Sela looked at Lana, and considered letting her die. It made sense. Lana had her uses, but was ultimately replaceable. And just proving to Gianna how little she cared, that could be well worth it. But still…Lana was her friend. That was supposed to mean something. It was simple enough to slash her bonds with Sir Violet. In seconds she was free. A dash, and the blade was pressed against the mayor’s throat. The guards

“Gratitude is corrupt. I know it, you know it. The fish in the harbor know it. We are filled with scum, radioactive beasts, and lawyers. It is a wonder some passing God hasn’t taken pity on the planet and just obliterated this city down to dust. “But with that corruption, there comes great profit.” The mayor looked to one of the tapestries. A map of Gratitude and the surrounding areas, it weaved in new roads

Lady Violet Sela woke up strapped to a chair. Her eyes flickered open. The leather around her wrists and ankles was tight, barely allowing blood to flow. Any attempt to escape them was going to require losing the use of an arm for a long time. Too long if she wanted to escape. Instead, she inspected herself. Down to her underclothes, smart. Easier to bind her up without all the folds of her loose clothing,