Page 9 of Queen of Wrath

She breathed out a sigh of relief, hunching over with a weak smile. “Goodness, you aren’t from around here I take it.”

A cold, nervous feeling dribbled over my skin. My eyes began to widen before I reminded myself to keep calm.

I laughed again, this time sounding less genuine than before. “Why would you say that?”

“Because people around here aren't very kind. Many people who live in the city value money over all else. We've seen many people disappear for much smaller transgressions than this one.” She frowned, looking down at her daughter as Darby looked up at her.

“Well, you don't have to worry about me. I'm not going to make anyone disappear.”

That's a lie. If given the option, I'll make Jax disappear to the dark cells of Ryklira to live through what I was forced to do there. And Diesel? Well, I’d like to see him disappear as well…permanently.

“You have no idea what a relief it is to hear that. I'm glad to see that some people in this city still have some sense of humanity.” The look of clarity on her face was unmistakable. She looked refreshed. “We better get going.”

Then I remembered my true purpose in coming this way. “Oh, just one moment. I was wondering if perhaps you could help me with something.”

“Of course, whatever you need.” She tilted her head, lending an ear to me and letting me know that she was listening.

“I'm looking for a tattoo artist, preferably someone who practices discretion. Can you point me in the right direction of someone like that?” I watched her confusion as she tried to figure out my reasoning behind needing such a person, but she decided to do me the courtesy of not pushing for more information.

“You're in luck. There’s a woman of many talents who lives right here in this part of the city. Just keep heading down the street until you hit the pier that runs beside the Red River. On the right, you'll find the Sulking Selkie. She's normally there around this time. Just ask for Dai.”

I had become familiar with the city since living there, but the outer city was still a mystery to me. For instance, I had no idea there was a fishing town right outside of Theskin.

“Thank you,” I smiled and turned to continue down the road.

“No, ma’am. Thank you.” She bowed her head and forced Darby to bow to me as well. “And if you ever need help again, my name is Selvana.”

“Selvana, got it. I’m Le—” Oh, hells! I almost gave myself away! “Uremma.”

“Lovely to meet you.” Her smile widened as she straightened from her bow.

I began making my way, following her directions all the way down to the pier.

“Woah.” I breathed in the cool, crisp air as the scenery before me took my breath away.

The river was a deep blue, and thrashed violently, glistening against the Solare. There were boats too, lined up along the dock.

I wasn't used to seeing anything like this. The nearest fishing village from Dask was miles away—much farther than I’d been willing to travel while growing up there.

I wish I could spend all my time sitting at the pier instead of working in that facility with that bastard.

Just the mere thought of him always ruined my whole mood.

I looked away from the beautiful sight, remembering why I was here in the first place. I tilted my head right, seeing that there were a few buildings overlooking the pier.

The building at the very end, however, was rowdy and drew all of my attention.

Oh… The Sulking Selkie is a tavern!

I would be lying if I said I wasn't intimidated. I had never experienced a “drinking hole” for myself before, but from what I’d heard about such places, only tough people tended to frequent it. I felt woefully unprepared.

What are you so afraid of? You spent the last seventeen years of your life in prison. Nothing is tougher than that.

I gave myself a pep talk in my head as I stood before the Sulking Selkie with my stomach in knots and my feet planted firmly to the ground.

Well, I can't stand out here forever… It’s okay. You got this.

A deep breath filled my lungs as I took the first step toward the tavern. Then another step followed the next until I found myself standing just at the entrance.

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