“Don’t worry about where I found it. Just tell me if it’s enough,” I say, gritting my teeth. Even with his hood shadowing most of his face, I can tell by the shock in his voice that I’ve caught him off guard.

He studies the contents slowly, handling each artifact like with extreme caution. I roll my eyes. Could this guy be any slower?

Suddenly, his head snaps up.

“You’ve done a wonderful job getting me my treasures, haven’t you?” he says, a sly smile spreading across his face.

I click my tongue impatiently. “Whatever. I got you what you wanted. Now where’s my sister?” My glare could cut steel as he starts packing the bag.

“Whatever do you mean?” His mocking tone makes my skin crawl.

“My. Sister,” I snap. “You said if I brought you these, you’d give her back. So where is she?”I say with the most malice I can muster.

He chuckles and shakes his head.

“I’m afraid I can’t help you with that.”

He stands abruptly and swings the bag over his shoulder. I slam my fists on the table. “What the hell do you mean you can’t? We had a deal! You owe me!”

He walks toward the door, ignoring my demands.

My blood starts to boil over as I leap from my seat and lunge at him, drawing my dagger from my thigh in one smooth motion. He dodges easily and catches my arm, twisting until I crumple to the floor in agony. The blade clatters to the ground. My body bends at a sick angle, pain burning through me as he twists harder, threatening to snap me in two.

“You can’t do this to me!” I choke out, tears brimming. Everything, _everything_, I did was to find my sister. I can’t let it end like this.

Then a sudden kick to my gut sends me sprawling. I hit the floor hard. My fingertips graze my cheek—warm, wet. Blood.

I have to move. Have to get up. Have to make him tell me where she is.

But by the time I drag myself upright…he’s gone.

And I’m left with nothing.