A Dihonea Short: Shake a Sinner's Hand

Shake a Sinner's Hand

The deal was set on the table. The room of secrets went silent as both parties were processing what was at stake. A grin that held amuzement formed on the merchant's rotten lips as he saw a tremble escaping on the young woman's shoulders. With a feeling of superiority, Skylight started an almost maniacal laugh which mostly infuriated Luna. After catching his breath, he looked at her, dead on the eye.

"Forgive me Countess. I see how my lack of manners may upset you, but! This is trully intriguing, isn't it?"

He stood up and started pacing towards her. "I mean, when dealing with nobles it's usually the same ol' things they seek from me. Magical items to make them more prosperous, powerful. More beautiful." He stopped right in front of her. Luna just clenched her fingers tightly around her book, an action that didn't go unnoticed from the merchant as he lowered his gaze. "Others seek information from me. But you've already seen this, haven't you?"

"To the point, Skylight." She averted her eyes.

"And then there is you. Seeking something entirely different, with information I didn't expect to attain. You are highly underestimated Countess Morgenstern."

She rolled her eyes at his pathetic attempt to flatter her. He smirked as he continued. "You know my terms."

"Your terms include something I can't control."

"You do your part and I'll do mine."

"I can't guarantee the outcome you wish, merchant."

"That's why I requested some money as well, as collateral. Plus, I have absolute faith in the... persuasion skills of aristocracy." He smiled a toothful grin.

Luna lifted her gaze. As much as she despiced this inhuman, she couldn't help but see the beauty even in the macabre of his fake, staged expressions. She slowly got up from the armchair she was resting, gritting her teeth at her mind drifting at something as fleeting as art at moments like this, in matters of life and death.

Skylight was now in front of her, inappropriately close. He lifted his right hand.

"Do we have a deal?"

Luna just looked at it. She wanted many things but she was afraid that this path would lead to many unfortunate events. 'I am doomed anyway.' she thought.

"Shake my hand." She looked into his eyes.

And she shook his hand.

As they made contact, Skylight's eyes took a sinister turn. "Excellent!" He pulled the Morgenstern woman close, his lips to her ear. "Until our bargain is complete. Until we both get what we want. You. Cannot. Die."