Shade

And One..

She was genuinely at a loss.

On one hand, Audemus had inside information that would cut days off her recon of the place so she could get the job done quicker. On the other, he was coming with her. While they’d danced around the implications of what she would be doing while out in public, she knew he knew what was going to happen.

Erhur Flamerest was going to die for his crimes.

Shade was given this task because she could get it done and give him what he deserved at the same time. She had long perfected the poisons she carried with her for such tasks – traceless killers that induced natural ailments but tormented the body before death finally claimed them.

And child slavery was on the list of things Shade could not tolerate with any mercy. They knew that and it was why she was sent these jobs. Only people who perpetrated horrible crimes. Only the nobility who were corrupt.

Dust flew as her wrapped fist impacted the heavy sand-filled bag hanging from her ceiling. She spun, heel catching the side neatly. One. Two. Breathe. The chain creaked above her.

They never sent her on jobs that she couldn’t handle and that only fell within her criteria. She supposed being raised by them came with a few perks. She frowned and slammed a fist into the bag, spinning and catching it with an elbow.

She caught the bag as it swung back, holding it to still it, panting. No one had ever gone with her on a job before. She was afraid. Though of what she didn’t know, well it was tied.

Shade jumped up, hands curling around the curl bar, lifting her legs to drape over it before letting herself hang upside down by the knees. With her fists by her chin, she began, bringing her head up to her knees then back down in controlled motions. One. Two. Breathe. She closed her eyes.

She was afraid he’d look at her different. She was afraid of being fired from one of the best places she’d ever worked. He wasn’t the type to give her to the authorities, but that niggled at the back of her brain too. One or both of them could get hurt. No one had ever forcibly inserted themselves into this part of her life before.

Reps done, she dropped from the bar gracefully and shook off the circling thoughts.

She unwound the strips of linen from her hands as she walked to the window. There was a low chirp before a small fuzzy creature landed in her hair. Little hooked hands pulled the body until the bat was settled. Shade smiled.

“You think it’s gonna be okay?” she asked the bat, lifting a hand to run her finger along one leathery fibrous wing.

There was a quiet chitter in response.

“I hope you’re right.”

She closed her eyes, letting cool evening air wash over her.