"Simply sign the contract, and we can begin preparations," stated Ashiel. Then, he cocked his head and looked more closely. "You seem to be in pain."

Argis shook her head, which only increased the thudding inside her skull. "No, I'll be fine. I'll just use a spell, if you don't mind."

Argis pulled a small hex from a hidden inside pocket in her cloak, whispered words to it, and let it vanish in her hand. Almost instantly, the pain disappeared.

The girl looked down to read the contract again, but the letters faded in and out of focus. Although her migraine had disappeared, Argis still felt somewhat dizzy.

"Ashiel..." Argis muttered. "I don't feel well...I'll go home now, but hopefully we will meet again later." She bumped into a waiter as she stood, and plates of food crashed to the ground. "I'm sorry..." Argis started. Then, the girl turned and fled from the shop.

I can't read it...Argis thought to herself. Why can't I focus...?

Argis ran down the streets, not caring what direction her feet traveled in. The business district was nearly empty today, for the vendors were all traveling to restock their products for tomorrow.

Ashiel...Kadir?

While she was running, Argis accidentally knocked a forgotten can off a vendor's stand. A startled cat ran across the street.

I've never felt this sick before...

Argis wasn't sure where she was anymore, but she didn't really care. All she knew was that she had to get away from the cafe.

I don't think I've been in this part of the district before, Argis thought. This is the run-down part. The black market area.

The part Ethel always warned Argis to avoid.

I need to get back home. I need to talk to Ethel.

Argis quickly reached the end of the street, then looked for something familiar to guide her home.

There could be dangerous people around here...this part of the district hides many illegal transactions.

To the right, Argis spotted a brewery that she had tried to sneak into before. It had been Sabine's birthday, and the two wanted to drink to celebrate. But Argis had been too young, and the guard at the door saw through her ruse immediately.

But the contracts the people out here sign are nothing like the one Ashiel gave to me.

Argis ran past many shadowy alleys, seeing people hiding out of the corner of her eye. They squatted behind trashcans, balanced on top of shacks, slipped through the dark. She ran toward the direction of the brewery, then saw a corner of the marketplace that she recognized. She could get home, now.

She ran past many stands of vendors, all empty and deserted. The end of the next corner seemed to waver, but became clear as Argis neared it. She turned right, and a burst of light appeared in the corner of her eye.

I'm having a migraine again.

The girl kept running, her thoughts becoming slower. Her body became dizzy. But she kept running. She had to get home to Ethel. Ethel would know what to do, wouldn't she?

She ran past the stand that sold mangoes. Her favorite stand. Not only did the man sell her favorite food, he was also located close to the city's border. It offered her a taste of freedom, just like Ashiel had promised...

Argis stopped and looked up. She was standing at the gate to the city. People swarmed around her, flying above the city walls and scurrying under the footsteps of taller counterparts. She was alone in the middle of a crowd.

A blast of light blinded Argis, and she swayed on her feet. When she regained her balance, only one thought remained.

Nobody would ever know if she left.

Not Kadir.

Not Ashiel.

Not Sabine.

Not Ethel.

Without giving the idea any more thought, Argis tailed a group of squealing girls and walked out of the city. She blended in well.

The guards didn't even give her a second glance.