Page 66 of The Sins of Silas

“You can imagine what those animals really are,” Dani murmured into my ear as she stepped beside me.

“Holy shit,” Roland whispered.

Tigers. Monkeys. A damn elephant, for fuck's sake. People were filling the hundreds of seats that surrounded the large stage, and my eyes caught the ringleader readying for the show.

“Logan is the ringleader?” Merrick questioned.

“That he is,” Dani replied.

The overhead light on the stage was bright. “Mage light?” I whispered.

“Yup,” Dani laughed. “Brilliant, right?”

I stumbled forward a step, tilting my head as I studied the surroundings. Food vendors were scattered about, and various games were set up, people already trying to win the small prizes. I heard a loud ding, and when I peered to my right, a man sitting above a tank of water was plunged into the liquid by someone chucking a ball at a bullseye. They roared with laughter as he was submerged.

“This place is remarkable,” Elowen said with tearful eyes, covering her smile with her hands.

There were two large tents on either side of the stage. The one to the left had black and grey stripes, and the one to the right was red and gold.

Dani angled her thumb to the black and grey. “That tent is the Adult Only tent. Think exotic dancers, fun cocktails, and…private rooms.” Her grin grew as she pointed at the other. “And the red and gold? That is where our 'freaks' work.”

Silas raised a brow at her. “Freaks?”

She peeked around, then leaned close to him. “Us Warlocks,” she whispered before pulling back. “In one night, many of us make enough silver to last for the month. The workers shift themselves, not enough to give ourselves away, of course.” She snorted. “One of the girls gave herself three breasts. You should see how much she makes.” Her eyes flicked to the tent. “We've had some wonderful souls wander here, though. Those with real deformities and oddities are the ones who started this show. We've given them a home, a community, and a livelihood after the original one was ransacked by Faltrun.” Her eyes sparkled when she faced us again. “Anyway,they are the real stars of the show. We never judged them for how they were born, nor do they judge us.” Her eyes trailed our group. “Who wants to check it out with me?”

Roland's hand popped up. “Me!” His eyes shot to mine in question.

“Have fun,” I laughed. “I think I'm going to check out the animals first.”

Roland gave me a wink, and Hendry and Edmund decided to join along, Edmund's arms going over both men's shoulders before halting.

“Merrick, join us!” Edmund insisted.

My silver-haired friend blinked, and then he let out a breathy laugh, strolling toward the men and Dani.

“I want to check out the animals too!” Elowen said. “I'll meet up with you later?”

Edmund blew her a kiss. “See you soon.”

I watched as the guys and Dani wandered over to the red and gold tent, my eyes eventually sliding back to the large center stage. I was mesmerized by the dancers who were now moving their bodies on the steps leading up to the stage, at the animals that, to the human eye, appeared just as that. The humans here had no idea so many Warlocks occupied this space.

I ambled forward, weaving through the numerous bodies that wandered the large open space. I couldn't believe how tall the ceilings were for being underground.

“This is incredible,” Erabella murmured beside me, her head craned upward to view the hoops hanging from the ceiling. The crowd roared as acrobats began their aerial performances.

It was captivatingto watch their dark and twisty movements, their faces exhibiting no fear as they spun so far from the ground. The crowd 'oohed' and 'aahed' as the performers dared flips.

“I would love to do that,” Elowen murmured. “Can you imagine? I bet it feels exhilarating and entirely freeing being up there.”

“Or petrifying,” I joked. “Then again, for us, we could use a forcefield if we fell.”

Elowen shrugged, eyes glued to the acrobats. “Perhaps they have a spell for that…if they are indeedWarlocks.” She made sure to mouth that last word.

When I realized Silas was nowhere to be found, I quickly scanned the space, sighing in relief when I spotted him. He was still near the entrance, leaning against the stone wall with his arms crossed. Though he wore a scowl on his face, I could read the emotion in his eyes.

He was fascinated. Not only was the show already more impressive than anything we’d ever seen, but it was inspiring how the Warlocks had come up with ingenious ways to support themselves.

“Let's get a closer spot!” Viola pushed.

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