Slave Traders

Now that Myra is back to her usual self, I take out the space ring my father gave me and inspect it. It's a sturdy piece, designed for daily use and built to withstand damage. I've heard of people losing everything inside their space rings if they break, but the newer models, like this one, solve that problem. Even if a fragment remains, you can still access the contents.

I send my Mana into the ring to check what's inside, and my heart sinks. My expression must show it because Myra taps me.

"My darling, what's wrong?"

"See for yourself," I reply, scowling. Myra peers into the ring and bursts out laughing.

"One hundred gold coins and supplies that might last us six months? Your dad is such a thoughtful man!" She can barely keep a straight face as she laughs again.

Grinding my teeth, I turn to the other gift—this one from Myra's mother. When I look inside, my eyes widen in shock.

"One thousand gold coins!"