Avarice: Sin Series, #2

By E.N. Chaffin

Traumatized trio plays tag in the Feylands.

 

Will the hunters find him before she does?

 

When a vampire attacks Azana in her own home, she's certain death is the only outcome--until the legendary Wyraj hunter, Lavanya, saves her. With Lavanya's help, Azana begins to piece her life back together, but she soon uncovers dark family secrets. A runaway named Talos has the answers she seeks. Tracking him down is a risk she must take for the truth.

 

As if life hasn't become complicated enough, she discovers her best friend Marc is keeping his own secrets, mingling with mercenaries who have Talos on their radar. Will Azana be able to save Talos without hurting Marc? Or will she be the next target?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chaffin Press
• Release date: Feb 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224988570

E.N. Chaffin

E.N. Chaffin is an American author born and raised on country cooking and Japanese anime. She has made it her mission to shake up the fiction world, moving ever closer with each story she writes. Find out her plans to go Plus Ultra on her website (www.enchaffin.com) or on her Youtube and Instagram @enchaffin.

Book preview

Important Note

DEAR READER,

There has been a name change within the ebook of the first book in this series, Pryde, which I discovered I needed to do as I wrote Avarice.

Lavanya’s stone is not called a spirit stone any longer. Her stone is now called a heartstone (heart stone). Why? As I was writing this second book, I realized that Lavanya doesn’t have a spirit within her stone. In fact, the Spirit does not live in or is not represented by her stone at all. A stone used in Avarice does, though.

I hope this does not confuse readers. If you read Pryde before this change was made, I apologize.

Also, fun fact, Tolkien did something similar with The Hobbit. When his book was first published, Bilbo received the One Ring as a gift from Gollum, because he made Gollum happy with his riddles. However, when Tolkien was writing the Lord of the Rings series, he realized that Bilbo should have stolen the Ring instead - insert dramatic effect. Thus, when The Hobbit was reprinted, the interaction between Bilbo and Gollum was changed. So at least I’m not the only author who writes changes post-publication.

Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy Pryde, Avarice, and the rest of my writings.

God bless you and happy reading!

E.N. Chaffin

One Before

THE COOL AIR PRICKLED Ji Eun’s skin as she gripped her knife. This was her first mission without her mother or one of the woman’s cronies looming over her, and she wanted to make it a successful one. She glanced at her partner. Markus. She had chosen him for two reasons. One, his skill was unparalleled, even when compared to the older hunters in the guild. Two, he was her best friend, not a kiss-up.

He eyed the skyline from their hiding spot. The moon will be up soon. If we don’t go now, we’ll be spotted immediately.

She gritted her teeth. I know. I’m just waiting for–

The right time? He unsheathed his knife and flicked it around in a pattern. There’ll never be the right time. If we don’t go, we won’t ever finish what we planned to do. He sheathed his knife. But you're the boss of this job. It’s your decision.

Careful, she said, shoving down the anxiety. You’ll stab your foot if you’re not careful.

She scanned the horizon once more. She had begged her mother to give her a mission for her fourteenth birthday. One without strings attached. One that was all hers. It was a right of passage – instead of a special dance or party like other girls, she received a retrieval mission. The older hunters complained. She ignored them. She was just as good as they were and she’d prove it.

Markus leaned over. You can do this. I know you can.

A smile broke out across her lips. Markus was good at that. She turned to him. How mad do you think the other hunters are that we got this job?

Markus tapped his chin. Considering how much we’ll get once it’s complete, I’d say a crap ton.

I hope so. The leader even promised to let me spend my cut on whatever I want.

He grinned. Let me guess. A trip for Ji Su and your grandmother?

Exactly.

That’s perfect motivation for me. Ready when you are.

Ji Eun reminded herself of all the training the two had done to prepare for this night. From studying the layout of the mansion until it was ingrained in their minds to doing timed climbs up a lattice wall. There was nothing they hadn’t prepared for. And it was all for Ji Su. For all her coughs and shivers and whatever was causing them.

Once more, Ji Eun said. The shapeshifter family is out tonight.

Their one maid has the night off and one guard called in sick, leaving only two guards to deal with.

One of whom is taking his break in one minute.

And your hacker boyfriend?

Ji Eun elbowed Markus in the side. Be serious.

He coughed. Fine. Not boyfriend.

She checked her watch. In thirty seconds, he’ll have old camera footage looping and the alarms cut off.

Ji Eun breathed in deeply. She was just as good as her mother. She would accomplish this with no problem. Especially with Markus by her side. They could do this. No. They would do this.

She stared at the stone wall a few yards away. She poised herself. I scale the wall and throw the rope down to help you up.

Markus followed her lead. Then we run across the field to the mansion and climb the lattice to the second story window.

You unlock the window and we sneak in. We go to the office and grab the jewel.

All according to your marvelous plan. He grinned.

She rolled her eyes but smiled. On my mark.

The clouds darkened the sky. The watch ticked down. Three . . . two . . . one . . .

Now!

Ji Eun ran to the wall and scaled it in five seconds flat – her best time. She threw down the rope and Markus clambered up it.

She scanned the field. It was nearly in complete darkness, not even the mansion had its lights on. Good. The guild’s intel about the owners being away was correct.

She landed gracefully and darted over the field, Markus right behind her. They climbed the lattice. Markus, with a bit of effort, unlocked the window. He climbed in and she followed.

The mansion was dark. Silent. Not a soul around.

Markus leaned his ear on the only door in the hallway. He gave her a thumbs up and started to pick the lock with his toolset. Ji Eun stood watch.

The seconds turned into minutes.

She whispered in his ear. What’s taking so long?

It's . . . harder . . . than it looks.

Of course, something like this would happen.

She kept watch – it was the only thing she could do until Markus opened the door.

There. Markus turned the knob and opened the door–

Lights sprung on, blinding them, as an alarm rang out.

They scrambled to the window, but men in black suits cut them off.

Ji Eun gritted her teeth.

Right on time. A hand grabbed her chin roughly.

She sucked in a breath. Black irises burrowed into her. A vampire.

The creature grinned, his fangs glinting in the light. You’ll sell for a good price, won’t you?

Let her go! Markus pulled her away and threw her behind himself.

Ji Eun’s heart raced.

Neither of you will be going anywhere. The vampire snapped his fingers and a shadow creature rose from his own shadow. Its wispy body bellowed like smoke as it hissed at them. No light penetrated its body. It was as if they were staring into a void.

Markus backed up to the wall, Ji Eun stumbling behind him. She felt his trembling shoulders and ragged breath – was he scared? She bit back a cry. She eyed the left, then the right. There was no way out for them. They were surrounded.

I’m sorry, Markus whispered.

Don’t say that. She sucked in a breath. She was the leader and the watchman. She should have been more diligent.

I’ll keep you safe.

What do you–

He threw an orb to the ground and smoke burst through the hall. The vampire barked orders. Markus moved them to the window and shoved Ji Eun out of it.

Her body became weightless for a moment. Everything stilled as she saw Markus’ face fall into a sad smile. She screamed his name, but the shadow creature wrapped around him and pulled him back in. He was gone.

Ji Eun flipped and fell on her feet like a cat. She ran before the guards caught her. As she fled, tears streamed down her cheeks.

That man. That vampire. He said she’d fetch a high price. He wasn’t talking about– No, no. It couldn’t be. That vampire couldn’t be a part of the Trade. He shouldn’t have been there. What went wrong?

She scrambled over the wall and fell on the other side. She bit back a cry as she cut her hand on a thorn bush. She scurried to her feet at the sound of barking dogs. She had to get out of here.

If that vampire was a Tradesman, then Markus was a goner. He’d be sold as a slave, if not worse.

And it was her fault.

She didn’t plan for this.

She failed the mission.

She failed him.

One

THE COOL, STEEL BLADE scraped across her cheek. Ji Eun clenched her teeth. She jumped back a few feet, then charged her target one last time. She had been in this duel for far too long and she was growing tired of it. She needed to end this now.

Her opponent, Nura, smirked. Out of all the newer recruits to the Merci Guild, she was the most annoying. She believed that age automatically led to experience. She was wrong, and Ji Eun was there to prove it.

Ji Eun feigned left, struck right. Her blade collided with Nura’s, a spark flying. Nura threw a punch at her open side, but Ji Eun grabbed her wrist. She jerked the woman forward, face colliding with elbow.

Nura grunted. Ji Eun let go of her and she fell to the floor.

Snickers and boos came from the opposite side of the training room. Ji Eun ignored it. She straightened, took a cloth from her pocket, and wiped off her blade. There was no blood this time, but she wasn’t fond of it rusting.

The duel had been longer than the last one. It was the latest in a slew of disappointments. A mission had been stolen out from under her – Darwin was going to pay. Then, someone had thrown her wet laundry onto the floor – she was sure it had been Nura playing a childish trick. Then, Grandmother had told her about her sister’s condition worsening. Her mother had swept away the elderly woman’s pleas. The mercenary saw no need to help the weakest deer in the herd. Ji Eun had taken up the responsibility years ago, but her sister’s time was dwindling.

Ji Eun cut her thumb and hissed. Another disappointment.

Hey! Ji Eun!

She glanced to where a man almost as tall as the doorframe waved.

The leader wants you in her office.

She forced her muscles to relax. What did that woman want now? She sheathed her knife in its hip strap and walked past the hunter.

So. . . He followed her down the metal-clad halls. Have you thought about it?

About?

Going on a date with me?

Why would I do that, Quill?

We’re both strong hunters. Besides a few loaves, we’re the only two in our age group with more than half a brain. I’d love for a powerful woman like yourself to be by my side.

He was right, to a point. They were the only ones under twenty who had brains and bronze in their favor. Too bad she couldn’t stand him.

Aren’t you a Fey child?

He grinned, one sharp tooth showing. Not all Fey are hundreds of years old. Some of us were born only a decade or two ago.

Good for you, birthday boy, but that’s not what I meant.

Come on. He scratched the back of his shaved head, ruffling the spikey, blood red hair that sat on top. I know you humans take time to decide on important matters, but this much time?

Quill had been asking for nearly three years since their first mission. At first, it had flattered her – not many men would find a cut-throat hunter dateable. However, when Nura and her beehive had started to swarm around Quill, and he drank in the attention, Ji Eun’s own interest waned. She didn’t need another reason for Nura to target her. Besides, Ji Eun didn’t need to date. There was no reason to. She chose to ignore Quill’s requests no matter how many times he popped the question.

Isn’t there a rule against dating humans?

No. There’s a rule against marrying them. He grinned at her again, dark eyes gleaming. I’d break that law for you, though.

She rolled her eyes. I’m sure Merci has a rule against dating coworkers.

You would follow your mo– the leader’s rules?

She ignored his sloppy correction as their footsteps reverberated through the halls. I’m still thinking.

It’s been years since you had a partner.

A competent partner on missions.

She turned a corner, where more metal of the Merci compound greeted her. She hated how cold this place was – harsh lighting and a lot of metal to keep any shadow creatures or out-of-line Fey at bay. It reminded her of a penitentiary. It was a wonder how none of them went insane down here. Especially Quill. It was either his strong will or unceasing carelessness that kept his Fey mind from breaking.

The Merci base was hidden deep below a seemingly normal city block in Ophidia. To the average citizen, there were only small businesses and apartment buildings above. To any Merci hunter, each building provided a different entrance, depending on where one wanted to go. It was the perfect location for the area, especially since it was only two towns away from Regalia Falls, the largest city around. Every hall of the base wound into another, difficult for even the most skilled mercenary and any outsider that might find his way in. But for Ji Eun, it was easy. She knew every nook and cranny, having full reign over the compound since the age of nine, when she had started her official training as a hunter. However, the prison-esque decor left little opportunity to relax. She put up with it. It was the only home she knew.

Why can’t we be both? Quill’s words snapped her back to the present as they walked up a gradual incline. We have always worked well together on missions.

Including our first? She smiled slyly.

She had been one year older than her first – and only failed – mission. The leader didn’t want her going alone. Again. She had to prove herself. Again. She was demoted to sidekick as Quill stole a mystical mirror an Endowed one wanted back. He had done it effortlessly to Ji Eun’s annoyance. However, his plan had one flaw in it. If it weren’t for her quick thinking, Quill would be trapped in a forever box – a small box with a vortex portal that held anything or anyone prisoner. She had never been able to shake him since.

That was a fluke. Both sharp canines showed. You proved to the leader you weren’t incompetent like she feared. Besides, unlike your last partner, I came back.

Ji Eun stopped. She never talked about Markus with anyone from the guild. Not her mother, nor Quill, nor anyone who tried to get close to her. He was one of two people she had lost in her life.

That is none of your concern.

She walked on.

Quill sucked in a breath. Sometimes I forget how sensitive you– that subject can be. No bad blood between us?

Ji Eun grabbed the office doorknob, turned it, and elbowed him in the stomach as she opened the door. No bad blood.

Quill coughed, one hand on his stomach. Just. Think about our partnership. Okay?

As he stumbled away, she entered the room.

The leader’s office was in the basement of a fake private law firm that vetted its customers beforehand. If the right guest asked in the right way, they would have a bid on their mission requested. It was an assurance. Hunter guilds had to be careful not to attract attention from modern law enforcement or the public eye. In special instances, Merci’s own leader would meet with the clients. Which seemed to be the case now.

The leader nodded at her. She nodded back. It was like looking into a mirror that showed two decades into the future. The woman had the same straight black hair and cold eyes as she did. She was shorter than the average woman, but had agile muscles from decades of training. The only difference between them were the hard lines of crow’s feet and light battle scars of experience the woman displayed as trophies.

Hunter, Leader Min Su said. This woman is looking for someone to do a retrieval mission. A very important resource escaped. I suggested you since you have a reputation of getting the job done right the first time.

Was that a jab at her? Or did Min Su conveniently forget her first blunder?

Retrieval mission?

Yes.

Ji Eun eyed the pale woman with platinum-white hair, her small frame done up in a black lace lolita dress as if she just stepped out of Takeshita Street. Her red eyes made her appear as if she was a marionette or a ball-jointed doll. Her small hands held the handle of a leatherbound briefcase, the only lively thing about her.

When she spoke, her voice was light and airy, My client wants to retrieve an orb and the one who stole it.

Simple enough. But something didn’t sit right with Ji Eun.

The doll-like woman continued, The theft happened a few months ago, but no one my client has hired has been able to retrieve either the orb or the boy.

Ji Eun said, If it’s been that long, would the thief not have run off to another state or country by now?

Min Su handed her a folder. Previous sources of hers have concluded he is still within the region, Min Su said. However, he has not been pinpointed. She’s desperate to get the orb and him back.

We do not want a Tradesman to pick him up.

Yes. She has determined the need for a skilled mercenary since there is a limit of four days.

A time restraint too? That made the mission even more undesirable.

Ji Eun flipped through the folder. This so-called thief was a teenager, three years younger than she was with no known skills. His appearance in the security photo didn’t give off any feeling of a notorious hunter. How did he manage to steal a priceless item? She closed the folder and handed it back. I have to decline. I will find someone else suitable for–

Hunter. Min Su’s voice, cold and hard, froze her to the spot, folder still in hand.

It is understandable to not be inclined to do this job, the doll woman said. Allow me to show you your payment if you accomplish this feat. She set the briefcase on the desk and opened it.

Ji Eun’s eyes widened as stacks of cash greeted her.

I checked, Min Su said. They are legitimate.

Ji Eun came closer and counted the stacks. One-hundred dollar bills smirked up at her beyond the thin strips of paper that held the bundles together. There were more stacks underneath as well.

For one thief?

And the orb, the doll woman said. They are both highly valuable to my client. They are needed before the moon completes its cycle, thus the limited time I can offer you.

Min Su leaned in close and whispered. It’s not every day someone is willing to pay this much. Ramiro vetted her beforehand and she is adamant about this job being completed. The woman straightened. Will you do it, hunter?

Four days wasn’t long, even if this thief was still in the area. But when would she have this chance again? When would Ji Su have this chance? Her sister was worsening by the day. Missions like this were few and far between right now, especially with the new recruits. But this . . .

I accept.

As the client specified the drop-off location and her contact information, Ji Eun kept her excitement in check. After this mission, she could finally make her sister’s dreams come true.

A plan started to formulate in her mind. She’d need help with this case, especially with the time limit, and she knew who to ask.

QUILL WATCHED JI EUN leave as she went on another mission without him. It annoyed him, but it wasn’t a total loss. He had a decent-ish conversation with her. A small win with a woman like her.

Quill.

He turned. Min Su beckoned him. Normally, he wouldn’t let any human boss him around. But since he was here to act like a hunter and not a high society Fey, he allowed it.

He followed her to her office. What is it? he asked as he shut the door behind him.

She took out a device from the top drawer and sat it on her desk. I’d like to entrust you with a special mission.

He crossed his arms and leaned against the door. What’s the pay?

Wouldn’t you like to know the details? She smirked.

I don’t care. As long as it gets me out of this prison.

And keeps you away from your mother’s prison?

His shoulders tensed. No one knew his mother. How did Min Su know?

I have my ways, she said as if reading his mind.

Quill made a note to watch out for her.

In exchange for not revealing to your mother where you are hiding – he made a low growl, but she ignored it – and for free rent for three months, I want you to follow my daughter on her mission and make sure she stays safe.

He blinked. Not to be rude, but why? Ji Eun is capable enough to do business on her own. Besides, you’re more of a cruel dictator than a loving mother.

Perhaps. I have an inkling that the one who hired her isn’t telling the whole truth.

Shocker. A client who doesn’t divulge everything.

Not even a background check brought anything up.

Oh . . . Uh-oh . . . Merci was famous for digging up any information they needed on clients. They wanted the money, but nothing that would expose the guild.

Why didn’t Ramiro decline? he asked.

It was too great an offer. I overrode it.

Of course. Min Su was using her daughter as a pawn to get closer to the client, if not the money. It was possible this mission would be Ji Eun’s worst, if not last, depending on how deadly the client was.

Is it connected to the Trade?

It appears so. She grabbed a folder. A copy of the mission specs. If you are interested.

He studied her. This mission wasn’t about protecting Ji Eun. If it was, Min Su would have never put her on it, or would have forced them to pair up like in the past. No. There was something more going on. He couldn’t figure out what, but his senses were warning him to stay as far away from it as possible. For Ji Eun’s sake, though, he wouldn’t.

He pretended to think. Only three months of free rent to protect your daughter?

And not divulging your whereabouts to your mother.

He shrugged. My mother doesn’t really care. She just wants a pawn. He was telling the truth, more or less. What about two years’ worth of free rent?

Six months.

A year and a half?

Six months.

One year?

Six months.

He waved a hand. It’s not worth it.

Six months and a three percent cut of the commission from her mission.

He pretended to think about this too, then smiled, revealing both sharp canines. Deal.

They shook hands and Min Su gave him the folder. This is a tracker. She handed him the device. It’ll give you her location no matter where she is.

Tagging your own daughter? How sweet.

Leave. Give me details when you return.

Quill did leave. He didn’t want to spend another moment with Min Su, even if his life depended on it. But it irked him.

If Min Su was actually worried and not just pretending, what dangers awaited her daughter? Why didn’t she force Ji Eun to pair up with Quill in the first place? It would have been easier to protect her if he was side by side, then from the shadows . . .

Maybe that was it. There were shadows involved. If Ji Eun was out in the open as the bait, then Quill could hunt what was hunting her.

He brushed away the chills that formed. He needed to protect Ji Eun no matter what. If she died, there’d be no reason for him to stay around.

Two

MARC STARED AT THE ceiling as the familiar figure stared back. Tousled, slightly shaggy hair. Bloodshot eyes. Faded red scar on the neck. Chest and arms riddled with deep scars. A patch of discolored skin on the side that taunted day in and day out – the only sign left from a fire in early childhood. They were real. And they were all his.

Azana had thought it odd when he drilled a mirror to the ceiling, but he didn’t. When he woke from his nightmares, he’d stare into it and know that he was safe in his own bed, in his own room. He wasn’t the scared child he had been before he had escaped Selena’s stronghold. He was Marc, a stray taken in by the kindest family he had ever known. The mirror reminded him of that. It also reminded him that no matter what kindness was allotted to him in life, he needed to stay alive to enjoy it. He took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. He survived one more night as a free man. He’d make sure to survive another.

He jumped out of bed and stretched. He walked past his broken alarm clock – he needed to get rid of that – and picked up some weights, gearing himself up to act as the goofy sidekick he portrayed himself to be for one more day. He didn’t mind. In fact, he enjoyed it. In this home, he didn’t have to be cold-hearted.

He moved through the motions of his former training. Even the time at the stronghold didn’t overcast the lethal attacks that had been drilled into him from a young age. After moving here, he’d been rusty, but then found the will to keep training. He had to keep training. It was the only way to protect himself and this family from harm if it arose again.

Done with the weights, he checked the sleeves of his hoodie to make sure none of his scars showed. Then, he slipped out the front door and made his rounds down the dark street and through a small wooded area close to the house. The chill of the last bit of winter hit but didn’t deter him. He was used to worse.

As the sun rose behind him, he returned. The melody of sizzling bacon sang in the air as he opened the door.

Hello, sweetie, a small, old woman said. It’s almost done.

Understood.

He snatched his neatly folded clothes from his room, hurried to the bathroom, cleaned up, and quickly dressed. He checked the sleeves of his oversized shirt, tucked in the hem, then walked to the main room of the house.

How was your night, sweetie? Gran asked as she poured a plethora of eggs onto the cast iron skillet.

Not great, Gran. I couldn’t defeat the sewage monsters in the city underground and save the gorgeous ninja princess.

She feigned a terrified expression. Oh my! How will she get her way back to the compound and save her people, then?

Marc shrugged. Here’s to hoping I’ll get another chance tonight.

I’m sure you will. She scrambled the eggs. In the meantime, wake up my own princess, will you? Her alarm went off half an hour ago, but she hasn’t come out of her room yet.

Hope she didn’t kill hers.

Like you did?

He grinned. It was disturbing my adventures with the princess of the universe last Thursday. How could I not slay it with my katana?

Gran rolled her eyes. Maybe it was a mistake getting you into anime.

He pointed a toasted bagel at her. Don’t you dare regret that. Anime is wonderful.

She chuckled.

Marc consumed the bagel in two gulps as he headed for the opposite side of the house – the forbidden land. Of course, Gran and Fatimah made it forbidden only to him unless he had specific clearance, such as now.

He came to the last door on the left, the princess’ room. He put his ear to it. No sound. He knocked once. Then, twice. Then, a third time. No answer.

Azana? He opened the door slowly, eyes wired shut. You awake? One eye peeked.

Azana lay in her bed, wrapped up in a burrito of covers. A string of hair was steadily inching towards her mouth. Marc chuckled to himself. The prim and proper princess only brought down her guard at home. It was one of his favorite things to witness.

He ducked down on the floor and army-crawled through the mess of clothes, costume materials, and flyers she had yet to clean. He sidled up to the side of her bed. Once on his back, he grabbed the closest object, a pirate hat feather from the children’s home, and tickled her nose. She tried to swat it away, but he persisted. When she sneezed, he held in a laugh.

What in the world. . .

Marc grinned as blue eyes scowled down at him. He swatted her pale blonde waves with the feather until she snatched it away and disappeared again.

Come on–

A pillow smacked into his face. You’re not supposed to be in here.

He chuckled. Gran gave me permission.

And why would she do that? A yawn filled the room as the blanket burrito rustled.

He hopped up. Don’t blame me if you’re late.

I’m not late.

Check your clock.

You’re just playing a trick– a milk-curdling scream pierced his ears.  I’m late! She jumped out of bed and pushed him to the door. Out! Out!

He leaned back on her. Oh, no! Gravity seems to be pushing down on me. I don’t think I can stand on my own anymore.

Marc! She grunted under his weight. Quit!

He let out a fake sob. I can’t. You know gravity hates me. It’s why I’m slow.

She grunted and scooted him over the threshold. She pushed him off and slammed the door. Marc caught himself before he hit it. He straightened himself up and shouted, Better hurry before the dragon burns down the town.

A groan answered him. He chuckled.

He took his time getting back to the kitchen. The hall wasn’t very long, but he loved to take in all the pictures that littered its walls. Most of them were of Azana, Fatimah, and Gran on their girls’ days or mini-vacations. A few of them held Faruq, Azana’s uncle, with his awkward smile as if he felt uncomfortable being with family.

Marc came to the last photo, the only one with him in it. After a long hiking trip with the children’s home, Azana had wrapped her arm around his neck in a playful manner and snapped it. At first, he objected. But when she asked why, he stopped himself. True, he didn’t want Selena or anyone else who might be tracking him to catch wind of his whereabouts. However, he didn’t have the words to help Azana understand that. The truth was out of the question. Azana was a regular, ordinary person. She was an Endowed one – a type of human Marc didn’t fully understand – but that didn’t stop her from living a blissful life, ignorant of the Trade and all its dealings. Marc assumed Fatimah and Gran were to blame for that, but he didn’t fault them. Azana was Fatimah’s only child and Gran’s only grandchild. If something happened to her . . .

Marc shook the thought away. Nothing would happen to her. Not if he had anything to say about it.

He glanced over his shoulder as Azana’s door opened. The young woman was dressed in what she wore yesterday. Marc didn’t dare comment. When she got flustered, she got mad easily. At least she managed to make the clothes look clean and unwrinkled.

She struggled with a backpack and two boxes. He chuckled and took both boxes.

Is this weighted down with bricks? He pretended to struggle.

Books. She straightened. I’m cleaning out my collection.

He awkwardly put the back of his hand to her forehead, almost hitting her with one box. Are you alright?

She pushed his hand away. I need more room. I only have a few bookshelves.

A few hundred, you mean.

She stuck out her tongue. He chuckled.

He followed her outside. She popped the trunk of her car, and he sat the boxes down. A book tumbled out and fell to the ground. Marc picked it up. It was one of Azana’s favorites. He stifled a frown and placed the book inside the opened box.

Thank you. Azana shut the trunk. I’ll have help at the center, so no worries there.

Marc studied her. The tiredness that had been developing since her mother was admitted to the hospital was on the edge of completely crushing her. Azana was stronger and braver than even she knew, but Marc didn’t know how long she could handle everything.

What is it? Those blue eyes questioned him, yet begged him not to ask anything.

Take it easy today, okay? He shrugged. I don’t want to go to the college or the kiddy center just to lug you out on my shoulder and bring you back to Gran.

"I’ll be fine. I don’t have that many classes today and Sherry is