The Madame

Fawkes’ POV

When I set out, the first few places I check don’t give me anything. But I had yet to complete the list that Lord Jacob provided, so I move on to the next when my search doesn’t pan out.

Only once I find an inconspicuous building called ‘The Harem’, my mind flashes with a crowd of extremely alluring people standing before me. I know, then, that I’ve found the right place.

It’s still light, so the pub front is quite empty and devoid of the usual patrons. But that matters not. I am here to speak to the Madame, so I ask the solitary bartender.

He maintains an unreadable expression, not driving me away but not heeding my request either. Even so, he must have some way to alert her, because the place quiets and I turn to find her standing right behind me.

“Your thoughts are loud,” the Madame told me. “And I am not she. I am Them.” A veil shrouds the top half of their face.

I dip into a low bow. “My apologies. How may I address you instead?”