It’s been a few days since Sanora left the castle. She has been keeping a low profile, fearing that the guards will come after her any day now. She has barely slept or eaten, camping out in ruins in the slums of the city to avoid the crowded inns. With every passing day she becomes more of a wreck, wandering the dark streets in the bad parts of the city.

Saying that she feels horrible would be the understatement of the century. Vadia has been lying to her since the very first time they met. It all makes sense now. Vadia met Sanora by chance and from there on she was leading her on, and Sanora was eating it right up. From the drugged tea all the way to the set-up murder. Vadia knew what buttons she had to push to get Sanora to do exactly what she wanted. It was stupid. Stupid of her to leave home, to think she was even remotely ready for this world. Stupid to leave Amni and Bawarag nothing but a stupid note. A sob escapes her lips. But there is no turning back now. How could Bawarag and Amni not hate her? She is left with nothing, and the only one she has to blame is herself. Ok, and probably Vadia a bit too. But what is going to happen now? What will Vadia do? When would the guards come to arrest her? Come for her head? For what she did she would be executed.

She can’t help but laugh at the situation and her stupidity. But even now the problems don’t cease to stop it seems, as she notices some bad attention from the dark alleys around her. For a moment a grim thought enters her mind. Why take any more shit if the guards will come for her sooner or later anyways? She looks up with an angry glare. Why shouldn’t she just kill then all? It’s not like they deserve any better. She had to beat more than a few people to a pulp these nights and she is getting tired of holding back.

Her hand grips the handle of her sword, anger wells up inside her. She is starting to lose all sense of restraint, letting her magic gather to summon a barrage of bone spears at a moment’s notice. The air grows heavy, thick with danger and wrath. Feeling her intents, the presences disperse again, retreating into the darkness of the city once more.

She clicks her tongue.

“Cowards.” She mumbles and moves on. She walks through the dark city. No lights are to be seen in any of the buildings. Even most of the inns have closed for the day. She walks for a while until she sees one alley from which a dim light still shines out of.

“This is…” She looks at the familiar sign. It’s that business she has seen before, the one that sells sex. A cold wind blows through the streets, making her shiver.

“Fuck it.” She says and walks down the dark road. A sickeningly sweet smell wafts at her as she gets closer to the door at the end of the alley, accompanied by the muffled sounds of a commotion. With a sigh she opens the door.

“Now cmon ladies.” A big man says, his speech slurred as he talks to two women, one young and slinky dressed and one a bit older. “I thought this a fun business, so where da fun at?” He grins and pulls the young one into a hug. She struggles to get away from him but stands not the sliver of a chance against the big man.

“I told you this aint a charity, if you’re out of coin come back another time.” The older woman says, visibly upset and nervous.

“Why use coin when have this.” The man grabs his crotch.

“Because this is how a business works. Now please let my girl go, you can come back tomorrow.” She glances at the girl still struggling to escape the man.

“Nah, les just go now.” He waves her off and gropes the girl’s chest.

“Boss?” She gives the older woman a pleading look. She is conflicted, cold sweat running down her forehead. Against a big man like this the two of them stand no chance.

“Hey big man.” Sanora taps his shoulder, and all eyes turn to her. No one seems to have even noticed her until now. “Wanna have some fun with me?”

The man grins. “Hoya, why you been keeping this on in the back?” He lets the other girl go. “Finally! Les get to it pretty.” He says withs a disgusting grin and rubs his hands.

“Sure.” Sanora smiles at him. “Come along.” She walks out of the building with the man in tow. The two women just give each other a concerned look.

“Is she new here?” the young one whispers.

But the older on just shakes her head. “She isn’t even one of our girls.”

The look at the door with concerned expressions and wait. They flinch when the door opens again after a few tense moments. In steps Sanora, wiping her bloody fists off on her clothes.

“You two alright?”

“You…” The older woman looks at her. “You beat him up?”

“Sure did.” Sanora says.

“Well, that’s one customer less.” The woman sighs.

“You’re welcome” Sanora snorts. “Don’t worry, with how drunk he was I doubt he’ll even remember.” She adds.

“Right.” The woman shakes her head. “I suppose we should be thanking you more than anything. So, what brings you here? Looking for work? You don’t look half bad; I think we have a spot for you.” She eyes Sanora up and down.

“No, just looking for a room to be honest. Inns are full.”

“So, you came here? For a room?” The woman raises an eyebrow.

“Guess you don’t have anything then.” Sanora turns around to leave again.

“A pity, you’d probably have requests to no end.” The old woman murmurs.

“No thanks, I’m not into men to begin with.” Sanora says and walks to the door.

“That just drives up the price but suit yourself.” The woman shrugs.

“Hey boss, we still need a new bouncer you know? And we do have an unused room…” The young girl wedges the woman who thinks for a moment.

“Hey young lass.” She calls after Sanora who is already halfway out the door. “What about working as security here?”

“Security huh?” Sanora looks out at the passed-out man. “Do I get a room?” She turns back to the woman who nods.

Sanora thinks for a moment. She has some gold left sure, but it won’t last her forever. This business is a bit odd to her, but the more she thinks about it the more interesting it seems. It will help her keep a low profile too. Get paid to show sleazy people the door, a room and be surrounded by lightly dressed, cute girls all day on top of that? Doesn’t sound that bad to her.

“You know what? Sure. I’ll do it.” She closes the door and walks in again.

“Great.” The woman smiles at her. “I am Kera, the owner of the Dancing Vixen.”

“I’m Elle.” The young girl says.

“Sanora.” She nods at the two, mustering them properly. The older woman looks a bit weathered, like she has seen the world and everything slithering in its dark corners. Her hair is black and tied back into a bun.

The young girl has caramel skin, her curly hair is a shade lighter than the owner’s. From what Sanora can tell she can’t be older than 25. She doesn’t look like she is from the Valley either.

“Right Sanora, for today just take a rest, we will close early. Elle here will show you your room and tomorrow we’ll discuss things. Sound alright?”

“Sure.”

“Come along then.” Elle says with a smile and walks off. Sanora follows her through the building. The main hall is small and above it are balconies on all of the three floors overlooking it. Elle leads her up the stairs, muffled moans and the sounds of creaking beds can be heard through many of the doors as they walk past them and a thick, sickeningly sweet scent fills the air.

“There, this will be your room.” Elle opens a door on the first floor. It’s to the left above the main entrance, giving a perfect view of the hall below. The room itself is a bit sad. A worn bed and a closet, the single window in there nailed shut. A blanket of dust has gathered on everything in there.

“I can help you clean tomorrow.” She says as Sanora walks in and dumps her bags on the floor.

“Thanks.” She says and looks at the girl.

“By the way, thanks for earlier. Things have been a tad bit scary since our old bouncer skipped town.”

“Sure.”

“You’re not really talkative huh?”

Sanora sighs. “I’m just going through some things right now.”

“Thank makes sense.” She giggles. “Considering you ended up here.”

“What about here? You fuck for money. That’s it.” Sanora shrugs, causing Elle to snort.

“ ‘That’s it’ huh? Believe it or not, most don’t take too kind on people like us.”

“You have sex for money, I beat up things for money. At least people have a fun time with you.”

Elle chuckles. “That’s a refreshing take if I’ve ever heard one. Well, I won’t bother you any longer then, see you tomorrow, Sanora.”

“See you.” Sanora says and closes the door after Elle leaves. She plops onto the bed, a cloud of dust flies up from it. She sits there motionless for a while, staring at the floor before lying down and going to sleep.

“What kind of bad joke has my life become?” She mumbles to herself, staring at the ceiling before exhaustion from day on the street catches up to her and she is out like a light.

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The next morning Sanora wakes up and feels awful. Never has she had such a bad night’s sleep before. She sits up and rubs her eyes with no idea what time it is due to the lack of a window. The room looks as sad as it did when she arrived. She is full of dust from the messy bed. She must have rolled around quite a lot in her sleep.

She pulls herself out of bed and leaves the room. She notices that a lot of people have gathered in the lobby below. They must be the other workers here as they are all women. She can spot Elle in the group, which is gathered around Kera, too.

She walks downstairs and as the girls spot her, they all give her a confused look and make way as she walks towards Kera. No girl looks like the other. They range from short and flat to tall and busty with even a very few of them being beastkin.

“Mornin.” She says with a grumpy, her voice about as smooth as sandpaper.

“A good morning to you too. Girls, this is our new bouncer, Sanora.” Kera announces to the group and a wave of hushed whispers resounds among the girls. “I already ascertained that she is more than capable, don’t worry. But I know that’s not what interests you all right now. But I can only say it again: the passing of Vadius does not concern our establishment.”

Sanora is awake now.

“The passing of lord Vadius?” She asks Kera who nods.

“Not much is public about it yet, but from what I’ve heard the Bloodcult got to him. Like said, doesn’t concern us. His child will take over, let’s just hope she’s gonna keep the place together. Alright, on to the next topic-“

Sanora tunes her out. Her heart is pounding in her chest, a bead of cold sweat runs down her forehead. The Bloodcult? But it wasn’t the Bloodcult, it was literally her so why would people think it was that group of assassins? Why aren’t they combing the city searching for her?

“Sanora? Sanora!” She is torn from her thoughts. Elle is standing next to her, seeming a bit concerned. “You alright? You look pale.”

“Huh? Oh, it’s nothing.” Sanora shakes her head. “I was just wondering why the… Bloodcult would kill the lord of the city.”

“Money of course. Some people would pay a pretty dime to see such an important figure dead.” Elle shrugs.

“And we’re sure it was the Bloodcult?”

“I mean, who else would do something like that. Between us, some of the guards come around from time to time and we heard firsthand.”

Some tension leaves Sanora. There is only one thing that she can think of. But why would Vadia blame it on the Bloodcult? It makes no sense.

“Alright-“ Kera claps her hands. “-that’s it ladies, see you in the evening.” She says and the group breaks up. Some of the women give Sanora a second look as they walk away and leave the building to head home.

“Had a good rest?” Kera asks. Only she and Elle are still here.

“It was alright.”

“Good to hear. Well then on to your job interview. Question one, are you a wanted criminal?”

“I think not.” Sanora says a but unsure.

“Fair enough. Do you plan on becoming one?”

“No.”

“Perfect. You start today at evening, don’t be late. You can stay in that room for as long as you work here.”

“Wait, that’s it?” Sanora says baffled. “That’s all you want to know?”

“Yes. Look, we don’t exactly have a high standard for the bouncers here. I won’t ask too many questions and in turn you don’t either. As long as you can do your job and aren’t some wanted criminal, we won’t have any problems. If you’ve been in the business for as long as I have you get a feeling for people. I can see you aren’t a bad girl. And I am rarely wrong. If you need anything else, I’m in the back, still got work to do.” Kera says and leaves a perplexed Sanora back with Elle.

“Soo wanna go clean that room now?”

“Maybe later. I’m ravenous.”

“Yeah, you look the part. Streets haven’t been kind to you hm?”

“Not really.” Sanora says before leaving the Dancing Vixen to finally get some food after her days of hiding in the streets.

The market is as busy as always. People walk up and down, clogging the streets and making their daily shopping trips. Sanora relishes in the smell and the non-violent crowd. She only spent a few days on the street, but they were torturous. The constant danger of someone robbing her or worse, the cold, the hunger. The only nice person she met was that homeless man and his rats.

But now that she has confirmation that the guards aren’t after her she can finally return to more civilised circles. However, there is still one question lingering in her mind.

“Why are you following me?” She turns to Elle who is walking beside her.

“Maybe you’re just walking ahead of me.” She says with a smirk.

“I’m not in the mood for games. If you need anything just tell me.” Sanora says a bit annoyed.

“Alright alright, sorry. Just thought I’d tag along and help you find your way around town.”

“And why’s that?”

“ ‘Cause you’re stranded here.”

“Stranded?” Sanora raises an eyebrow.

“Yeah, came here, ran out of money and couldn’t find a job. Don’t worry, happens to the best of us. How do you think I ended up at the Dancing Vixen?”

“So that’s what you’ve been thinking of me.” She sighs. “Well first of all: I don’t give a damn about why you work where you do. Second, I’m not out of money. I just need a place to lay low, rest.”

“Lay low huh?” Elle tilts her head inquisitively. “Did anything bad after all?”

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business.” Sanora hisses at the girl.

“Oh, it isn’t. But I’m still curious.” But Elle just chuckles as they walk up to a stall where Sanora finally gets some long-awaited food.

“Gods how I’ve missed this.” She moans as she takes a bite of roasted meat.

“Damn if you keep moaning like that, you’ll give the girls a run for their money.” Elle wiggles her eyebrows. Sanora’s eye twitches.

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re annoying?”

“Nah, people usually only tell me how tight-“

“OK ok! Sorry, that one’s on me.” Sanora cuts her off and sighs in defeat.

“Let’s just head back to-“

“Lady Sanora?” Sanora freezes, goosebumps rise all over her skin as someone calls out to her with her title. “Is that you?”

Sanora slowly turns around, her instincts already wagering whether to go into fight or flight. When she sees Liddy’s concerned face she slacks again. The maid is standing there with a bag in her hands, looking at Sanora with wide, concerned eyes.

“Where by the gods have you been? No one has seen you around the castle for days.”

“Castle?” Elle asks with furrowed eyebrows.

“Yeah, things have been… difficult to say the least. And please, drop the title. Forever.”

“But what happened? I haven’t even seen lady Vadia or the lord these past few days either. The castle is in such a disarray, it’s as if the World’s Tomb has taken a hold of it. Did… something happen between you two?”

“You could say that.” Sanora snorts. “Shot version: we broke up and I’d rather eat nails than ever see her again.”

“I don’t understand.” Liddy shakes her head confused and seems rather worried too.

“That’s alright, you neither need nor want to understand. Trust me.” Sanora says and swiftly walks past her, leaving her to stand dumbfounded on the market.

She and Elle round a corner, finally getting away from the bulk of people. They walk in silence, but Sanora still notices the stupid grin Elle is wearing. She clicks her tongue.

“Spit it out.”

“You’re that chick that was engaged to Vadia.”

“So what?”

“Oh, nothing really. It’s just funny how such a high and mighty noble now works at a brothel of all places. But you know, the underworld brings out the real you in everyone. So, you should see it as a learning opportunity.”

Sanora stops in her tracks. Her hands are so tense they quiver, her glare full of anger.

“You wanna make fun of me? Go ahead. Keep talking and you’ll get to know the real me.”

“Oh boo. Just because things didn’t work out with you princess doesn’t mean you have to take it out on me.” Before Elle can even put on a fake pout Sanora is in front of her, holding the girl by the collar.

“You think this is fucking funny?!” She screams in her face. “Do you have any idea how it feels to be used and betrayed by someone you trusted?” Tears are streaming down her face and finally Elle’s expression grows serious for the first time. “I’m so angry there are not the words to describe it. So hurt and alone I’d rather be dead than anything right now.” She lets Elle go with a sob. “You have no idea what I went through in these last days, so don’t you dare make fun of it.” Sanora sniffles and wipes her tears away with her sleeves. Onlookers have started to stop at the exit of the alley, drawn in by the commotion.

“Let’s just head back.” Sanora says and walks past Elle who stands rooted in place for a few moments with an empty expression. It takes her a few moments to break out of her stupor and hurry after Sanora. She stays behind her for the rest of the walk, her eyes glued to the floor, her mouth quiet for the first timed today. Once they arrive back at the Dancing Vixen Sanora wordlessly walks to her room, leaving Elle alone in the lobby.

“I think that’s a new record.” Kera whistles from the door behind the counter. “Don’t think you ever pissed anyone off this fast.”

“Yeah, I think I overdid it a little this time.” Elle says with a sad smile.

“Is that guilt? You can still feel that? Damn, you really did her dirty. Do apologise to her, don’t want to look for new bouncer again.” Kera says before disappearing back into her office.

“Guilt huh?” Elle chuckles bitterly. “I guess it’s been a while.”

“Fucking bitch.” Sanora curses as she throws the door behind her shut. She falls onto the shabby bed, kicking up a cloud of dust again. Her face is still wet from crying, her mood still utterly ruined.

‘What’s her problem? As if it wasn’t fucking obvious that I don’t want to talk about it.’

She thinks as she sits on the bed. Something drips on her hand. Again, and again.

“Ugh again? One would think I’d be dry by now.” She wipes the tears off her face.

‘Oh great, now am also talking to myself.’ She chuckles wryly. If there was a price for the biggest idiot on the planet, she is sure to win it by now. Left her home and her only family to run off with some princess she didn’t even know only to get screwed over by her before landing in a brothel to live there. She buries her face in her hands and just weeps in solitude, yearning for Bawarag’s stupid grins, Genny’s warm meals and Amni’s gentle hugs.

She has no idea how much time has passed when someone knocks at her door. She pulls the slime back up her nose and answers with a weak voice. “Who is it?”

“It’s Elle.”

Sanora’s face distorts into a frown, and she opens her mouth to tell her to fuck off.

“Before you tell me to fuck off, which you have every right to do, I’m here to apologise.”

She squints her eyes, thinking for a moment before getting up and opening the door.

“Yeah?” She looks at Elle. She stands there, looking even smaller than usual, a guilt-eaten expression on her face.

“I’m sorry. For what I said. I probably crossed a line there. It’s a bad habit of mine, not knowing when to stop.” She says, her eyes looking everywhere but at Sanora who just sighs.

“Sure, all forgotten. Need anything else?”

“No, that’s it.”

“Alright, just don’t tell anyone about me. See you later.” Sanora says and is about to close the door.

“Ah wait!”

“For what?”

Elle stands there, looking for the right words while playing with her sleeves. Sanora closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.

“Do you maybe want to come in?”

“Uh… yeah, thanks.” She says and Sanora steps aside to let the girl into the dusty room.

“So, what else is on your mind?” Sanora says after sitting down in the bed.

“Uh well, it’s just, you know…” The girl fumbles her words, not able to get out a proper sentence.

“Just say it. Can’t hurt me more than you already have.” Elle winces as Sanora hits her with the cold truth.

“It was just… I was really stupid.” She sighs. “I shouldn’t have beaten on you like that. Especially since I know how this feels. Being betrayed.”

“I told you, all forgotten.” Sanora shrugs.

“You say that, but you don’t really look like it you know?”

“Don’t worry your pretty head. I’m crying over something else entirely already.”

“That’s a- actually no, that’s not really a relief.”

“So what? Why care? It’s none of your business and I’ll be fine.”

“It is my business. At least a little. You’re not the first one to wash up here and if I’ve learned one thing over the years then it’s that people like us need to stick together.”

“People like us?” Sanora snorts.

“People with nothing left.” Elle finally looks at Sanora again. Her eyes are different, and they speak volumes without the need for more words. “If you end up here that means that you have nowhere left to go. And if you’re even pushed out of here there is nothing left but to die.”

Elle speaks with a thousand-yard stare and Sanora softens up a bit, finally grasping some of Elle’s true feelings.

“I appreciate it Elle, I really do. But I don’t need- no, I can’t be close with anyone right now, I just need to be by myself for a bit, sort out my feelings.”

“I understand that. I just want to say that if you ever feel like you reach that point, where death seems like the best option… I’m here to talk, as are the other girls. No one expects you to trust us. Tomb’s, it’ll be a while before anyone trusts you. But until then just try and hold on. The tough times, they don’t last. But tough people do.”

Sanora looks at the girl, mustering her for a moment. Elle, waiting for an answer, starts to crumble under the silence. Her fingers tap against each other nervously until Sanora snorts.

“You know, for a hooker you’re surprisingly full of wisdom.”

“Uncalled for.” Elle pouts as Sanora chuckles.

“No, I mean it. Thank you, Elle, I’ll keep it in mind.” Sanora gives her a weak smile which the girl returns.

“Don’t mention it, I kind of owe you for throwing out that man. And for being mean.”

“Don’t mention it. After all, us who have nothing left need to stick together, eh?”

Elle turns red as Sanora quotes her.

“Well, you seem fine again so I guess I’ll leave you be.” Elle turns around and swiftly makes her exit. Sanora looks at the door with an amused expression and shakes her head before lying down for the rest of the day. The nightshift ahead will be long and exhausting.