Time seems to slow down as the grim-faced Zira leisurely approaches her mother. The other woman is oblivious to the true nature of that unhurried walk, even when faced with deadly thin lips and a pair of fierce eyes boring holes in her skull.
Is it because of all the amassed stress and emotions or because she's never truly looked properly at her daughter? That might be difficult to figure out for an outsider.
What isn't nearly as hard is spotting the slightly trembling fist of the younger Dwarf woman, firmly wrapped around the grip of the rough bandit sword. Miazira is clearly an expert at keeping herself in check, holding her thoughts and emotions under wraps. There's no doubt she would have become one after everything she experienced in her own home. Yet, some of it still leaks out through a tiny outlet or two.
Making use of my much longer legs, I catch up to the troubled heiress without her noticing my arrival. At least until my hand rests atop her shoulder, which makes her flinch as she gets forcefully yanked out of the depths of her laser-focused mind.
Her face whips up to meet mine, first adorned by honest surprise and confusion, then quickly overtaken by a flash of anger and a hint of disappointment.
"We are surrounded by a silent bubble. It's okay to speak openly." I initiate the conversation with a nod.
"Are we really doing this?" Zira snarls at me immediately. "After days of intense planning and preparations. After agreeing on every detail of the whole operation. After all that professionalism and whatnot, you are going to ruin everything in the last possible moment? Because of what? Second thoughts? Regrets? Sudden feeling of pity? For that thing?"
"I'm not trying to stop you—"
"Like hell you aren't!" She waves her hands in fury, as a result sending the edge of the blade flying by my face, which I promptly avoid by leaning back a bit.
It's obviously an unintended move, judging by how her eyes widen at the dangerous swing. Still, seeing me come out of it unscathed, Miazira is too deep in it to step back now and act chagrined. She has fully assumed the approach of getting shit done first, begging for forgiveness later.
"I thought you wanted her gone!" the blonde continues after a second. "That you were on my side…"
The second part is spoken with a trace of vulnerability, and it does graze against my heartstrings, but I can't back down here either.
"As I said, I have no intention of obstructing your way in front of this long-awaited goal of yours," I speak calmly.
"Then what are you doing?!" Zira spreads her arms while watching my face closely.
"What I have to." I gaze back at her without wavering. "Making sure you understand what you are going to do. That there is no coming back from it. And how it might affect you after all this adrenaline and rage dissipates."
My words do give her a brief pause. She's a smart cookie, and even amidst this emotional chaos, she's able to grasp that I'm being considerate of her as a person. That I care.
Unfortunately, that alone is not enough as she grimaces to the side. "You don't understand—"
"Oh, but I do. More than you would imagine." It's my turn to cut her off, watching her expression turn quite perplexed again. "You and I, we are not so different, in the end. And that's why I have the obligation to pitch in before it's too late."
She is listening, now more curious than offended.
So, I aim to satiate that curiosity.
"Our upbringings could be easily switched out, and I believe each of us would still have come to the same conclusion. With just a minor detail or two varying here and there. Though I do believe you've had it worse, even if it's not a contest." I offer Zira a soft smile.
The clever Dwarf doesn't take long to decipher the meaning behind my statement, peering at me with a fresh outlook on the whole exchange.
"Well, the core contradicting part in our stories would be the high advancement of society where I come from, resulting in law enforcement and general investigation being at the level where situations like these would never remain buried forever." I chuckle lightly while shrugging my shoulders. "Otherwise, I'm fairly sure I would have reached a similar ending to yours."
By now, I can tell she's hungry for more details, or even the whole tale, but this is not the time or place to share such things.
"So, I have to ask. And I would appreciate it if you could take a deep breath and look into yourself for a few seconds before answering. Do that, and whatever you decide, know that I will support you no matter what." I wait for her to parse my message, and she gives me a tiny nod. "Are you completely sure about this?"
Thankfully, our new friend is willing to listen to my rather annoying request. She follows my instructions to the letter, replying after a long minute of heavy internal thinking.
"That monster is not my mother." Miazira points the sword at the bound female. "Never has been. She's a disease that took the lives of many, including that of the only family that I could have. I don't care if it's the right or wrong thing to do. It's something that needs to be done. Not just for my sake, but for the sake of everyone she hurt and will hurt in the future. As an heir to this house, it is my duty."
"But do you need to be the one to do it?" I subtly incline my head at my subordinates.
Her gaze drops to the ground, and her fist tightens around the handle again. After a while, she looks me straight in the eyes, ready to see the judgment in them for her next words.
"I want to." Zira swallows nervously. "Are you going to convince me otherwise?"
We are locked in a glaring contest until I shake my head, seeing enough in those determined eyes of hers.
"No." I step closer and place my palm atop her delicate hair. "I'm going to stand by your side and give you something to lean on after all is done."
A gentle smile paints her soft lips as she keeps her face down and silently accepts the affectionate strokes.
"Good." She soon peers up at me once more. "Because I can't trust myself not to kill her too fast. And I have questions."
"Anything below the midsection is a safe bet." I wink at her. "And I'll lend you a hand. You'll know when you see it."
With that, I recall the soundproofing spell and the two of us cross the rest of the distance side-by-side. The Matriarch's bloodshot eyes lock onto me as she practically growls my way the instant we arrive in front of her.
"What was that pause about?! Don't tell me this greedy bastard is trying to change whatever deal you have agreed upon! You dirty Human, if you think you can force a ransom out of this without any consequences—"
Her venomous tirade is interrupted by a scream of agony. The source behind it becomes clear when she glances down at her own figure. A blade is now stuck deep in her underbelly, held by none other than her own daughter. Considering where it is embedded, I doubt this woman would bring any more children into the world if she somehow survived this encounter.
With one hand, I tap the pommel hard enough to stab the sword through the tree too, evoking some more cries from the person currently skewered by it. With the other raised by my side, I give a wordless command, which is executed without delay, and a greenish gust swirls around the female's figure, healing her back up.
Of course, with the fairly sharp metal still lodged deep in her flesh.
"You are mistaken, Matriarch." Miazira lets go of the hilt, her voice dropping into a much more hostile tone than what she used to talk to me, even while furious. "He is not reneging on the deal. He is simply ensuring that his services are up to par."
"W-What… is the meaning… of this…?" Her mother fights through pain, even the slightest movement causing new cuts on the inside that are closed up in seconds.
Zira rolls her eyes, giving the grip a flick that draws more whimpers from her victim. "You might be stupid, but you are not an idiot. You know perfectly well what this is. Some like to call it karma. I prefer the traditional version. Revenge."
The woman's eyes widen to the brim as she arrives at a full realisation. "Y-You… Impossible…"
My partner-in-crime smirks proudly. "That expression certainly looks good on you, Mother. Thought no one could ever outsmart you? Turns out all that was needed was one dirty Human to bring you down."
"H-How?" The wounded female gapes at her.
Miazira's grin disappears, replaced by a serious frown. "I'm the one asking questions here."
She grabs the sword and bends it every single way, causing quite some damage to the target's womb and nearby areas. The howling that echoes throughout the forest is straight out of a horror movie. I carefully watch the young Dwarf lady with all my senses and keep an eye on her mental and physical state. At the same time, I do my best to consider the difference between our worlds. For Earth standards, this is already past the point of no return.
When the wound heals up again, Zira scowls at her mother. "Why?"
The other person stares back at her with a lack of comprehension.
"I ASKED YOU WHY!?" Her daughter punches her in the stomach, which results in more shrieking and blood flowing down the bark.
"I don't! Ahh! Know! Ahhhhh! Know what you meeeeeeeeeeeeeean!" the head of the Stockhawker Household gasps out in between the tormenting hits.
Bristling, the bright-haired girl withdraws, grabbing her collar with both hands and ripping her outfit open to reveal her upper chest, partially exposing her breasts in the process. But she pays no mind to such minor troubles, her eyes blazing with barely controlled ire.
"WHY DID YOU DO IT?! WHY DO I HAVE TO LOOK LIKE THIS?! WHY DID I HAVE TO SUFFER THROUGH ALL OF THAT, DAY AFTER DAY, WEEK AFTER WEEK, MONTH AFTER MONTH, FOR YEARS?!"
It seems that Zira hasn't applied most of her usual makeup today, choosing to forgo covering the scars and blemishes on her torso. As such, she is openly displaying the torturous marks given to her by her mother throughout her entire life.
However, said mother says nothing as she peers at the girl's disfigured skin with visible confusion on her face.
And that's not the reaction Miazira has been looking for.
Letting go of her apparel, she takes the blade to vehemently shake it with all her strength.
"TELL ME! WHY?!" she shouts almost as loudly as our captive screams her lungs out. "WHAT MADE YOU DO IT?! WHAT'S THE REASON YOU DID IT?! JUST SAY IT!"
By the end of her outburst, she notices that the older woman has lost consciousness from all this pain, her brain getting overloaded with stimuli. Panting hard, she steps back, her hands shaking. I move behind her, and she stumbles into my front, raising her gaze overhead.
My hand finds her shoulder and gives it a comforting squeeze. "I'm afraid you won't get an answer to that question."
Zira's jaw tenses. "Maybe I won't, but if it's you—"
"Because there isn't one," I interrupt her, causing her brows to furrow.
"What?" She searches my eyes deeply in pursuit of any deception. "Why?"
Lowering myself to one knee as I turn her around, I wipe a fresh bloodstain off her cheek with my thumb.
"Reason isn't something that applies universally to everything." I hold her gaze, brushing her face soothingly. "Not everyone has a reason behind their actions. Only good people who strayed off their path do. That remnant of honesty always exists in their hearts, no matter how dark those get. They make up an excuse for their fall and cling onto it with their dear life, convincing themselves that they aren't in the wrong."
When I glance at the restrained woman, she follows.
"As for the evil ones…" I let out a deep sigh. "They simply do without thinking about it. It's something natural to them. That's why they get so confused when you try to dig for their motives. They themselves have no idea what that is. At least consciously. I do believe that there always is some driving factor, even if subconscious. But, that doesn't answer the question, does it?"
Miazira ponders my words in silence for a while before exhaling softly too. "No, it doesn't. And maybe you are right. Maybe I just… want there to be a reason. Maybe then I could... understand."
I hug her warmly. "I know. And I wish I could help you understand. But I doubt we'll ever achieve that."
With another shaky breath, she returns the hug. "Thank you. I'll... stop here."
We separate, and I run my fingers through her hair a little, catching her smiling daintily before she schools her expression.
However, she goes after the hilt soon after, starting to rock it around once more. Met with my raised brow, she pauses.
"I'm not going to ask her why anymore. But I still have plenty of questions related to the clan. I can't properly take over without knowing what she might have kept hidden away from me and everyone else," Zira voices out her reasoning.
Her eyes aren't full of madness and craving for violence anymore, so I take her words at face value.
"Fair enough." I shrug at her. "Allow me."
Quickly borrowing a spell from one of my Partners, I place my palm against the captive's forehead and trigger a weak Lightning Strike from point-blank. Sparks fly from the area of contact, and she wakes up with another scream, wincing hard as the startled jerk forces the wounds open for the n-th time.
"I don't know what to say!" She wastes no breath to whip her face at her daughter, fearful of more mistreatment.
"I figured." Miazira huffs in annoyance. "So, if you want to live, you better answer the rest of my questions honestly…"
What follows is something akin to a violent interrogation. The use of force isn't necessary that often, as the matriarch cooperates most of the time. Only now and then, when met with truly sensitive topics related to her schemes, hidden fortune, and taxes, does she clam up again.
Nothing that can't be solved with some more poking and zapping, of course.
Twenty minutes later, we seem to have extracted everything we could from our prisoner, and Zira yanks the blade back fully. With the aid of my capable squad healer, not even a faint line remains in place as the injury disappears. My short and vengeful companion isn't a total sadist, contrary to expectations after the recent show. She does believe it would be pointless to waste time on giving her mother the taste of her own medicine.
Especially with what she is going to do next.
The fleeting relief that takes over the matriarch's face winks out of existence the second her descendant raises the weapon again. Clearly not into a position that can cut the ropes without harming the one behind the bindings.
Her gaze swings between the two of us. "Wait. What are you doing? I told you everything—"
"You did." Zira takes a peek at me, and I put my hand behind the pommel while she grips the hilt, aiming the tip at the older woman. "But, considering all you have done, I don't think you wish to live in this world. So, like the filial daughter that I am, I shall send you where you shall truly feel alive. Straight to hell."
And with that, she pushes forward. Aided by my palm, the thrust strikes true and lands perfectly on the matriarch's heart. I support Miazira with my strength, and the blade sinks deep into the tree. The two of us watch the lethally wounded woman let out a wordless cry into her young kin's face from up close before she collapses forward.
Releasing her grip, Zira stumbles back, and I hold her steady. She takes deep breaths while letting herself rest on me, watching the consequences of her deed quietly. After a long while, her small hand finds my arm, and she regains her balance, turning to face me directly.
"I'm alright. Thank you." She tries to smile, but it doesn't come easily yet. "I might be stuck saying this for the rest of my life to repay the kindness you showed me."
"We'll figure something out." I give her a reassuring squeeze. "Just promise to let me know whenever you start feeling bad or uneasy. I promised to support you, and I meant it."
"Okay." This time, the curl of her lips comes more naturally. "May I leave the rest of this to you then, kind sir? I do feel a little… woozy."
With a quick wave, Yuru the fluffy Leopardkin cutie trots up to us and takes my place as Zira's pillar to lean on for the moment. As expected, her exquisite fur causes the Dwarf lady to melt right into her embrace, forcing her to relax at least partially. She still keeps an eye open on the surroundings, but gratefully accepts the catgirl's comfy embrace.
Ressia walks up to me with the rest of the squad.
"What are your orders, Boss?" The Wolfkin looks around the carnage. "Should we burn the bodies so that no beasts gather in this area?"
"No." Miazira hastily chimes in from the side. "We should leave some evidence of what transpired behind. This is a big matter. The sovereign will definitely send someone to investigate."
"She is right." I nod along to her words. "Dig up a mass grave and put the bandits in it. Don't make it too deep. No need to mark it, but leave the surface fairly obvious. They do need to find what's beneath."
"Sir, yes, sir!" My capable captain salutes to her chest and barks out a few orders before refocusing on me. "What about the dens where this scum came from? We are not leaving those pits of villainry unpunished, right?"
Her gaze is hopeful, and at the same time, a tad concerned that she's out of line as my underling.
"I admire your drive to bring those dregs to justice, but we are on an important mission here. We shouldn't get too distracted, lest we make a mistake somewhere." As her ears droop a little, I give her arm a few pats. "Have your girls jump back to the nearest settlements and slip a hint to the local authorities. We don't necessarily have to be the ones to hoard all the glory, do we?"
She perks right up, her tail doing that sweet dance behind her back. "Sir, yes, sir! We are more than happy with only you knowing of our efforts!"
"Great." I grin at her. "As for the target of our commission… Make use of the nearby trees and branches to build a makeshift coffin or a simple basket for the body. We'll tie it up between two wolves. Cover the client's relative respectfully and keep the sword. From what I know about Dwarves, they might want to see it."
"It shall be done!" Ressia makes a few gestures aimed at her squad. "While at it, we'll ensure that this place shows the signs of actual struggle. If you allow it, we could cut our uniforms a bit too. I'm sure Mari and the others will understand."
"Don't run to me for a rescue. The idea is yours." I playfully raise my hands in surrender, making her chuckle mirthfully. "Do whatever you can to make this even more believable. I trust you."
One more salute later, and she is hard at work alongside the others while I keep Miazira company on the side. The poor girl is nearly overwhelmed by how competent the entire team proves to be. The area transforms before her eyes in mere minutes, and one task is completed after another, rushing towards the final check before leaving. They do a great job, partially thanks to being able to communicate mentally and coordinate without a single word.
Finishing in record time, the dutiful group gets ready to depart, the additional cargo attached to two of their mounts as pictured. The skeleton of a holder leaves the wrapped-up body bag on display but protects it from any movements and the influence of the weather conditions. We could hide it from sight more, but Zira is okay with the current iteration, saying that it will work well as a return procession to the family compound.
Everyone stops by their animal companion before departing, and Ressia throws a glance at me. "If we hurry, we might make it shortly after dark, Boss."
I mull over the idea, then shake my head. "No need to rush it. We ran here because we had to. Our group should be exhausted after that hectic journey and the battle. I do like you showing how capable you are, but there's no need to go overboard. We'll go slowly, in consideration of our new passenger, and set camp about halfway in. That good with you?"
"Your wish is our command, sir!" She straightens up with all the others.
And thus, with the area tidied up, we set out towards the setting sun. Our formation stays fairly the same, save for the connected pair, who take a spot in the middle of it. Zira rides with me once more, less nervous than she was the other way. I notice her eyes fluttering a few times now that she is no longer running on pure rage and hate, but she valiantly stays awake atop Diana.
Keeping that in mind, I order a stop shortly after the sky turns dark. Together with the tired princess, we watch as my ladies build a magnificent pavilion in the blink of an eye. For Miazira, quite literally. She makes a tiny jump when a fully set-up tent suddenly appears before her, looking more magnificent than anything she has ever seen in her life.
The insides shock her even more, and I let Yuru and Oniri take her on a short tour while I assist one of the other girls in the kitchen section. We prepare a small feast for everyone and gather in the common section to dig in. My amazing mercenaries finish up faster than us and set up a rotating watch already. I do convince them to take a quick bath first, and they reluctantly accept the command.
After that, everyone retreats to their chambers, with Zira and I taking the side rooms and the girls occupying the middle section. Contrary to my expectations, none of the gutsy ladies insist on keeping me safe from within my bedroom, and I do have to commend that. They secure the entrances and the perimeter instead.
Not that I need the additional protection. I simply wouldn't mind spoiling one or two of them a little while it's not their turn to keep an eye out. Without anything too indecent, of course. Just some well-deserved cuddles or such.
The lights go out half an hour later, and I lie in my bed while staring at the ceiling. I don't need much sleep, so I could even give the girls a hand in their duties, but they obviously won't let me. So, I reach out to my precious mates back in Dwarf capital to fill them in on the state of things. Plus, I do love chatting with them about anything. Listening to their excited daily reports is one of my favourite pastimes. Niel and Mevana are starting to open up more, finding it enjoyable too. No one beats Sirgia, though. She could talk about what she did in the workshop for hours.
Said hours pass by, and I catch a flutter of fabric at the entrance of my bedroom. A charming Oni takes a peek inside and meets my gaze. Offering a respectful nod after realising that I'm not asleep, not without a hasty glance down my bare chest, she disappears while holding the curtain open.
A short, golden-haired guest slips in, hugging a pillow tightly to her chin, an unspoken question glimmering in her gorgeous eyes.
I sit up slowly. "Can't sleep?"
Zira casts her gaze to the floor in what must be shame and embarrassment.
Holding back a smile at this adorable thing, I pat the mattress next to me. She raises her eyes at the sound, but still appears hesitant.
So, I repeat the motion more intently. "Come on. I am decent under this."
My little jest brings a flush to her cheeks, and she trots up to the bed, climbing onto it and shuffling close to me on her knees. I hold the covers open for her, letting the distressed Dwarf slip in. I get a glimpse of her simple underwear during the motion, her back unobstructed by the pillow she's hugging. It makes it even clearer that this isn't a visit with an ulterior motive. Otherwise, she would have definitely changed. And I can appreciate that.
But, even if she has been brave enough to come here, she settles down nearly as far as possible from my spot. Sighing, I scoop the tiny lady up and drag her right back to me, evoking a surprised squeak from my night companion.
Pulling us into a comfortable spoon, I kiss the top of Miazira's head. "Relax. You won't get any sleep knotted up like that."
"Sorry…" she whispers, snuggling her back more into me, her face still buried in the captive cushion.
We lie down together in silence for a few minutes before I speak up, aware that neither of us is dozing off in our current states.
"Regrets?" I ask softly.
"No," Zira responds after a moment. "Just… A lot to think about…"
"Feel free to share if it would make you feel better." I give her waist a delicate stroke.
Her head turns to me. "Were you honest back then?"
Ah, so that's what is troubling her mind.
Since I was, I decide to tell her the whole story in a way that doesn't put any focus on its otherworldly nature. By the end of it, she's fully facing me with the pillow, which is gradually getting more and more stained by the glistening streaks travelling down her pretty face.
I brush a few of them away with a faint smirk. "Why are you crying for some stranger when you haven't even cried for yourself?"
"Because… It's just so sad…" Zira sniffles lightly, then abandons her cushion to embrace me directly.
I welcome her attempt at comforting me and pat her on the back as her arms wrap around my torso. Bit by bit, her subtle sobs quiet down, and I find her quickly asleep against my chest. Smiling to myself, I tuck her in more and doze off too.
Morning comes right after, and I open my eyes to gaze right into a pair of sunny gems from very close. Their owner sports a fair blush and hurriedly sits up, doing her best not to sneak glances down at me. I follow suit and give my companion a few pats.
"Slept well?" I ask, and she bobs her head vigorously. "Glad to hear that. Go freshen up before breakfast. I'll take the second turn."
Looking like she's going to argue at first, Zira ultimately decides to listen and scoots towards the edge of the bed. The movement brings my attention to her back and I notice what I have missed under yesterday's dim moonlight.
"Wait!" I softly grasp her wrist, avoiding any blemishes I can spot, which are now visible all over her troubled skin. "My apologies, but there's something I completely forgot about. Bear with me for a moment."
She blinks at me blankly but without worry. Therefore, I make use of all the power available to me and take care of the issue that I yearned to resolve since the minute I laid my eyes on it. A gasp leaves Zira's lips as soothing energy courses through her entire being. Right in front of us, years worth of abuse caused by her mother disappear in mere seconds. A few exquisite moans escape my patient before the treatment is finished.
Such noises also make their owner self-conscious, and she slaps her other hand over her mouth, shyly peering back at me. But, met with quite a wide grin instead of some amused smirk, she frowns a tad.
Then, her brain finally catches on, and she pulls her palm back, noticing the distinct lack of something she has been living with for most of her life. Her face snaps around as she examines her entire frame in awe, twisting herself at angles nearly impossible to achieve consciously. Arms, shoulders, thighs, waist, back, chest, and all around, she touches, rubs, pinches, and pulls. Her fingers even quest down into her panties as she uses one hand to stretch the flexible band nearly to its limits.
Of course, as anyone should, I immediately avert my gaze, even before realisation hits and Zira pulls her hands back with a recognisable snap of material. I chance a peek her way and find the pretty lady flushed to the neck, clearly aware of her recent behaviour. Avoiding my eyes, she finally slides off the bed, nearly slipping in the process. Catching her balance, she saunters towards the connected bathroom without looking back.
Though I think the way her luscious hips sway during the motion is not entirely unintentional.
Getting those inappropriate thoughts out of my head, I call one of the girls in and instruct her to assist Zira, mostly by helping to wash her underwear while the lady is bathing. I technically carry multiple sets that should fit the majority of Dwarves on me, but offering one to a new female friend would be rather weird, wouldn't it?
A quarter of an hour later, Lady Miazira Stockhawker steps out of the restroom in her full unblemished glory, slowly drying her golden locks with a towel. In a clean pair of underwear, naturally. Still, most of her skin is exposed to the world, and let me tell you, it is a restored work of art.
Reaching my seat on the bed, she peers up at my face with a rosy tint over her cheeks. "May I ask for a hand, sir?"
With a flourish befitting the best of butlers, I pull her into my lap and do just that, showing proper care to her angelic mane. It takes just a moment for me to wrap it up, but my client notices after a slight pause, somewhat lost in her own thoughts as her waist seemingly wiggles back and forth. Zira's cheeks are even redder after she hops off me, as if she got burned.
Perhaps my treatment might have resulted in some unexpected side effects on the patient.
Which might or might not be confirmed when she leans in to give me a quick peck on the corner of my mouth while citing appreciation for assistance.
Afterwards, the reenergised heiress escapes my chambers and returns to her own so that she can dress up. Chuckling to myself, I retrace her steps and do the same, finding the girl I've called for earlier still present in the bathroom. With an additional pair of hands, I'm prim and proper much sooner, allowing us all to regroup in the middle for an early snack.
Not meaning to dilly-dally, we fill up on some nutrients and depart. The mood is much better than yesterday, and even Zira is much more comfortable in our saddle. Partly due to not being in constant pain, but I believe it's not the only reason. Our late-night conversation definitely eased her mind off dark thoughts.
But it all changes when we get close to the city. Without anyone saying anything, we all assume a sombre mood. In the end, we aren't returning as victors, our job fulfilled only partially.
And people on the streets pick up on it right away. Whispers travel through the alleyways as an individual or two point at the bundle hanging between two big wolves. Its shape leaves nothing to the imagination.
By the time we reach Miazira's home, the news has undoubtedly made circles all over the capital. It might be missing some crucial details, but it should be enough for the important people to connect the dots. The rest will be updated by the Stockhawker representative at a later date.
As we stop behind closed walls of Zira's estate and dismount, the young heiress catches my hand into both of hers. "I know that our commission ends here, but would you please grace me with another moment of your time to properly finish everything connected to this matter?"
I respond with an amiable smile. "It so happens that our bookings are fairly open for the upcoming hours, so I think we should be able to figure something out, Lady Stockhawker."
She grins back at me and runs off to shout commands at the guards and servants who start flocking in.
We've gotten rid of the tumour plaguing this family, but the sickness is far from cured just yet.
And I'll make sure nothing gets in the way of Zira's new life anymore.