Joshua followed the fading footsteps through the night, his heart pounding as the figure ahead hurried through the dim light. The silhouette moved quickly, unaware of his pursuit, until it stopped among jagged rocks.
"Here's the money. Leave Dragonheart City and never come back."
Joshua stiffened.
It was Jane—Lotty's loyal maid.
"You think such a small payment will settle divine punishment?" the wizard in green protested. "Boiling someone alive disrupts the natural order. Heaven's anger cannot be appeased with a few pieces of silver."
"Trying to bargain?" Jane snapped.
"I'm thinking about Princess Lotty's safety. This isn't the first time we altered fate for her. If heaven's punishment falls on Her Highness—"
Before he finished, Jane dumped the rest of her silver at his feet.
"I'd
