Page 7 of The Poison Within

“Is it safe?”

“Usually yes, apart from quite unpleasant side effects.” Ÿben pulled a face, so they must’ve been nasty. “And allergies happen. We’re talking potent shit here. Furias possess ancient magic. But some humans are desperate and rich enough to risk it.”

“How much is it?” I asked, curious.

He paused for effect and squinted at me. “How does fifty thousand silvers for ten drops grab you?”

“Have you gone insane, man?” I gaped.

Ÿben laughed and shrugged. “I know folks willing to pay double that. Health is priceless.”

“Ain’t that fortunate for you,” I muttered. I glanced over at the women behind me. “I hope she gets a proper cut of it.”

“Worry not, Inspector.” The cocky shit winked. “Eryssa von Brenn can look after herself. Besides, I don’t fuck with my business partners. That wouldn’t be what’s the word, err… ethical. True, the fact that she swings the other way carries some weight. Because, gods, Inspector, have you seen her ripe, massive t—”

“I’ll see you next time, Ÿben. Don’t get into trouble.” I shook my head, pocketed the kyrsh and left.

CHAPTER THREE

THE NON-HUMAN ELEMENT

Since adolescence, people had judged me by the width of my shoulders, quick to deem me incapable of anything more than physical labour. Hard graft and living on the breadline never appealed to me; I had my share of it as a child. To escape my parents’ fate, I joined the gendarmes at fifteen.

But it wasn’t the only reason.

By nature, I’d always been an inquisitive sod, one to seek answers and ascertain motives. Besides, I liked the idea of justice served and balance restored. That sentiment prompted me, to a great extent, to become a lawman.

My fondness for asking questions explained why, after parting ways with Temper, I found myself heading towards Ÿben’s.

I encountered a few random checkpoints on my way to the town centre. The entire place bustled with Imperial soldiers looking purposeful.

Ÿben took his bloody time answering the door. I had my foot inside before he could blink. From the scowl he wore, I guessed my unannounced social call went unappreciated.

“Talk, elfling,” I barked at him. “About your Furia friend.”

“Inspector, you can’t—”

“Where is she?” I forced my way in and slammed the door behind me with the heel of my boot.

Ÿben stepped back and flattened himself against the wall.

The Furia’s tall figure appeared from around the back. She moved in the fluid, stealthy manner of a predator. Bloodstains marked the front of her clothes. Her upper lip lifted in warning and a display of teeth followed. The hair on the nape of my neck prickled at the bestial growl that came from her throat. I didn’t dare flex a muscle; I stood no chance if she chose to attack me.

Her luminous purple eyes clung to mine, and she spent a long moment examining me.

I wouldn’t say that her gaze made me shit myself exactly, but with three massacred bodies fresh in my memory, I drew damn near that territory.

Besides rage and hostility, something poignant lurked beneath her savage expression.

Despair.

“Tell me, human. Is there someone you love?” she rasped at last.

I blinked. The thought of Elly never slipped far from my mind.

Whatever emotions crossed my face must’ve satisfied her because her features mellowed. She summoned me with a jerky hand gesture. “Come.”

Wary and tense, I followed her.