Page 70 of Dark Angel

Some customers are purchasing concoctions from a couple of Spellcasters. Kora can tell they’re Spellcasters from the dark Markings lacing up their arms. One girl has half of her hair shaved, the other half cascading down one shoulder in thin raven tendrils. The man beside her has darker skin and red irises the colour of tomatoes.

Beside them, a Shifter pays an Elemental for some sort of deal. The silver fire Marking clearly showing on his arm for all to see. Koracan only guess the Shifter paid to have a place burnt to a crisp or someone scorched to death. She shivers at the latter thought.

“I’m going to take a look at the latest shipment of weapons Malark is stocking. Shall I meet you at the entrance in an hour?” Clarence proposes to her.

Kora nods in agreement before they part ways.

Walking deeper into the docks, Kora knows Ricky will be at his stall, waiting eagerly for customers. She’s dressed in a simple lilac dress and cream-coloured coat. Reddish-brown hair braided down her back to keep it out of her eyes.

Ricky sees her from afar, a grin growing on his face. “Miss Hamilton, always a pleasure seeing you here.”

“I think only because I am one of your most loyal customers.” Kora says with a smile. “I need more patchouli and bee balm if you have any.”

Ricky nods, his cap almost slipping off his slick ginger hair as he looks around his stall. Wooden crates are filled to the brim with parchment pouches and glass jars.

Kora’s aware that some of them contain substances that are lethal to Seraphim. Some might hold Infernal essence, cantarella or aconite. One touch from either of those substances, and her skin will burn right off of her bones.

Ricky places two parchment pouches on the table between them. “Two shillings.”

“That’s all?” Kora questions him, digging into her purse and flicking through the coins she’s carrying.

“You’re one of my favourite customers, so why not treat you well?”

She hands him the money. “Thank you again, Ricky. I will surely see you soon.” He tilts his bowler cap at her as a thank you.

Kora makes her way deeper into the market. Clarence could be anywhere, looking at the variety of new weaponry forged in Americaand shipped over. He enjoys testing out new weapons to see if the Ascendancy can implement any into their training.

Passing by a stall where Florence and Theodore-wolf Shifters-sit on stools talking with one another, they call out for her to join them.

They’re friendly for wolf Shifters.

Florence’s bright orange eyes glow as she shows off her sharpened canines. Short, curly black hair matching her dark skin. Theodore sits beside her. He’s burly and tall. Light brown hair slightly mattered and matching eyes slit with content.

“I didn’t know you two would be here today.” Kora states as she approaches them.

“You know us, we adore selling our talent to those willing to hand over a coin.” Theodore quips.

Florence hits him on the shoulder, and he lets out a growl. “We aren’t here to sell ourtalent.” Her voice is louder than his. She takes the cover off the crates beside her to show the array of knives and other small weapons. “We like to sell to other kinds. You never know when you need a defensive weapon.”

Kora’s lips part as she sees the piles of crates behind them. “I never thought you’d be selling weapons here. I thought Shifters would just be willing to shift for sheer entertainment or as a revenge offer.”

Theodore shakes his head at her. “We are not those kinds of Shifters. Besides, not many are looking for wolves to scare their friends for sheer delight. We wouldn’t be very useful. They mainly ask Shifters who transform into people for help. These weapons are more to arm themselves against deranged Shifters who are threatening them.” He explains to Kora.

Florence leans across the small table between them. “I heard you are now an eligible girl.” Giving Kora a wink.

Kora can feel herself blushing. “And how did you hear that?”

“Word travels fast in our little city.” Says Theodore. He pulls out a knife and starts sharpening the blade.

“I guess you could say that I am.”

They both look at Kora and smile. “Is there a man who has caught your eye yet?”

“Possibly.” Kora gives a small shrug.

Florence gives a small snicker of amusement. “That means yes.” Leaning over to tell Theodore.

Theodore lets out a husky laugh as Kora rolls her eyes. “You should come to the Sage more; we haven’t seen you in a few weeks.”

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