Chapter 14
M y gaze swept across the tavern, taking in the sight of long wooden tables filled with a diverse crowd. Soldiers shared ales after a grueling day, their armor emblazoned with the blessed sun, while courtesans from the local brothel wove between tables, their artfully styled hair catching the lamplight.
My fingers absently traced the ends of my dark hair. Despite my own reluctance to use feminine charms, I couldn't help but admire their grace—even if I could barely manage a simple braid.
Before that night with Ma?l, I'd never given much thought to my own appeal. My heart ached thinking of him. His training-tousled hair, the way his muscles moved beneath sun-kissed skin—everything about him seemed to call to my touch. All this time, I'd believed he was destined for another, when in truth, those captivating smiles were meant for me alone. He was truly mine in every way that I was his. Time lost to silence and misunderstanding, our future ripped away before we could claim it.
I thumbed the ring around my neck as I approached the bar. A burly man lumbered over, his expression suggesting I was already trying his patience. I lifted my chin, determined not to show any sign of weakness.
"I-", I didn't even get to finish as he grunted and dropped a key in front of me.
"Second door on ye right, I wouldn't keep 'em waiting if I were you," he said gruffly, already turning away to tend to his other patrons.
His demeanor brought Geralt to mind—all growl and no grace. I sighed as I took the key from the counter and headed towards the staircase. I paused at the door, noting the empty hallway and the unusual silence. The lamplight cast shadows in the hall, and I fought the urge to draw them to me, to hide me from what awaited inside. But they'd already witnessed my shadow tricks—there would be no easy deception tonight.
I slipped the key into the lock and turned it. The door swung inward to expose a dimly lit chamber, illuminated only by a crackling fireplace. The room held little: a small bed hugged the far wall, while two wingback chairs faced the hearth.
In one chair lounged a figure with fluid elegance, their limbs arranged with calculated indifference. They observed me with undisguised interest, shadows dancing across the hood they wore.
"I almost thought you wouldn't show," they drawled, voice dripping with equal parts arrogance and indifference. I approached, they remained perfectly still, studying my every movement.
Despite my unease, I masked my discomfort with a nonchalant shrug, sinking into the other chair with feigned casualness. "To be fair, I never promised my presence."
They chuckled, straightening. "But you are indeed here. Have you considered my offer?"
"Remind me, what exactly are you offering?"
They leaned forward, pushing back their hood to reveal hair like spun candlelight, blue eyes gleaming with predatory interest and lips curved in a savage smile. "I'm offering you exactly what you seek, little one—vengeance."
I met her eyes, weighing my response. Had I been so transparent with my purpose?
"I'm only guessing," she said, leaning back to watch the flames devour the log inside.
"You're no trained assassin, yet I watched you murder Archie. I collected that bounty myself, so I know you weren't on contract. You have a score to settle—and clearly, you're not finished yet."
Her gaze found mine, calculating, weighing my worth like a merchant appraising rare goods.
"I'll train you. You'll take the jobs I assign. In return—shelter, meals, payment for your work, and my help finding whoever you're hunting."
There it was—the choice I'd wrestled with since learning of this place.
The resources I desperately needed, paid for in blood.
Could I do this? I studied her face, searching for... something.
Her feral smile softened into something familiar—a fierce determination that burned as bright as the flames behind her.
I knew that look—it was the same fire that had driven me as I hunted my village's murderers.
I nodded once. "I accept. Who are you?"
She tossed a coin purse into my lap. "Vanya. That's your cut from Archie. Now come—your training begins."
A chill traced my spine as I rose to follow her. I was stepping into a world of shadows and blood, but beneath my fear, hope flickered to life. Vengeance was finally within reach, and I would pay whatever price it demanded.