Chapter Text
Walking through the market, people were shouting about their wares everywhere. I looked down at the list my parents gave me. I need to get some nightshade next…
I looked around for a stand that sold tea. Instead my eyes landed on a stand selling books. I felt drawn to it, so I decided to check it out. Walking over, no one really seemed interested in the books. Looking closer they were...were these restricted books? Why are they selling these out in the open during the day? Shouldn't they be a part of the night market? I looked around, in case an Emperor coven scout thought I was up to no good or something.
Seeing as no one seemed suspicious of me, I looked back at the books. Flipping through one I noticed it was about the savage ages and about wild magic. The pictures of old magic and creatures and traditions...it honestly seemed interesting.
"Good eye," The vendor said. Their cloak obscured their face, but I could still see their sharp teeth showing from underneath. "All of these are rare books, for...collectors."
Red flags were going off, my anxiety coming full force. Was this a sting operation to find witches who are interested in wild magic? Am I in trouble? This all was sketchy as hell.
"I uh..." I slightly stuttered.
"I like you kid," The vendor said, all I could stare at were those sharp teeth. "I'll give you a discount, 30 snails."
That was the price of a regular book. Well I guess this isn't just a regular book. But the discount seemed like this really was a sting operation.
"That's an interesting book," Another more boyish voice spoke up. Turning around I felt my eyes widen. Only to see...another kid. Oh.
He had blond hair that was slicked back (though a strand hung over his forehead). He also had these magenta eyes that I've never seen anything like with dark eye bags. He had a scar on the right side of his cheek and part of his ear was clipped almost. He honestly looked like he's up to something.
But my moms taught me better than to judge someone on their appearance. But this entire situation is just...off.
"It does look interesting," I agreed. "But my moms wouldn't want me coming home with something that could get me in trouble with the Emporer's coven."
"Smart," He nodded.
"I just wish learning history wasn't something to be looked down upon," I mumbled, mostly to myself but I could tell that he heard. "Just because I read about something doesn't mean I'm going to participate in it. I've read horror books with murderers, but I'm not a murderer now."
"That's...true," He agreed, hand under his chin like he was thinking deeply. "Maybe you should get it then."
I looked up at him suspiciously, "I mean...is it worth being sent to the conformatorium though?"
"If you keep the book hidden..." He trailed off.
"Are you trying to set me up or something?" I asked straight out.
"Wh-wha?" He exclaimed wide eyed. "No, no of course not!"
I stared at him for a few seconds with squinted eyes, then looked down at the book. After a few seconds I decided 'screw it, it's just a book'. Giving the vendor my money, I put the book in a satchel that I was carrying.
"Uh...nice meeting you?" I said to the guy with a slight questioning tone.
I waited for a reply as he seemed to be having a dilemma, but I really needed to finish this grocery shopping, and I spent enough time at this book stand.
'Maybe he's not going to reply,' I thought and slowly turned around, still giving him a chance to say something.
"N-nice to meet you too," He settled on, and I waved before walking off.