Wagered Whims

Quin's job is to step through Doors-portals that can take a person to thousands of new and interesting places throughout the universe-to find out where they lead. His job should be interesting. But Quin is bored. He does the same thing day in and day out, with little to excite or interest him. So, while he knows it's not the wisest choice, he takes up illegal gambling in his free time, just to spice up his life a bit. But one evening, there's an explosion at the gambling establishment, and Quin is forced to flee to avoid getting caught. Unfortunately, the owner, Nash, decides he's still due the money Quin owes, and offers him a deal: if Quin will find out what's through three Doors he "acquired," then Quin's debt will be wiped clean. As a form of accountability, Nash sends along his daughter, Jo, to keep an eye on Quin. And as the two explore three strange Doors, Quin finds out that, like himself, Jo too is unhappy with her life and looking for an escape.
But there might just be something they can do to help each other. This prequel to the Zirian Chronicles series is set several decades prior to book 1, Sundered Sky. Content warnings can be found on the copyright page.