Treachery of Ink (Treachery of Nomadia #2)

The shop was quiet and smelled faintly of ink and amber. It was warm inside, almost cozy. Boxes lined the shelves alongside jars of ink and parchment. It was as if she’d stepped from the rain into another world. 


Chimes tingled, and a lady stepped out from behind a beaded curtain. 


Araceli started. She was a night elf, a race rarely seen within the capital city. A white braid draped over one shoulder, ending just above her waist. A long blue gown with wide sleeves swept the floor, and she hunched slightly as she walked. Her skin was a rich dark brown, yet her eyes were pale in her round face as she gazed at Araceli. Long nails drummed on the counter as she asked, “How may I help you?” 


Araceli stepped forward, glad she was the only customer in the shop. “I’m looking for a wand.” 


The elf did not seem to mind that she was a blue faun, and Araceli was further relieved when, instead of asking for a license, the woman peered over her shoulder, scanning the shelves. “I have many wands. You’ll have to be more specific.” 


Leaning forward, she kept her voice low. “I want to perform ink magic.” 


The elf’s eyebrows raised, and for a moment her hands ceased drumming before beginning again. “You’re an ink mage, I presume?”


Araceli nodded, a lump in her throat. Would the elf turn her in for practicing magic?