Chapter 99 Captured

The air in the dingy tavern room hung thick with the stench of stale ale, sweat, and something Mary desperately hoped wasn't regret. Black Bart lay sprawled on the floor, his raven perched on his chest, its head cocked like a disapproving judge. Mary, her hair a mess, her blouse askew, straightened her dress with trembling hands. This wasn't revenge. This wasn't justice. This was a dark alley transaction that had left her feeling violated and strangely… empowered? It was a confusing cocktail of emotions that churned in her stomach as she zipped up her dress. Black Bart, with a groan, pushed himself up from the floor. The raven hopped onto the bar, regarding them both with its beady black eyes. Mary couldn't help but feel a flicker of sympathy for the bird. At least it hadn't been subjected to whatever that just transpired. "Well then," Black Bart croaked, his voice hoarse. "That… certainly wasn't what I expected." Mary raised an eyebrow, a spark of defiance flickering in her eyes.