Page 29 of Winds of Darkness

He huffed, his hands clenching at his sides.

“We’ve had reports of thievery around this area of the markets,” Rayner continued.

“I don’t know anything about that.”

His ashes swirled a little faster, and he tilted his head. “Did you know Cyrus was a thief before he became the Prince’s Second?”

The boy’s eyes widened slightly. “Bullshit.”

“I have no reason to lie to you,” Rayner replied.

“What does it matter to me?”

“Maybe it doesn’t,” Rayner answered. “But that same thief saw you today. As did the Fire General. As did I.”

“And now you’ll haul me away?”

“It’s that or speak to your parents,” he replied.

The boy’s lip twisted in a sneer. “Who do you think sent me out here?”

Interesting.

There were plenty of avenues for those experiencing hardship to come by aid, but there were still some too proud to ask. Others thought illegal activities would be more lucrative and worth the risk. Rayner wondered where his parents fell.

“Do they treat you well otherwise?” he asked.

“We do all right.”

“Clearly,” Rayner deadpanned. “You have a place to stay?”

When the boy just ground his teeth more and averted his gaze, Rayner added, “I have a place.”

“We don’t take handouts,” the male said sharply.

Ah. So it was the too proud thing.

“Good. I wasn’t offering one,” Rayner answered. “But I have this place not too far from here. I don’t get there often due to my work. Maybe once or twice a year. I need someone to look after it.”

The boy eyed him skeptically. “And you want me to do it?”

“If you can handle it. Keep the yard up and the place clean. I’ll pay you, and in return, your family can stay there too.”

“What’s the catch?”

“There isn’t one. I need to collect a few things, but I can do that while you tell your parents of the arrangement. I’ll be waiting there if they have any questions.”

The kid fidgeted, his hands unclenching and fisting again as he clearly debated the offer. If he declined, Rayner would have to follow him home in the smoke and ashes and figure something else out, he supposed. He knew he couldn’t help every single person he came across like this, but he made an effort when he could, especially when children were involved.

“I have two younger sisters,” the boy said suddenly, then he stumbled back when Rayner’s ashes thickened more, rolling across the stone road.

Rayner swallowed thickly, collecting himself and reining in his magic before he said gruffly, “Sorry about that.”

The boy nodded slowly. “If it’s too many people—”

“It’s not,” Rayner interrupted. “The house isn’t big. Three rooms.”

“Better than the two rooms we’re sharing now.”