Page 27 of Illicit Bargain

"Just tying up loose ends," I reply, not breaking stride.

As I walk away, I hear the woman call out to me. I don’t turn around, don’t acknowledge her. I've given her a chance, just as Javan gave me mine. What she does with it is up to her.

"Ready to go?" Javan asks, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"Always," I reply, my voice firm. "Let’s get out of here."

We walk together through the darkened streets, our footsteps echoing softly in the night. The air is cool, and the distant sounds of the town slowly fading into the background. I feel Javan’s presence beside me, a comforting weight in this chaotic world.

"You're really something, you know that?" he says, glancing at me.

I raise an eyebrow. "Oh? And what exactly am I?"

"A force to be reckoned with," he replies, his voice filled with admiration. "You’ve come a long way from that fragile girl in the barracks."

I smile, feeling a surge of pride. "Thanks to you."

He stops and turns to face me, his expression serious. "No, thanks to you. You had the strength all along. I just helped you find it."

His words touch something deep within me, and I reach out, taking his hand. "Let’s keep going," I say softly. "We’ve got a lot more to do."

He squeezes my hand, his eyes dark and intense. "Lead the way, my lady."

And with that, we disappear into the night, ready to face whatever comes next. My mind lingers on the woman, the one I spoke to. The one who showed me a great kindness when she didn't have to.

I gave her the key to summon a demon. Whether she does it or not, I don't know. But it fills me with joy that another human woman will be able to find power in a world that has always denied her of it.