Chapter - 45
"Let's go, we shouldn't waste any time." Jacob and Elara left the inn as they navigated through the streets of Havenrest, making their way toward Garvin's operation.
But before they could reach the district known for slave trading, Elara froze, her hand shooting up to stop Jacob. Her gaze locked onto a figure emerging from a nearby tavern, adjusting a worn coat with a careless ease.
"Jacob," she whispered, voice filled with both surprise and disgust. "Wait. That's him—my father." Her words barely escaped her lips before Jacob followed her gaze to see a short, pudgy man with graying black hair and a distinct, unkempt look about him.
Jacob's face darkened, and without a word, he strode toward the man, catching up within seconds. As they came alongside him, Jacob's hand shot out, gripping the man's arm with a strength that made him stagger.
"We've got some talking to do, mister," Jacob said.
The man squirmed, attempting to pull away. "Who do you think you are, laying hands on me?" he blustered. "Unhand me, or I'll—"
Jacob tightened his grip, dragging him firmly down a narrow alleyway. The man stumbled, still shouting in indignation, until he suddenly caught sight of Elara following close behind. His expression shifted, momentarily stunned, then twisted into something cruel.
"Elara?" he sneered, his voice filled with mockery. "What are you doing here, girl? Did you run away from your master, then? Back to Daddy to save you? Well, what a fool you are. You think I'm going to help you? All I'll do is sell you off again, just like I did with that worthless mother of yours and your sister. What good is a daughter if she isn't bringing me anything?"
Elara's face drained of color, her fists clenched, but Jacob stepped forward, his expression chillingly calm. With one hand, he pressed the man against the damp wall of the alley, his grip tightening around his throat. With his other hand, Jacob drew his revolver, the dull glint of metal catching the man's gaze as Jacob raised the barrel to rest just beneath his chin.
The man's sneer vanished, replaced by raw fear as he noticed the faint, blue tendrils of faerium swirling from the weapon's barrel—a clear sign he was dealing with a mage. His eyes widened as he finally realized the serious danger he was in. He let out a terrified breath, stammering, "Who… who are you? What are you doing? You… you wouldn't dare…"
Jacob leaned in closer, his voice low, unyielding. "Oh, I would. And trust me, mister, I'm a killer—no two ways about it. I've taken down men bigger, stronger, and a hell of a lot meaner than you." He shoved the barrel harder against the man's chin, his voice dripping with menace. "So tell me, should I end it for you right here? Or are you going to tell Elara where her mother and sister are? Because if you don't, I promise you'll be sleeping with a hole in your face tonight."
The man swallowed hard, his face ashen. His earlier arrogance crumbled into pitiful desperation. "Alright… alright, I'll talk! Just… just don't do anything stupid!"
Jacob held his gaze, his own face unreadable, and finally eased the gun back a fraction. "Then start talking," he commanded.
The man coughed, his eyes darting between Jacob and Elara. "I… I went to Garvin's place to sell them first, but the price he offered wasn't what I wanted. I wanted… more." He cast a quick, fearful glance at Jacob, who raised an eyebrow, urging him on.
"While I was negotiating with Garvin, a merchant—a wealthy businessman from here, goes by the name of Malakar—overheard us. He took a fancy to your sister, Lily," he admitted, flinching at Elara's horrified expression. "Offered a handsome price for her and the mother both, fifty gold orins. I couldn't say no. He bought them on the spot."
Elara's fists trembled as she took a step forward. "Where?" she demanded, her voice barely a whisper. "Where is he keeping them?"
The man swallowed, darting his eyes to Jacob's revolver again. "His estate. It's on the western edge of town, right past the market. Big place, all stone walls and iron gates. You… you can't miss it."
Jacob exchanged a silent glance with Elara. He nodded in silent agreement, then turned back to the man who had betrayed his own family for coin.
Without warning, Jacob drew his fist back, delivering a brutal punch to the man's jaw, the force sending him sprawling onto the alley floor. The man groaned, clutching his face, but Jacob wasn't finished. He delivered another strike, landing across the man's cheek, leaving a bloodied smear on the grimy ground beneath him.
"That's for Elara," Jacob muttered. He straightened, ignoring the man's groans of pain. "If I ever see you again, you won't get off this easy."
Turning on his heel, Jacob went out of the alley. With a final, disgusted glance at her father, Elara also turned away, falling into step beside Jacob.