted to sleep, even though it was still early afternoon.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIz8ija8m8
A knock at the door.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhIbNQJMwj
"Boss?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbG7Fak1bB
Tommy sighed. "What?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIUex26k9sp
The thug hesitated. "Never mind, I—"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIh4vO77ns
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllDzTBomWL
The thug opened the door wider, looking conflicted. "There's some kid outside. Says he wants to make a deal with you."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95VokrM5pa
Tommy blinked. A child? Wanting to make a deal?483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QO1gdR87O
The absurdity of it caught him off guard. How did a child even know where to find him?483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYSvJJdvKH
Tommy considered. A child making deals was unusual, but unusual often meant opportunity.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI37fMBnoNa
"I'll allow it. Send him in."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI6uV0WkVg
He finished his drink and set the glass aside, composing himself. When the door opened again, a young boy entered.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5i6arr9WU3
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPXR0mkxpv
Interesting.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw6ZCHFAXy
"Well," Tommy said, leaning back. "You came here. What do you need?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9wvvywGgn
He was curious, but not particularly invested. Children rarely had anything to offer.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrgUVv1grx
"My sister is sick."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCJyQsm7H8
"And?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJn9KTW7hH
"I need a cure."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe7xbQNxNN
Tommy sighed. "This isn't a church, child. We don't give things freely. And the church can heal most ailments easily enough."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscnPev39k6
"It's the weakness."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9apGXo6XU
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?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhYBKbvrhb
"I can work," the boy said, finally looking up. Desperation burned in his eyes.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHozyN8437
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgubmA9sUO
"I'll owe you," Arlin pressed. "Whatever you want. Eventually."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAPh0tdN8L
"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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGb5gzVudP
The boy's jaw tightened. "I have darkness magic. Level three. I can earn money—real money. I just need time."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzGcXPfSrH
Tommy went very still.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvy0Zgfgjxy
Level three darkness magic. In a child. That was rare. Valuable.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl2UkKJbiG
He could feel the edges of a plan forming.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sM074BzZe
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtJGeJvWxr
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQJJWWjx3j
But perhaps this situation could serve multiple purposes.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ20i6mx2y
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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLkOURDNye
The boy looked up, hope flickering in his eyes.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQw18GtHh5
Tommy's smile widened. The boy's face fell—he knew there was more.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWutEISKHYx
"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..."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCw9jfoi4Y
He trailed off deliberately, letting the implication hang.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpzKPr57sY
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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICxMzlmPga
Tommy reached across his desk and picked up the freshly made potion. He held it out to the boy.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDcV27MVi0
"This is a rare gift. You've done nothing to earn it. Remember that."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KT6XaTvsN
Arlin snatched the potion from his hand and bolted for the door without a word of thanks.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCygqdKCFhV
The thug in the hallway noticed the boy sprint past but didn't give chase. The boss looked unconcerned, even pleased.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpyn9zDN6e
"You good, boss?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPCpmRWThN
Tommy poured himself another drink, savoring the burn. "Fine. Just setting up my future, is all."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydXFGXVG3Q
The thug nodded and closed the door.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSPzb6CKh3
Alone again, Tommy stared at the empty space where the potion had been. He hated making those cures. Wasted time. Wasted effort.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbd9SBkx09C
But this one? This one might actually pay dividends.
483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuaGDU5LLkS
and then Add to home screen.