Simple Terms

Asher followed the appraiser to the third floor.

The place seemed to have more of an administrative air than a typical shop. From what he could pick up with his ears, there were muffled voices echoing from behind the walls—discussions, footsteps, and the occasional creak of doors.

At the top, several doors were lined up, each one leading to a separate room. He glanced as a few dogkin workers entered one of them, their arms full of papers and small satchels.

Then, at the far end, a wooden door stood out with a fancier design than the others. Its surface had detailed carvings, and the handles were made of shiny brass.

Brennar stepped forward and opened the door for him without a word. The faint creak of the hinges echoed softly as the room beyond revealed itself.

The owner of the shop was standing near a large, tall window, gazing out over the bustling street below.