Season of Sacrifice (Blood of Azure Book 1) by Jonathan Michael (best ebook for manga txt) 📕

“Oh…and Stone.”

“Elder.” My brow tightens as I correct him. My alias is a must while roving so close to the enemy.

“Oh, right…Elder Alderock. Don’t try wrangling any alligators anytime soon. You aren’t ready for it.”

“Agreed,” I reply, sensing a mutual respect after what we’ve been through.

The Crimson Capital is a large city located at the southern end of the Supple Valley with the Scarlet River flowing directly through it. It’s a city of the Old Races. There are inspiring structures no man would be able to recreate today and hidden treasures all throughout, but it is also overgrown with filth and maggots.

The density of the city out-measures all townships, villages, and camps in Azure combined. Along the riverbanks is where it’s most dense. All trade, manufacturing, and business of any kind happen along these piers that branch off from the main thoroughfare. Where the money is made also draws the crime. The inner-city slums house all the poverty-stricken and desperate commoners, which borders the markets and warehouses along the main arterial. And any alley straying away from the main artery of the city is layered with the desperate. Although not all commoners are criminals, it’s the popular occupation in Tombtrough, the slums of the city. The few that aren’t criminals are typically preyed upon and taken advantage of, making it difficult for them to work their way into a better life. It’s not a very desirable place to be. And it’s exactly where I’m headed.

When the Captain shared the name and location, I thought I’d be walking into a filthy pillow house filled with gutter rats and parasites. Madrone’s Mistress, on the other hand, is surprisingly elegant and clean, and leaves me feeling underdressed as I step through the door.

I also suspected the venue to be named after the madam of the house, but it is obviously a theme. Madrone trees climb the walls in the lounge, and a handful of branches and roots encroach into the functional space, modified into benches or tables. What’s more appealing is the aroma that fills the air. It’s not of bourbon and coitus, as I would predict, but something fresh and delightful. Strawberries maybe.

After silently approving the establishment, I approach the matron standing behind the bar. She’s a beautiful woman, probably more so in her earlier days, but still appealing to gaze upon with wild brunette hair and a dark-red corset shaping her healthy womanly figure. Although, the façade on her face is a bit overpowering with enough color to pass for a jester.

“Is this the place to come for information?” I ask.

“The place to come, yes.” She bats her colorful eyelashes with a taunting grin. “But you’ve got it wrong, sweetie. This is the place to come if you’re looking to tickle your fancy.”

I can see she doesn’t want any part of my troubles. “Ah, never mind. I’m searching for a missing girl. I needn’t burden you.” I slouch and turn away.

“Missing girl, eh? You’ve definitely come to the right place if you’re looking for a girl. What’s your flavor? Tall? Petite? Rough? Healthy?” She squeezes her bosom and bats her eyelashes again. “Don’t get too excited, lad. I’m not available.”

“I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but I’m seeking a…uh…a friend. Not one of...” I pause and look about the establishment. Several couples are hidden in corners dimly lit with romantic lighting. “Not one of your girls. Well…I hope she’s not one of your girls. Her name is Jaymes. Though…she might be using an alias. I don’t know.”

“Virgin?”

“What? No. I mean…” I lose my words and grow hot.

“A virgin? Are you interested? That usually hooks the tough ones.” She raises a brow and ponders for a moment. I remain silent, unsure what to say that won’t make me more embarrassed. “I’ll tell you what, Ash over there might be able to help you find what you need, but she won’t divulge information so easily. How about I introduce you?”

“Ash? Aren’t pillow names typically something like Cocoa or Honey? Ash just sounds dirty.”

“Dirty if that’s what tickles your fancy, but I assure you she’s as clean as they come. Ashiela’s her name, but she prefers Ash. Interested?”

“Yes, but I’d like to be clear, I’m not here to, uh…tickle my fancy. I only want to talk. I have plenty of copper ribs if that’s what it takes.”

“With Ash, you better plan on giving her more than a few ribs,” the Matron advises.

“Huh?”

She waves the young girl over. My face burns hotter than before, and I can’t seem to stop staring. She poses at a window looking over her shoulder at us. Her petite silhouette is that of an angel, and the slight glimmer from the thunder lanterns above illuminates the soft curves of her arched back down to her legs. A rose camisole enhances her bust, and provocative undergarments barely cover her rear. Undergarments I didn’t know existed. Every curvature of her body is visible. I find myself suddenly warm and embarrassed for staring at her.

“Hello, sweetie,” the Matron says to Ash.

“Hi, Cocoa,” Ash replies as she approaches.

I look to the Matron, ashamed, wondering why she didn’t scold me for my presumptuous comment a moment ago.

“Who’s this young one? He looks to be straight off his mom’s teat. Are you old enough to be in here?”

“Err… Yes, I’m old enough,” I assure her.

“Is that so? What can you show me then?” Her hands caress my shoulders and casually run down my chest.

I pull her hands away, instantly regretting it. And hopeful I wasn’t too aggressive with my knee-jerk response.

“Sorry. I’m not actually... I’m only here for…” I can’t seem to speak full sentences. “Err…information.”

“Well, I’ll leave you two to get acquainted with each other,” the Matron interrupts, and she struts back to her