Page 49 of Queen of Vengeance

I can’t say I’ve ever seen anyone that looked quite like him.

He watched me in the same way that I watched him, and I couldn’t help feeling like he knew something about me that I didn’t know about myself.

What an unsettling man.

“Are you all right? Stick close to me. You’ll meet far worse than merchants along this route.” Jax warned. Those were the only words he had spoken directly to me all day.

I was grateful to hear them because he was beginning to make me feel like a ghost. I did just as Jax ordered me to. I walked, sandwiched between him and Zane.

A few merchants looked my way but wouldn’t dare bother me again.

Mema was right. I need to be more careful out here.

We had finally made it through the merchant strip and reached the outpost's entrance, a large metal gate.

Three men stood on either side of the gate, all dressed in the same pewter blue armor.

“We wish to access the Federation of Setas through the Kronos Key Portal. Anzul Peigue granted us a special audience.”

“State your name.” One of the men on the right demanded.

“Jaricn Ransom. Zayden Willow. Aleandra—” Jax did as he was told and started stating the names but got stuck on mine.

Does he not remember my last name?

“Nadir. Aleandra Nadir.” I answered for him.

Jax looked over his shoulder and me, furrowing his brow.

“Fee.” The guard on the left held out his hand.

Jax pulled out a purple velvet bag and dropped it into the guard’s hand.

The guard then disappeared through a small door beside the large gates, leaving us waiting outside.

Zane turned to check on me, and I gave him a confused look. “I’ve been through these a few times before. It only takes a moment. Don’t worry.”

A screeching sound tore through our conversation as the gates started opening.

I watched the metal gears at the top, which turned with great struggle to open the heavy gates.

“Welcome! My name is Anno Blanc.”

My eyes looked at the man dressed in a long blue cloak.

The finest material I’d ever seen made up the cloak.

The man was older and portly, greeting us with a smile and his arms outstretched.

“Friends, please don’t dally. The finest mode of transportation on this side of the territory awaits you.”

Other than his ostentatious personality, he seemed harmless.

We followed him inside, and one guard walked behind us.

“Now tell me, friends, have you brought any illegal contraband to transport through the portal today? I should tell you that illegal potions, works, or ideas are strictly forbidden. The safety and sanctity of this portal is in the very capable hands of BPR.” He waved his arms about as he explained.

I was too busy looking around at the grandiose halls to answer.

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