The Last Sin

I got to my feet and walked to the front of the Pit. Denise was staring out the window with wide-eyed amazement. Dugan had healed three people from the crowd to full health, fixing not only broken bones but also the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning.

Still going strong, huh?

Conviction was an amazing thing. If only I had it. The day had just started, and I was already exhausted. I sighed and dragged myself to my room.

I opened the door to see Thor lounging on the floor and Isla sitting cross-legged on the bed, reading her notes. Her dark-circled eyes looked up at me, waiting.

"I have our way into the mines."

Her eyes lit up.

"That's great, Jacob! Wait… what's the catch?"

I rubbed the back of my neck as I closed the door.

"It's a good thing you're sitting down."

# # #

Isla stared at me slack jawed.

"So, we’re just… just… lapdogs for the Lagos brothers now?!"

She threw the paper she was holding to emphasize her point. It flipped in the air and slapped her in the face.

I laughed despite myself.

“Think of the upside. Once we get to the mountains, we'll be one step closer to finishing this quest."

"We just have to kidnap someone first."

"Van thinks he's guilty. Reed will make sure."

"That's just an execution with extra steps. Inquisitors care more about closing cases than finding the truth."

She closed her eyes, rubbing the bridge of her nose. I used to have the same opinion of Inquisitors, but Reed was different. She preferred a light touch.

"You should get some sleep; I’ll do some scouting on Arwen after I eat something."

Isla's eyes snapped open.

"You can't do that alone."

"Castille and Dugan are busy out front, and you need to rest after your all-nighter."

She shook her head.

"I’m coming."

"Won't the lack of sleep affect your will?"

"Yes, I’ll have less will, but I've managed before. I don't want you out on the streets without backup."

I smiled at her.

"I didn't know you cared."

Isla rolled her eyes.

"Please take this seriously. This town is on the brink of war. The last thing we need is a party member bleeding out alone in some alleyway. Let me cover you."

I stopped to consider her. Some backup wouldn't hurt. What about Thor? The boar was passed out on the floor. At least someone was getting some sleep.

"Fine. Don’t slow me down."

A slight smile spread on her tired face.

I reached for my new jacket, pulling it off the hanger.

"And how are you doing to sneak around wearing that?" Isla asked.

I slipped it on. The hunger woven into the threads reminded me of my empty stomach.

"I'll show you."

I burned my will, activating the jacket’s enchantment. She yelped as her gaze jerked away from me.

After that moment of surprise, she shut her eyes and crawled off the bed. Isla shuffled toward me, groping the empty air.

I stifled a laugh, pressing myself flat against the wall. Isla walked closer until her hands grabbed the unbuttoned opening of the garment.

"I got you!"

She opened those piercing blue eyes, staring up at me while she pinned me to the wall.

"I was right! Touching you nullifies the effect."

I couldn’t look away from her—didn’t want to. My face flushed red.

"You're a genius."

She flashed a bashful smile.

"I had good teachers."

# # #

After getting dressed, we walked down the main floor of the Pit. More of the girls were awake, crowding around the front windows.

Dugan was healing his tenth person from the crowd. A layer of sweat covered his face, but he had not faltered. Castille enlisted Cassandra, Denise and a few of the other girls to tend to those in the crowd who suffered from minor wounds.

"Incredible will," Isla said, staring at Dugan from the window.

"Yeah, he seems fired up."

"Conviction. I see..."

Isla trailed off.

I left her to ponder. I had better things to do. I went around the bar to find some plates. It was easy, with everyone focused outside. Setting the plates on a table, I laid out the rations I took from Thor's saddlebags. After a few minutes, Isla joined me. We ate quickly. I wanted to scout, and she was hungry from her all-nighter.

Leaving the Pit, I waved over Castille to explain what happened with Van Lagos.

"It's a good plan given the circumstances," Castille said. "I would come along, but Dugan..."

She trailed off, staring at Dugan as he worked.

"I need to watch him. I've never seen him like this."

"His focus and conviction are both high," Isla said, turning on her lecturer's voice. "I don't think he'll stop until everyone here is healed. He'll need rest after this."

Castille folded her arms.

"The people in this town have never seen a healer. Cassandra has already convinced Dugan to look at Denise when he's done here. He won’t be resting anytime soon. And speaking of rest. Shouldn't you be in bed?"

"I'll be fine," Isla said in an exasperated voice.

"Mmhmm."

"We'll be fine, Castille,” I said.

“And why can’t Thor go with you?”

“We tried waking him, but he’s comatose. I think it has something to do with Dugan,” Isla said.

Castille frowned but said nothing.

"Do you even know where to find Arwen?"

"I was hoping Cassandra had some leads, but I don't want her too involved. Messing with Arwen could have blowback."

And I should at least try to keep my promise.

"Well, there are always our friends at the Guild."

Castille jerked her thumb at the Guildhall across the street.

I sighed.

"I don't like depending on them."

"It couldn't hurt," Isla said. "The Sanctifiers will have the best intelligence in town, and you were going to hand him over to them anyway."

They were right, as much as I hated to admit it.

I walked across the street and banged on the doors of the Guildhall. I was too embarrassed to tell Isla and Castille the real reason for my hesitation. I didn't want Reed to know I was working on her case.

I frowned, imagining her smug smile.

Isla and I were led through both doors of the Guildhall to find Dew Able doing paperwork on one of the public desks. He ushered us to the second floor and knocked on the door of what used to be his private office. A servant in a new black-clad uniform opened it, and we saw the last thing I expected to see.