Chapter 7

It’s been two days since we arrived in Chuman and we haven’t found the merchant yet. Najeem and I were walking down the part of the bazaar that sold gold, perfumes and clothes. We were sure if the merchant wanted to resell the orbs, he would probably do it here.

As we strode along the streets, my eyes roamed the windows of the different gold shops, stopping at one in particular. I recognized a bracelet that was displayed there. A mix of white gold and rose gold in swirls.

Najeem noticed me drifting to that store, standing behind me as I touched the glass window. “Do you like this bracelet?”

“My grandma had the same. When I had fallen ill as a child and my family was short on money, she sold it so that my parents could buy medicine for me. I always wondered what happened to it,” I answered, lost in memories.

My grandpa had gifted the bracelet to my grandma and it was all there was left of the two of them. Seeing it here reminded me of both and how much they loved me when they were still alive.

I snapped out of it and wiped a tear from my cheek. “I’ll try to get some information from the shop next door, can you cover this one?”

“Sure,” he mumbled and I quickly entered the other shop, leaving him behind.

A young man stood in front of a counter filled with jewelry, his eyes snapping to me.

“Greetings,” I said, getting closer to the counter. “I’d like to know if you sell glowing glass marbles? A friend told me they’re quite rare and popular right now.”

The man’s demeanor changed instantly, recognizing my description. “No, my lady. We don’t have something like this here.” He was clearly lying, suspicious about my intentions.

“Have you seen them anywhere else?”

“No, please leave my shop,” he shortly stated. I was sure he was hiding something. This was the first clue in days – I couldn’t just go now.

The door behind me opened and suddenly a hand wrapped around my waist. I turned to face Najeem. “Dear, have you found what you were looking for?” he asked.

The man’s expression changed again, getting softer and I realized what Najeem was doing here. “The gentleman here seems to know about it, but won’t answer me.”

Najeem’s eyes flickered to the man, narrowing dangerously. “My wife here wishes to buy one of these rare orbs. I’d be willing to pay any sum to fulfill her wish. Would you be able to help us, sir?”

“Gladly.” The man smirked, finally giving us the information we needed.