She had been to the old man’s hovel only twice, both times in search of information about a mark she’d been contracted to steal from. Ennis was a strange old man. Sometimes he sold books in the various underground markets. Sometimes he could be found begging near the earl’s palace. But most of his time was spent in his tiny home on Avondale’s lowest level.From the outside it looked just like any of the shanties around it. Most of the homes and shops on Avondale’s lowest level were carved into the soft volcanic rock that made up the foundations of the city’s magnificent homes and towering walls. The door was hung haphazardly, and a tattered blanket hung inside the hole that served as a window. From the smell in that section of the city, Lexi expected to find sewage pooling in the tiny hut, but she knew from experience that the home was well maintained and kept immaculately clean. She knocked softly on the door and waited.She didn’t have to wait long. The door opened slowly, and Ennis’ face poked out.
