Chapter 23 · Varric's Deal

“Sign it and she breathes,” the auditor spat. His fist was still knotted in Mira’s hair, wrenching her head back. “Don’t sign, and I finish the sale.”

The auctioneer’s hammer hovered. One blink, one hesitation, and the gavel would drop.

Mira wasn’t screaming. That was the worst part. She just stared at Kaela, eyes wide, tears carving tracks through the dirt on her cheeks.

“Let her go,” I snapped. My arm was warm, blood soaking into my sleeve where Kaela’s knife had grazed me. “You’ve got your paper. Stop acting like a thug.”

“I need leverage, Quinn.” He jerked Mira’s head harder. She winced, a small, broken sound escaping her. “And you need a lesson. Nothing you buy matters until Varric says it matters.”

Beside me, Kaela was shaking. I had my hand locked around her wrist, pinning her so she wouldn't launch that second knife. Her pulse was a frantic hammer under my thumb.

“Touch her again and I’ll kill you,” Kaela snarled. Her voice was raw, wrecked. “I don’t care whose stamp is on that paper.”

“Sweetheart, you aren’t even on the paper anymore.” The auditor grinned at me. “He is.