LOOK AFTER JANET

     Without blinking, she walked toward me, her gaze locked onto mine. With each step, she quickened her pace, and with each step, my anxiety grew. I gave a fake cough, widened my eyes in surprise, and tried to act like everything was normal. Sure, totally normal. A sixteen-year-old student attending bar at the Rusty Chalice, the most notorious, illegal, and messed-up tavern. Everything was just peachy.

When she reached the counter, she didn't say a word. Instead, she leaned in, grabbed me by the collar, and pulled me close. However, the patrons of the Rusty Chalice all stood up in unison, swords drawn. They didn't know my name, but they recognized me as "that kid who sometimes works at the bar for Barton." That alone was enough for them to be ready to stop Liora if necessary. For some reason, their loyalty to Barton extended to me.

Liora glanced over her shoulder and a small smile appeared on her lips. She let me go, placing one hand on the counter, and nodded.