For A Price

Karyan woke up to the dim light of early morning and the sound of someone shuffling around the hill. 

He rubbed his eyes and looked up to find Sin, not sleeping but sitting cross-legged on the rock, fiddling with a curious-looking trinket.

"I thought you left," Karyan said, squinting at Sin.

Sin looked up, with a playful smirk on his face, he replied. "Left? I was here before you. This is where I live and you just can't get rid of me that easily."

Karyan rolled his eyes, not amused. "Funny."

Sin's smirk grew wider. "So, why are you in this country, in this city, anyway?"

"To see that dancer," Karyan replied, sitting up and stretching. "But it looks like I won't be able to. She took a week off."

Sin smirked. "From the public, yes. But I heard she performs at night in a bar. A secret one."

 "You know where it is?"

Sin's expression turned sly. "Yes. But it will cost you."

Karyan rolled his eyes again and began packing his things. "Forget it," he said, and walked out toward the town to look for more information.

Sin followed, keeping pace. "You might want to hide the snake if you don't want to attract attention," he teased, nodding at the serpent on Karyan's shoulder.

As Karyan strode through the bustling streets of the town, the market was already alive with the sounds of merchants and the rich aromas of spices and fresh bread. 

Stalls adorned with colorful fabrics and glittering trinkets lined the cobblestone pathways, and townspeople haggled over prices, their voices melding into a symphony of daily commerce.

Karyan's eyes scanned the crowd, trying to keep a low profile, but Sin, the persistent demon, seemed to have other plans.

"Come on," Sin teased, hovering a little too close. "Why go through all this trouble when I can give you all the answers? One little pact is all it takes."

Karyan, ducking under a low-hanging sign, shot Sin an annoyed glance. "I said forget it. I'm not making a deal with you."

Sin shrugged, his steps light and playful as he trailed after Karyan. "Suit yourself. But you're missing out. I've got top information."

Karyan approached a fruit vendor, pretending to examine the apples while covertly watching the crowd. "Go away. You are annoying me."

The demon leaned casually against a nearby post. "Sure, sure. But you know, time's ticking. I could have you meet that dancer by tonight."

Karyan picked up an apple, weighing it in his hand, and then put it back, still ignoring Sin. "Not interested."

Sin sighed dramatically, "You humans and your stubbornness. It's quite endearing, actually."

Trying to distance himself from the demon, Karyan wandered deeper into the market, where the scent of roasting meat filled the air and the sound of a lute player added a lively tune to the atmosphere. 

He paused to listen, hoping Sin might be distracted by the performance.

No such luck. Sin was right beside him, tapping his foot to the music. "You know, a pact could also get you VIP seats to her show. Front row. Fuck, she might even dance just for you."

Karyan finally snapped, "Sin, get lost! I'm not giving you twenty-five years of my life for a dance!"

Around them, a few heads turned, curious about the commotion. 

Karyan lowered his voice and moved on, trying to shake off the demon who was somehow always one step behind.

As Karyan walked through the throngs of people, he admired the city's architecture.

 Buildings with terracotta roofs and white-washed walls reflected the bright sunlight, and flowers cascaded from balconies, adding splashes of color to the picturesque scene.

He stopped at a fountain, the sound of water offered a brief respite from the relentless tagging along of his unwelcome companion. 

Children played nearby, splashing each other and laughing, unaware of the supernatural presence among them.

Sin leaned over the fountain's edge, peering at his own reflection. "You do realize I'm not actually using up any energy following you? I could do this all day."

Karyan turned away from the fountain, ready to try another tactic. "Fine. What do you want for the information, without making a pact?"

Sin straightened up, feigning deep thought. "Hmm, how about a favor? A rain check for when you're feeling more... agreeable."

Karyan crossed his arms, "makes no sense."

"What? I didn't even get to tell you yet." 

"What favour?" 

"How about, you find me a human that I could make a pact with?" 

"I knew it." 

"I don't have much time and I would really like to make a pact, you know…" The demon looked at Karyan. 

"In return, I could give you anything you desire…the information, money, ancient knowledge, anything…" Sin spoke slowly.

"You lie and then you forget what you lie about," Karyan laughed. 

"…what did I lie about?" 

"Are you taking me for a fool, demon?" 

"I would never!" 

"Didn't you just say that in order to get the information, you can only say it to the one who makes a pact with you?" 

"Ah…that…well, you see…"

"Just get lost, really…you can't deceive me, Sin." 

"Well, you can't blame me for trying…"

"I have no time for this, my clock is ticking." 

Sin let out a long sigh, "fine! I will tell you!"