James spread his soul out over the city as he reached the enchanter's guild. The large building was filled with activity and food as they approached noon. Various runners were dropping off containers of street food that filled the air with clashing scents. From spicy skewers and meat pies to cakes and other sweets.

It was disconcerting as he sniffed a few times and grimaced. Jamie was the same and he could feel their shadow react even more. They appeared to have stronger senses than him, which made him think animal demi-human.

Following the teen, they moved up to the second floor, where the kid dropped them off at Tian's office. Stepping inside, he found the ebony skinned man eating a bowl of rice and strips of meat with some kind of sauce. It smelled spicy and James ignored it as best he could.

"Do you have the materials?" he asked.

Tian set down his bowl. "I do, and the contract." Sliding over a piece of paper, he patted it a few times.

James picked it up and started reading it over. Apart from the promise of exchange for the materials, James and Jamie would produce a total of fifty water devices as tested from the sample. Their quality had to be passable and approved by Tian before they would be accepted. One thousand gold would be paid at the delivery of all fifty devices. An additional three hundred gold would be paid if James and Jamie helped install the devices.

All he had to do was sign his name and so would Jamie. It was a simple contract with just enough stated that he didn't have to overthink anything. There were also stipulations about what would happen if they failed to make the devices and compensation for breaking the agreement. The timeline was one week.

Handing it to Jamie, he let her read it over as well. Once she was satisfied, she signed it and handed it back. Signing his name, James smiled and slid it back to Tian, who also signed his name.

"Good! Good!" Tian clapped his hands before the contract disappeared into his ring. "I have your pipes next door and we'll collect them in a moment. I wanted to talk about that cultivation ring."

"What about it?" Jamie asked.

James tuned them out for the time being as he focused on the souls over the city. He didn't look at any of the stronger souls, but scanned for the weaker ones that would be children.

Several of them were gathered and seeming to play some kind of chasing game. Others were with Mender, or other hospitals. Everything seemed normal until he reached the north side of the city where the waterfall was. There, he felt pain and fear from several souls.

"James!" Jamie hissed.

Coming back to attention, James looked between his sister and Tian. "Did I miss something?"

Running a hand down her face, she gestured to Tian. "He wants fifty rings as well. You would have to make them."

Frowning, he paused for a few moments to gather himself. "Are they for the sect?"

Tian nodded. "Yes, I thought the elders could use them as incentives or simply sell them."

"No."

"No?"

"No," James answered again. "I will not make anything for the sect."

Eyes wide, Tian was about to argue when James pulsed his soul and suppressed him. The man shivered in fear for just a moment before fiddling with his collar.

"If there's nothing else, we'll collect our pipes and get started," James said with a hint of anger in his voice.

Jamie clung to his sleeve, her soul shivering as she looked up at him. "I'm ready when you are, dear brother."

Relaxing after his outburst, James touched her hand. "Let's go. We have a lot of work for the next week, and likely more than one toilet to finish."

Recovering, Tian perked up. "Did you say toilet?"

Glad that they were back to a proper conversation, James nodded. "If you want an example, check out the bathroom at the Blushing Maiden."

"You are testing your products on the demi-humans?" Leaning back, Tian appraised him with his fingers pressed together.

"Not testing," James stated. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't demean my friends in front of me."

Jamie pulled on his sleeve. "Your anger is leaking out again."

Focusing on the souls in the building, he felt they were all suppressed, including his shadow and Tian. Pulling his soul in tight, he cut off the pressure.

Wiping his brow, Tian gave him a weak smile. "I meant no offense."

Nodding, James turned to leave. "We'll gather our materials and head out. We have plenty of work to do."

Swallowing audibly, Tian got up and led the way out of the room. Pulling out a key, he unlocked the door next to his office and opened the room to them. Pipes were neatly stacked. All of them were the perfect size in bundles of ten.

"Perfect!" Jamie chirped. "Just so you know, some of them will be silver and others gold."

Tian waved them off. "That's fine. I'll explain to the city lord and other leaders the situation once we deliver them."

James could only nod as he gathered the pipes into his storage. His shadow was watching with curiosity as they likely noticed that he didn't have a ring.

"We'll be taking our leave," James said. "If you check out the toilets and want to talk about them, you know where to find us."

Tian offered up his sweaty hand. Shaking it quickly, James departed from the building. Once they were back on the street, James took a deep breath. "Sorry about that."

Rubbing his arm, Jamie let out a heavy breath. "That was scary."

Slumping slightly, he started walking.

"You didn't realize you were doing it, did you?" she asked as she hurried up to him.

"The first time was on purpose," James answered. "The second…"

Linking arms with him, Jamie pursed her lips in thought. "I have to make a few stops today without you."

"I was wondering when you would."

Nodding, she let him go and slowed her pace. "I'll find you in a couple of hours to help with the pipes."

Waving her off, he turned his attention to the north. "I'll meet you back at the tavern."

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"Where are you going?" she called after him.

"North." Not pausing to humor her, he set his heading to the waterfall.

***

Jamie separated from James and watched him retreat into the distance for several long minutes. The crowd parted around him, nearly the same as when he was in Settling Stone. He was losing control of his soul.

I'll need to talk to Luna and Amber. Maybe they can help him.

She still felt the need to shiver when he struck out at Tian. The sheer power that he focused on one man was unsettling. She was surprised that Tian managed to stay conscious. But she could feel his fear and could feel it from the street. Even their shadow was scared, even as they followed James.

I have to get my own work done. My mentor told me his brother would help.

Scanning the street, Jamie realized that people were ignoring her again, making her trip easy. She turned toward the merchant side of the human district. Searching the walls of the nearby buildings, she started to find the telltale signs of the assassin guild. Every symbol pointed her further into the city and after half an hour, she reached the building she needed.

The front door was guarded as was normal, but she simply slipped inside without them knowing. The bar was packed with assassins, drinking and playing games. None of them would get drunk as a contract could come at any moment. The ones in the bar were the weaker members, or those that just started, hoping work would come their way.

Moving to the master's office, Jamie entered without knocking. The man she found was well dressed in a suit of fine clothe. He watched her as she judged him. Knives were hidden under his jacket and were within easy reach. The subtle scent of poison wafted off him as she narrowed her eyes.

"I was told you could help me," Jamie stated.

The master cocked his head and started to reach for a knife when Jamie summoned the letter she was given. Handing it over, she took a seat at the desk.

The master unsealed the letter and started to read while she looked around the well-maintained room. Bookshelves lined both side walls, filled with what looked like history books and even some ancient novels. She couldn't read the titles, but it was impressive all the same.

The desk she sat at was made from solid wood, inches thick. Polished to perfection, she could see her reflection in the dark wood, but just barely. Her expression was blank as she waited for the man to finish reading.

"My brother sent you," the man stated after a few minutes.

"He said you could help."

Sitting down, the master started burning the letter. "I can. He emphasized your track record and stated that you needed information as payment for jobs well done."

"I just need a place to start," Jamie said. "Anything about my father that you might have."

Clasping his hands together, the master rested them on his desk. "I see. I know of your father. He was a good man. Did lots of good for the city."

Her blank mask broke as her lip quivered. She knew her father helped Settling Stone before coming to Running River. He just never came back.

"What can you tell me?" she asked, her voice thick with emotion.

"I can tell you that everything is connected in the city. Your father nearly disrupted that connection. The last I knew, he went south before the sect could handle him."

Rubbing her forehead, Jamie slumped. "So, he didn't die here?"

"No. He did not die by this city's hands. But he did uncover many things in the city that he wasn't able to finish. And if my sources are correct, your party is discovering those same things."

Taking a deep breath, Jamie tried to calm herself. "We'll be handling a few things while we are here. I already have one job that needs to be done."

"Who is your target?"

Shaking her head, she pressed her lips together.

Humming, the master nodded. "I understand. As long as it's a paid job, I will not interfere. You know the rules."

"I do."

"Do you need supplies?"

Jamie thought it over for a few moments. "It's too early to tell. Once I have more information, I'll be back."

"Jamie?" he asked, his tone hard. "How did you get in here without being stopped?"

Smirking, she got up. "That's the real question, isn't it."

Chuckling, the master stood as well. "It'll be a pleasure working with you. Just know that contracts will come in to eliminate your party."

"Don't send your best," she warned. "I'd hate to see you lose everyone you can count on."

Without showing his annoyance, the man laughed. Jamie could only smile as his soul was tinged with anger and curiosity. Moving to the door, she checked the handle and found contact poison on the knob. Pulling out a rag, she opened the door.

"Saw right through me," the master muttered.

"I'll be back," Jamie stated. "If we become enemies, it won't be me eliminating you. My master will wipe you from this city."

For the first time, the master's mask cracked. A hint of fear and anger leaked out as Jamie left the room. She had the information she needed and yet another heading to follow. For now, she would work to finish what her father started.

***

Amber rested on her stomach while Jasmine rested between her legs. "Your tongue is amazing…" she faked most of her pleasure as the woman worked on her.

"I'm proud of my skills," Jasmine stated. "But I know you didn't come here just for me to pleasure you."

Opening her legs further, Amber hummed. "You're right. I need to meet your madam."

After nearly a minute, Jasmine came up for air. "I believe I can help with that, but I heard what you did for Melody."

A rumbling purr flowed through Amber's body. "You still have a long away to go before we switch roles."

Diving back in, Jasmine continued pleasuring her as Amber savored the moment. After spending the night with James and not being able to touch him, this was what she needed. They agreed to take things slow, and that was more frustrating than anything Amber had dealt with before.

A shudder ran through her body as she was pushed over the edge and she was forced to stop the courtesan. "That's enough, love."

Jasmine pulled away and switched spots with Amber. The human wanted exactly what she had just given Amber. It was too bad that the nekorian had other plans.

"You love having a woman in bed more than men, don't you?" Amber questioned. Leaning in, she kissed Jasmine's neck, teasing her.

"Yes," Jasmine whimpered.

"The madam doesn't like that though. You are supposed to please the men."

"Yes…"

Humming, Amber continued to tease the woman. "But there's a man that visits you often. One particular young man that doesn't sleep with you."

Freezing in place, Jasmine stared with wide eyes.

"Yes, I know," Amber said with a sly grin. "You want out of the trade, only your term still has a few years."

"He'll lose interest in me by then," Jasmine said softly.

"I could talk to the madam for you," Amber purred. "I'm sure I can work something out with her, but I need that introduction."

Clenching her hands into fists, Jasmine's eyes teared up. "She'll never let me go…"

"Leave that to me, love," Amber said before kissing her neck again. Trailing her kisses down to Jasmine's chest, Amber began to tease her further. "I would hate to see young love die when I can help."

"I'd do anything…" Jasmine stated.

"Anything?" Amber hummed.

Gasping, Jasmine grabbed Amber's head and forced her down. "Yes…"

Amber obliged the woman and trailed her kisses down. "I'll be testing that."

Falling into a rhythm, Amber pleasured the woman while thinking about everything she had been learning. With several well placed questions to patrons and courtesans, she learned of Jasmine's problem. She also learned that the madam was extending people's terms illegally.

The higher ups wanted the woman as slaves for their profit. Once the men and women started working, they were trapped until they were too old to be of use. Once they reached that point, they were tossed aside with no hope for their future.

Amber couldn't fix the system, but she could get to Pom and begin a few changes. Once she took control of the district, she would free Jasmine and a few others that still had a future outside the pleasure district.

Finishing with the woman, Amber got dressed. "Take me to your madam."

Pulling on a robe, Jasmine gave her a hazy look. "Follow me."

Making sure she was smiling, Amber followed as if she was any other customer. The men and women she passed avoided eye contact, but a select few appraised her and reached for their purses.

"She's not for sale," Jasmine announced more than once.

Amber wanted to laugh, but controlled herself. When they finally reached a bedroom unlike any of the others, Amber touched Jasmine's back and whispered, "go back to your room for now. I'll keep my promise."

Pulling her in for a kiss, Jasmine beamed before walking away. Left alone with the madam, Amber judged the older woman that was past her prime. Heavy with makeup, she tried to look younger, but couldn't hide the wrinkles.

"What brings a nekorian to my room?" the human asked.

Amber crossed her arms. "I hear Pom is coming tomorrow." Tossing over a bag, heavy with gold coins, she waited.

"You want a place in his room," the madam stated.

"There's more gold that I'd be willing to part with. I just need a time."

Shaking the bag, the madam smiled. "Noon. He likes to eat lunch with the women before succumbing to his urges."

Amber smiled. She didn't dare tell the madam that she got the gold from the vault in the basement. There was so much gold in the place that a small purse wouldn't be noticed. They might notice the three other purses she had claimed, but that was a worry for later.

"I hope you won't warn him." Uncrossing her arms, Amber walked over to the side table and poured tea for the madam.

"He's not worth warning," the madam said in honesty.

Amber didn't want to push too hard, so she handed over the tea and walked back to the door. "I believe you. I'll be here at noon. I'll make sure Pom is well serviced."

Setting down the bag of coins, the madam laughed. "I don't doubt it."

With her mission accomplished for the day, Amber took her leave. She had a date with James in a few hours, and she wanted to get cleaned up, especially after the morning in the brothel.

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