“No!”
His stare narrowed, not entirely convinced. “What are you doing here? I thought I made myself clear the last time you tried to sneak through my door.”
“Sneak?I hardly—”
“Hello, Lux.” Aline’s abrupt appearance sported a stare nearly as icy as her brother’s.
“Aline.” She couldn’t recall having ever told the girl her name, which meant her criminal brother must have informed her all about Lux’s visit, and, she was sure, embellished it greatly. Suddenly, Lux didn’t have the energy to deal with the pair of them. Her sleep had been riddled with nightmares.
“You’re far from home, aren’t you, Necromancer? I’m not sure you’ll get your money so easily with that one.” Aline nodded to the body tucked within the wagon.
Flames began to eat at her veins. Tempting as it was to throttle Aline, she decided she didn’t owe these two anything, not even her words. When the death-cart began to rumble away, Lux moved to follow.
A hand gripped her elbow, strong and sure. The third time now he’d touched her, and his third mistake.
“Don’t go anywhere near that body. This disease is likely contagious. All three deaths have been on this street.”
“How kind you are to be concerned for my well-being.” She jerked her arm from his grasp.
His voice darkened alongside his words. “I’m not. I’d just rather you didn’t spread the sickness further. Besides, who would remain to scar little girls and revive our poor mayor should he die? Again.”
His sarcastic blade of a smile was her undoing.
Whipping around, she shoved against his chest. The unanticipated retaliation took him aback, and he stumbled. Eyes widened in wonder as she bore down on him.
“I’mtryingto determine its cause! Not even my aunt has seen the likes of it, and she’s the best healer Ghadra’s ever known.” Her glare having turned murderous, she tossed, “And I would watch your back, Prowler. Because my services are forever closed to you.”
With a mocking bow, she left them.
Rounding the corner at a near-sprint to catch up with the cart, Lux abruptly slowed. The mourning man. He had followed the body only to collapse upon the street’s edge, head buried in his hands. Quiet surrounded him. No sobs wracked his body any longer, but instead, his chest rose and fell in drawn, deep breaths.
She approached tentatively, unsure what to do. She wanted whatever clues this man may have as to this strange illness’s origin, but comforting others was a skill she’d never honed. She stepped closer.
“Hello. I’m sorry for your loss.”
The man’s head snapped up in surprise, hands retreating to his knees. He didn’t speak. She stepped forward again and patted him on the worn shoulder of his shirt. It looked awkward. It probably felt even worse.
“Your wife?”
The man began to shake, lips thinning as he fought to hold his emotions from spilling across the stones. Until he couldn’t any longer.
The laugh that echoed across the street sent Lux stumbling back with wide eyes. She glanced around in a darting panic. Was he mad?
“My wife!” He wheezed, sucking in whistling breaths. “Saints no, girl. That was my mother.” His loud guffaws drew onlookers, and Lux seriously considered running into the shadows. “Blasted woman. I never thought she’d die. She often told me that too.You’ll go before me, Ned. Mark my words.” Ned waved a bony finger in the air.
“Oh. Well. I saw you crying…”
“With happiness!” Ned grinned from behind too-stretched lips.
Lux was at a loss. “I see. Congratulations?”
“Thank you!” Standing now, the tall man clapped her on the shoulder. “Have a blessed day.” He spun, meandering down the street, a carefree tilt to his shoulders.
“Ned!” The man slowed, glancing back. Lux jogged to reach him. “Do you have any idea what may have led to her illness? Was it slow? Quick? Did she eat something odd?”
Ned pondered the questions, eyeing the dreary sky. “Quick. The last I spoke to her she was complaining about her bed, as always. It makes her itch. And she was demanding her third cup of tea. Woke up this morning, and—” Ned drew a finger across his throat. At her expression, he hurried on, “It was peaceful though! Her eyes were closed in sleep and everything.” With a soft pat on the top of her head, he dismissed her, whistling out of sight.
“Bizarre man,” Lux muttered into the gloomy morning.
