The fragments of Fayra's pistol weighed heavily in my satchel.

I felt every single step Dusk took. Every clack of his hooves was alarmingly loud as the wind chilled my exposed neck. My skin pebbled, and I welcomed it. The frigid air filled my lungs as I took a deep breath and puffed out a cloud of vapor. The road was still deserted apart from precious few marauders. Nobody stopped us. I spared a glance at the window of the Sherriff's office, but Stone wasn't there.

Myra had stopped trying to talk to me after I simply remained silent. How could I ever speak normally with her again? I couldn't even look at her without the truth threatening to come out. And that truth would change nothing. It would only cause her undue pain before what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life. She didn't need to know what awaited her.

That the future she so looked forward to with Levi was now gone. Her days were numbered, along with every other Deified.

Everything had gone to hell so fast. Was this my fault? Was this punishment for believing, even for the smallest of moments, that I played a role in this world that was actually worth a damn? For so long I had wandered aimlessly. I had wrestled with my deal with Death. Training to be a bounty hunter was easy by comparison. The days after Fayra's murder were a blur of rage and tears, followed by the all-consuming need to get stronger. I kept telling myself that as soon as I finished training, I would make a real plan. I had a debt to pay, and all of eternity to pay it.

Simple...Right?

That was before every part of me missed her. She had taken a piece of my soul. Stone had been right. Part of me, the best part, had died with her. I needed to see her again, but many faceless strangers stood in my way.

Twelve thousand people to be exact. I had to kill twelve thousand people, and then I would be allowed to board my ship to the Far Shore. Send them to Death with not so much as a farewell. Well...to be more accurate, that had originally been eleven thousand people before I had messed up again. Then, I had tried focusing on my revenge before the massacre. Before Grimwater.

Gods, what was Death up to? Why did all the Deified and their families have to die all-of-a-sudden? What could be so important that she would reduce my debt by nearly half? Fate was officially on my shit list for making me care about literally any of them.

The twelve Marks were still on my neck, so I had to keep up my end of Death's offer. I knew she hadn't lied about it. That was the only comfort about meeting with the Gods. There were unable to tell any falsehoods. If they said something, it was true...in some some way or another. When they made a vow, it was as binding as iron.

"Why aren't we going to the Sparrow, Miss Rowena?" Myra asked suddenly. I peered back at her for the first time in several minutes. Her eyes had taken on a new and penetrating value. She knew something was wrong, and would not stop trying to wrestle it out of me. The thought sent a hand fisting around my chest, making it hard to breathe. My voice was rough when I replied.

"I don't want to be around people that ask questions. And I want a stiff drink," I replied flatly. Myra sent a gaze to the sky above, the sun still young in it.

"It's barely mid-morning--"

"That's funny. I don't recall asking your opinion."

Myra recoiled, her frown deepening. She hadn't bothered with her cosmetics today. The dark circles under her eyes had become more prominent. Fatigue weighed heavily on her. Her hair had lost its healthy sheen, and her shoulders curled in on themselves ever since the attack at the engagement party. Gods, was that really only last night?

Something struck me then.

Yes, Myra was slated to die soon.

Yes, I had decided to keep her oblivious to that fact.

However...

She was going to die soon. Regardless of our past, she deserved better than to spend her last days worrying about me or anybody else. She deserved to spend it in blissful ignorance. Maybe I did have one more thing to give her. Maybe I could provide a small bit of comfort and distraction before the assassin came to collect.

Before I had to step aside and let him take her.

Loosing a breath skyward, I turned ahead again.

"Have you ever been to the Blue Flame?" I asked, disciplining my voice to keep it conversational. I heard Myra grumble something irritably under her breath before answering.

"Do I look like someone that would go there?"

I smirked, shrugging my shoulder as Dusk took another turn. I redirected him back to the road leading to the infamous casino and club.

"You'd be surprised at who goes there."

Myra leaned forward to catch my eye, here own eyes wide.

"Miss Rowena, even you have to admit that the most vile things go on there. Let's count," she paused as she named each item off on a finger, "There are drugs, drinks spiked with magic, incubi, succubuses, gambling, and-"

A sharp intake of breath.

"Harlots," she said in a strained whisper. As if one would stroll up to her from the nearest alley and tear her clothes off just for uttering the word. I managed to lift a brow at her.

"Sounds like a fun day. You'll probably like it," I said dryly. Myra let out an unladylike grunt.

"I hope you're lying."

I chuckled, sending her a predatory grin.

"Oh, come on. You know you're at least a little curious. Any who knows? You might actually have a little fun."

Dusk grunted as the road came to an end. There were a few hundred feet of a stone path winding through the open plain. It lead to a small wooden building, almost like the entrance to a forgotten mine. It had magic lanterns, know as "everlights", spellbound to cast a pleasant red glow on each side of the ten-foot door. The wood paneling was carved in classy arching patterns, with symbols of representing all the world's races. Finally, wreathed in luminescent blue paint, the silhouette of a well-endowed woman was pictured at the head of the entrance. She moved over the wood in slow circles, and eventually laid on her side, her head supported on an arm. Other than the small entrance building, nothing else could be seen.

I glanced back at Myra, who looked puzzled.

"Is this it?" she asked, giving the small building a skeptical once-over. I laughed softly again as I swung off Dusk and began to walk him forward to the door by his reins.

He stopped.

My arm was pulled back roughly as Dusk refused to move forward. I turned around to face him, meeting his dark eyes. They reflected the sunlight as he grunted again. I hushed him, stroking his chin and trying to urge him forward. Suddenly, he wrapped his head over my shoulder and squeezed me in what was undeniably a hug. I knew what he was worried about. I knew he could smell the sins that went on behind that door.

After all, we had been here a few times before. None of those times had ended well, but right now I didn't care.

"See? Even Dusk knows this is a terrible idea," Myra said, pulling her riding habit tighter around her shoulders as a gust went through the plain.

"Come on, Rowena. We should go fix your pistol and then to the Sparrow. I'm sure that cute bartender would love to see us."

I stilled.

Zachariah. He, of all people, definitely would be able to guess what was wrong. Gods, that was a conversation I was definitely not ready for.

Dusk pawed at the ground as if in answer. I wrapped my arms around his neck and squeezed.

"This time will be different, buddy. I promise. I just need..." I trailed off as I murmured to him. I wasn't sure what I was looking for here, but I needed to just not be Rowena McAlister for a few minutes. I needed to forget I was a Chosen. To forget everything.

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Dusk squeezed for another moment before he slowly began to walk forward again, comforted by my words. I could swear he still sent anxious glances my way. Myra hesitantly walked behind us as I finally made it to the door. The silhouette of the painted female directed her attention to us as we did and beckoned forward.

"First round's on me," I said before I lifted a gloved fist and knocked.

*******

The Blue Flame had been around since Tumblend's founding. Many people talked about it in hushed tones, and never in polite company. I always found that hypocritical because nearly all Deified and high-society people eventually came to enjoy its pleasures. The same succubus, Levira Casanaddi, had owned the place for the past five hundred and fifty years or so. People speculated that Levira was no normal succubus, as the race's lifespan was usually limited to a few hundred years.

If they weren't murdered due to their shenanigan's first.

Nobody knew the secret to Levira's long life or success, and often went green with jealously as they beheld her beauty. Levira's appearance changed with every person she focused her attention on. She was...mesmerizing.

Lust incarnate.

She was everything you could every want, regardless of your background. She was the mistress of her business, and ran the Blue Flame with a charisma that kept people coming back again and again.

A large Incubus stood sentry at the door, the male sliding an easy smile at Myra. She blushed, removing her coat with obvious hesitation. She only had enough time to rub her eyes in the sudden dimness before her jaw dropped.

Every single surface dripped with magic. It was like a different world altogether. The small building was the top of the Blue Flame. The tip to an iceberg which extended deep into the underground. A ramp lead to a stable which boasted attendants to keep all mounts well-cared for. The ceiling was enchanted to resemble a vast sky at twilight. Everlights were strategically placed everywhere to create a low hue just enough for human eyes to see by.

Beyond the stable laid a large platform with crystal glowing in it. Other platforms could be seen ascending and descending the columns of the pit. The rest of the space was like a large cylinder with several interconnecting alcoves for meetings of all types. Steam drifted up from the floor hundreds of feet below, where hot baths were. Shadows of intertwining bodies could barely be seen in the mist.

In the alcoves, people were taking pleasures of all types. Some were laying catatonic on large cushions. Other alcoves had people playing poker, novice or professional. Across the cylinder was a vast bar overlooking it all. Music danced on the air, which circulated with a pleasant draft.

The Incubus at the door wordlessly reached for Dusks reins, but I held them out of reach. I burned a Mark, making that familiar radiant glow come to my eyes.

"If so much as a hair is out of place in his mane when I come back," I growled to the impossibly handsome face, "I'll rip you apart."

The Incubus had the good sense to look wary as I pressed Dusk's reins into his waiting palm. Giving Dusk one last hug, I walked with Myra to the platform.

Another Incubus with large muscles stood there, his face carrying no nonsense. He took the time to remind of the house rules. To be fair, there were only three basic ones to follow.

One: If weapons were drawn, the punishment would be immediate and severe.

Two: Violence of any type was strictly forbidden.

Three: Keep your hands to yourself unless consented to do otherwise.

Myra went scarlet at the last rule, her eyes drifting to the embracing forms in the bottom floors and baths. Then they went to the adjoining rooms where other couples doubtlessly performed every act she was thinking of.

Without further delay, the Incubus ferried us across the vast space to the bar. Myra was so close, she could have been my shadow. All around us were were-beasts, Umifolk, humans, and even some demons. I knew some Deified would be here too if they hadn't been at the party last night. Stools moved themselves toward us as we went to the bar. Myra bit her lip.

"Miss Rowena I really would prefer to go to the Sparrow," she said in a half-whisper.

I sat heavily on a stool as I flagged the barmaid, a succubus with red skin and horns peeking out from brunette curled locks. I motioned to the menu, holding up two fingers. She nodded in understanding, considering first me and then Myra before she turned on her heel and reached under the bar.

"That's a pity," I said as I waved for her to sit, "Since I've already ordered your drink."

Myra hesitated, looking around. Thankfully, everyone here was minding their own business, laughter echoing every now an then from gatherings of friends.

"Come on," I said, nudging her a bit, "Consider this a pre-wedding party to make up for last night. You need to relax."

I need it too, I added silently. I kept calm, hoping she would just go along with this. A moment passed. Two.

Finally, Myra sighed as a glass slid smoothly into her palm.

"Fine, one drink. Then we leave. Are we clear?"

"We'll leave when you're ready," I said, lifting my own glass to my lips. It was a purple liquid which glistened with the feint aura of magic to enhance relaxation. The mixture was know simply as "Oblivion Dew." I sighed in pleasure at the choice Nesira had made. Yes, I needed a bit of Oblivion right now. Nesira, the barmaid, was famous for knowing what you wanted without being asked. I had no idea how she did it, but she had never gotten an order wrong to date. She was one of the legends of the Blue Flame.

Oblivion Dew simply created a sort of euphoria and eased pain, making your problems simply seem far away. Every person experienced something different. For me, it was like soaking in a hot pool of water one a snowy night. It slid down my throat pleasantly as I glanced at Myra again.

I knew I was being selfish by bringing her here. Part of me knew I needed to apologize, both for what I had done and what was to come. I couldn't delay it forever, but maybe I could broach it little by little. The Oblivion Dew hit my stomach, immediately warming my insides.

Myra had sipped from hers as well, her eyes going distant as it took effect. My Chosen body fought off all poisons and drugs, making me need to drink at least ten times that of a normal woman my size, but Myra had no such curse. I saw her shoulders drop, and the subtle tilt of her head as the brew did it's work. Eventually she glanced my way again, and there was no trace of the hesitation she'd had before.

"Even you can be right sometimes, Miss Rowena," she said with a grin somewhat wicked, "This place is fun."

I gave her a serious look.

"Do not get any other types of drinks. Do you understand? Otherwise you'll have the worst hangover of your life," I warned as I gazed at the menu. I hadn't been here in a very long time. Oblivion Dew was the only drink I recognized. I was still reading the considerable list, when someone whispered in my ear.

"Now that's a face I haven't seen in an age."

The voice carried a light accent to it, the vowels prowling and stretching like a cat ready to pounce.

A perfect female body clad in a black dress slid onto the stool beside me. Nesira, not even looking up from organizing a bottle, handed her a glass containing a dark red liquid. Even in my periphery, I could see Levira's hair changing from black to a deep auburn. The eyes which looked at me became a glittering gold. Like a lioness. Like Fayra's. The face remained different, though. Different enough.

I took a long pull on my drink before I turned to the impossibly perfect face next to me.

"I've been away, Levira."

Levira Casanaddi canted her head, her golden eyes glinting in the low light. Red lips bowed upward in a sly smile.

"Oh, I'm well aware. Word gets around, I'm afraid. It is nice to see a familiar face, however."

She drank from her glass, glancing at Myra in open lazy assessment.

"The company you keep has changed. I hadn't expected you to bring her here."

A glance at my drink and then my face, which no doubt looked haggard.

"But I suppose even body guards need a break every now and again. Is it a special type of companionship you want? I'm sure I could find many who are willing to oblige," her eyes flecked to a red-headed beauty in a nearby alcove. The woman looked my way, and began to slink toward me.

I motioned for her to stop, pointing to my wedding band. She paused, pouting her lip before turning to a man nearby. She wasn't wanting for long.

"That's not what I'm here for," I murmured to Levira, the drink starting to take a harder effect. It felt like oil sliding into all my joints. My muscles relaxed in places I hadn't known were tense.

Levira lifted her eyes to the barmaid, setting her empty glass in front of her. It was refilled in less than a second.

"Thank you, Nesira," Levira purred before looking at me again.

Myra shifted next to me, her drink taking full effect. She looked like someone in that pleasant zone right before they fall asleep. I could see her eyeing the shelves for another. A carefree smile pulled on her lips, anxiety completely forgotten as a woman next to her struck up a conversation. Something about Myra's hair being the height of the latest fashion. Myra reciprocated the conversation, the woman making her chuckle. It wasn't long before she forgot I was there.

"Still clinging to the past, are we? You still intend for Fayra to be your only?" Levira asked, pulling my gaze back to her. She glanced at the band on my finger, and Fayra's remaining pistol at my hip.

I rotated my wedding ring.

"Always."

Levira hummed, a pleasant and deep sound coming from the back of her throat.

"Well, if you're not looking for companionship and release, then what do I owe this visit to?"

I laced my fingres together, flinching as Death's grinning face danced before my eyes. Despite the drink, pain radiated in every fiber of my being for a brief moment. I closed my eyes trying to clear my mind before I answered Levira.

"I want to be nobody for a little while," I murmured, hating the fragile notes in my tone.

Levira made that deep sound again, waving the barmaid over once more.

"Well then, you've come to right place all the same."

Another glass was placed in front of me.

"On the house," Levira said as she clicked her glass against mine.

I managed to keep a steady eye of Myra as I settled on my stool next to Levira.

And that's where I stayed for the following hour... And the next...And the next.