The room was quiet. Everything sat perfectly where it belonged.

  Elyria slowly woke, stretching and yawning as she laced her fingers together and rested her hands behind her head.

  “Ohh,” she murmured to herself. “So nice to get a sleep-in without waking up to someone trying to pull the place down.”

  She exhaled contentedly.

  “Right. First things first. Breakfast… then I'll go figure out what the deal is with that idiot and Linda.”

  She paused.

  Then rolled onto her side and buried her face into the pillow.

  “Yeah,” she muffled, voice sharp with irritation. “You see her, and suddenly it’s all cuddles and smiles, but no — I get the dumbest comments ever spoken by a human.”

  She screamed into the pillow.

  Then she rolled back onto her other side, staring at the ceiling.

  “…Won’t hurt to get a few more minutes,” she muttered. “Not every day I get peace and quiet around here.”

  Clink.

  Elyria ignored it.

  Clink.

  Her eyes cracked open.

  Sitting at the foot of the bed, completely unbothered, was Mynxi.

  She held a bowl of cereal in one hand, a spoon wrapped neatly around her tail. Milk sloshed softly as she ate.

  Mynxi waved mid-bite cheerfully.

  Elyria stared.

  “Mynxi,” she said slowly. “Did you hear… anything I just said?”

  Mynxi finished her spoonful, smiled brightly, and nodded.

  “Morning,” she said. “Dad said you’d take me to get my dress for the party tomorrow.”

  Elyria raised an eyebrow.

  “Oh. Did he now?”

  “Uh-huh.” Mynxi scooted a little closer, lowering her voice into a conspiratorial whisper. “If you want a cuddle from Dad, you just need to ask, silly Ely.”

  Elyria froze.

  Then smiled.

  “Sorry, Mynxi,” she said gently. “Can you give me just a moment?”

  Mynxi lit up.

  “Sure!”

  Elyria rolled over and shoved her face back into the pillow.

  She screamed from the pit of her soul into it again.

  Mynxi was already halfway down the stairs when Elyria caught up, her voice echoing through the Beech & Ember.

  “We can go for lunch!” Mynxi shouted happily. “Then can we get some tea like Auntie Solara? And do you want to play a board game? I always beat Dad at it!”

  Elyria followed behind, hair on end as she’d just been dragged out of bed by the smallest hurricane. She rubbed at her eyes, barely awake.

  “If you want, little one,” she said, yawning. “Come on, get your boots on. I’ve got things to do today — we can play later.”

  She crossed the common room and stopped at Joss’s desk. He sat there sketching quietly in a notebook, focused enough that he didn’t look up.

  “Psst,” Elyria whispered. “Joss. Is anyone else still here? I’ve got really important stuff to do today, and that idiot dumped Mynxi on me.”

  Without lifting his eyes from the page, Joss replied dryly, “Welcome to the Beech & Ember. I built and designed this inn. Unfortunately, we’re currently rented out. Please enquire again in the future.”

  Elyria blinked.

  “What in the stars are you on about?” she said. “It’s me. Elyria. You know me.”

  Joss glanced up briefly.

  “Oh. The annoying one, you look a mess today.”

  He looked back down at his sketch.

  “Nope. You missed everyone. You two are the only ones who’ve been here the last few hours.”

  “Oh. Charming,” Elyria muttered.

  She sighed and leaned against the desk.

  “You wouldn’t happen to be able to help a girl out and watch Mynxi for a bit, would you? I really can’t put this off today.”

  “Not a babysitter,” Joss said flatly.

  Elyria frowned.

  “Oh, come on,” she pressed. “You follow Caelan, too. Just this once.”

  “I follow him,” Joss replied, still sketching, “but I’m not part of the Revolutionary Army. There were very clear conditions set between me, him, and Solara. Last I checked, babysitting wasn’t one of them.”

  Elyria straightened, giving him a long side-eye.

  “Life and soul of the party, you are,” she said. “Fine. We’ll be back.”

  She turned — and stopped.

  Mynxi was on the floor, already setting up a board game.

  Elyria closed her eyes.

  “Little one?” she said patiently. “Boots?”

  Mynxi beamed and sprang to her feet.

  “Sorry, Ely! I forgot. Can we play one game first?”

  Elyria scooped her up and knelt, pulling the boots on.

  “When we get home,” she said. “Want me to tie them for you?”

  In a blink, Mynxi tied both boots herself.

  She looked up proudly.

  “Uncle Aidan taught me. He says I’m the quickest he’s ever seen.”

  Elyria smiled.

  “Oh, what a little show-off,” she said, lifting Mynxi and giving her a quick tickle. “You’re just like your dad.”

  Mynxi giggled as Elyria headed for the door.

  “Bye, Joss!” Mynxi called. “See you tonight!”

  For the first time, Joss set his notebook aside and smiled.

  “Have fun with the grumpy one, Mynxi,” he said. “Bye.”

  Elyria muttered as they left, “Pot calling the kettle black.”

  Outside, Mynxi stopped suddenly and stretched her arms out toward Elyria.

  Elyria halted, blinking down at her in confusion.

  “Mynxi,” she said carefully. “You’re a big girl now.”

  Mynxi planted her feet and stared up at her, defiant.

  “Dad does it,” she said.

  Elyria sighed.

  “Yeah, but I’m not your dad,” she replied. “And he spoils you too much.”

  Mynxi huffed, turning away.

  “Fine,” she muttered. “Grumpy.”

  Elyria closed her eyes for half a second.

  Then she fixed her hair, crouched slightly, and held out her hand with a smile.

  “Alright,” she said. “Where are we off to first, then?”

  Mynxi glanced back, a small, sly smile tugging at her lips.

  She took Elyria’s hand.

  “Can we get my dress?” she asked. “Auntie Keira got Lumi to make it, and she promised it would be super duper.”

  Elyria knelt and gently bonked Mynxi’s nose.

  “And then we can go for lunch,” she said. “What do you say?”

  Mynxi’s eyes lit up.

  “Can I get the big one this time?” she asked. “Auntie Solara never lets me, but Dad says I can if I keep it a secret.”

  Elyria laughed softly.

  “Sure,” she said.

  Hand in hand, they passed through the gate of the inn and out into the streets of Virelith.

  Mynxi crashed through the door of Lumi’s shop.

  “Is it ready?” she shouted. “Is it ready?”

  Elyria followed at a much calmer pace, gently closing the door behind them.

  “Mynxi,” she said mildly, “careful. Don’t break anything.”

  Mynxi was already racing laps around the shop.

  A blur of fabric, ribbons, and enthusiasm.

  From behind the counter, Lumi came barreling out, half vaulting over it with a squeal.

  “If it isn’t my favourite little super?duper model!”

  Mynxi struck a pose, flashing a peace sign.

  “Still the cutest.”

  Lumi laughed and ruffled her hair.

  “Oh, and you always will be.” She glanced up. “Hey, Elyria. Damn. What dragged you out of bed?”

  Elyria slid her hands into the pockets of her Revolutionary jacket.

  “Well,” she said dryly, “someone decided I had a day off and dumped me with babysitting.”

  She tilted her head.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll get him back for it.”

  Lumi hummed.

  “Alrighty then.”

  She looked down at Mynxi, grin widening.

  “So, are you ready to see it?”

  Mynxi nodded so hard her tail knocked into a table, sending a few items clattering.

  Lumi vanished behind the curtain in a flurry of fabric.

  Elyria moved automatically, catching what she could as things toppled.

  “Mynxi,” she warned gently, “be careful. You’re making a mess of Lumi’s shop. Auntie Solara would not be impressed right now.”

  Mynxi froze.

  She clasped her hands together, tail slipping back into her jacket.

  “Sorry, Ely,” she said quietly. “I didn’t mean to.”

  The curtain burst open.

  Lumi emerged carrying a large box and a dress bag.

  “First,” she announced, “Auntie Keira picked out your shoes. Look at these.”

  She lifted a small pair of trainers — black, with red flames licking up the sides.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  Mynxi gasped.

  “SO COOL! I’ll be super quick with these!”

  Lumi laughed.

  “Oh, just you wait.”

  She unzipped the garment bag.

  Inside was an outrageously over?the?top princess dress — black and red, puffy, dramatic, and unapologetic.

  Mynxi stared.

  Completely silent.

  Lumi smiled.

  “The dressing room’s over there if you want—”

  She didn’t finish.

  Mynxi grabbed the bag.

  “Thank you, Lumi! You’re the bestest!”

  She vanished behind the curtain.

  Lumi clasped her hands to her chest and turned to Elyria.

  “Isn’t she the cutest?” she sighed. “Such a sweet little angel.”

  Elyria glanced around the shop.

  “Is it just you here today?” she asked. “Where is everyone?”

  “Oh, yeah. Just me,” Lumi replied. “Everyone else is either out watching Bestie work her magic or helping Garron do—”

  She made a face.

  “—manual labour.”

  The bell above the shop door rang.

  Three figures stepped inside — two men and a woman — their boots muddy, their expressions loud before their voices were.

  “I can’t wait,” the woman laughed as she pushed the door wider with her shoulder, “to wipe that smug look off all those high?and?mighty arses. See what face they pull when they’re working in the mud like the rest of us.”

  One of the men snorted. “Might wash the stink of this place off them for once.”

  The third drawled mockingly, eyes sweeping the shop. “Oh, look at us. Big walls. Superhero idiots who’ll save us. Place is ripe for the picking.”

  They stopped.

  All three noticed Elyria.

  The woman barked out a laugh and sauntered closer, eyeing the Revolutionary jacket. “No way. You actually wearing one of those? Wow. You must be a real big hero around here.”

  Lumi cut in flatly from behind the counter. “Are you here for the order for Vanguard?”

  The woman smirked. “Yeah. We are. Why don’t you go grab the real adults’ uniforms?”

  “Not an issue,” Lumi replied calmly. “I’ll just be one moment.”

  As she disappeared into the back, one of the men leaned closer to Elyria, grinning. “You know, I’m not normally into older women, but I wouldn’t mind trying.”

  The other laughed. “Damn, they really take anyone, don’t they? Tell me, old hag — how’d you idiots even beat Ravon? Surprised he hasn’t walked back in and wiped the floor with you lot by now.”

  Elyria didn’t look at them.

  Her fingers tightened on the edge of the table.

  The wood creaked. A hairline crack spread slowly beneath her grip.

  “Old?” she murmured. “Old…?”

  She inhaled sharply.

  “…Right. Sorry, Caelan. Game's over.”

  A soft giggle escaped her as she smiled — not kindly.

  The woman frowned. “Uh… I think there’s something wrong with her.”

  Lumi reappeared and, without warning, hurled a heavy bag straight at Elyria’s chest. It knocked her back against a chair.

  “Elyria,” Lumi said sharply, “help instead of messing around.”

  More bags followed, thumping onto the counter. Elyria straightened, jaw tight, picked up the one at her feet, and shoved it into the woman’s arms.

  “Careful,” Elyria said pleasantly. “Don’t want to put your hip out, Grandma.”

  Lumi stacked the final bags and slid behind the counter. “Right. Two hundred and fifty uniforms. All sizes. Blah blah blah.”

  She glanced at the slate. “Bill’s already settled. But just so I have a witness — Elyria, no refunds once it’s out the door. Not my problem.”

  The woman smirked. “Oh, don’t worry. Don’t think complaining would get us much anyway.”

  She jerked her head at the men. “You idiots, grab the rest. Boss wants them handed out ASAP.”

  They gathered the bags and headed for the door.

  “Enjoy your little hero fantasy,” the woman called over her shoulder. “Losers.”

  The door shut.

  Lumi leaned on the counter, eyebrow raised. “So. What’s rocking your boat? Captain again?”

  Elyria leaned opposite her, rubbing her temples. “Obviously. That idiot.”

  She sighed.

  “I swear, I can’t go a day without thinking he’s topped his last spectacularly stupid stunt — and then he somehow finds a way. Why does everyone follow him? I still don’t get it. I honestly never will. We should all clearly be following Solara, but no — she swears by him. Like, what even is his deal?”

  Lumi leaned in a little closer, lowering her voice. “I’d be lying if Keke and I haven’t talked about it a few times.”

  Elyria paused. “Keke?”

  “Oh, shut up,” Lumi said with a grin. “She’s my bestie. So — Keke. But look, I don’t care how it goes down. Have you actually tried talking to him?”

  Elyria snorted. “Oh yeah, because you haven’t seen me try that for the last four years. Look how well that’s worked out. Stick to clothes, Lumi. You’ll never understand.”

  Lumi’s smile faded just a touch. “I have seen it for four years. And what I’ve seen every single time is that Caelan does something you don’t agree with, and you start snapping at him. Maybe — just maybe — try not having your head so far up your own arse next time.”

  Elyria sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “See? This is his fault again. I had things to do today, and he just dumps Mynxi on me without—”

  She stopped.

  “…Wait. Lumi. Could you watch her for a while?”

  Lumi tapped a finger against her lips, peering past Elyria. “Are you ready now? I can see that tail poking out. Come on, let me see.”

  The curtain flew open.

  “Ta?da!” Mynxi announced proudly.

  Lumi squealed so loudly it echoed off the walls. “SO ADORABLE. PERFECT. AHH — LET ME SEE!”

  She lunged forward, yanking the measuring tape from around her neck — and immediately tripped over an entire stand of scarves.

  “I’m okay,” she mumbled from the floor.

  Mynxi spun in front of Elyria. “Do you like it? It’s so cool! Auntie Keira is the best!”

  Elyria crossed her arms, still pouting. “Oh wow. Yeah. It’s… nice. Not sure about the colours though.”

  Lumi was already circling Mynxi, checking hems and seams. “I can’t believe it came out this brilliant — wait, did you—? No, no, it’s fine. Do you want to see what your Auntie Keira bought to make it perfect?”

  Mynxi gasped. “A unicorn?”

  Lumi deflated slightly as she reached for a box. “Oh, how I wish. Unicorns sound amazing. So jealous Keke had one.”

  “Unicorns aren’t real,” Elyria muttered. “I think Keira’s talking rubbish again.”

  Lumi scoffed. “Pfft. Keke would never lie to me.”

  She opened the box.

  “What do you think about this, Mynxi? I knew you loved your aunties, so I made something a little extra special just for you.”

  She lifted out a small wizard’s hat.

  Mynxi froze.

  Mouth open. Eyes wide.

  Lumi gently placed it on her head.

  Mynxi turned toward the mirror — then exploded into motion, hands flailing as she squealed, “FUCK, SO COOL!”

  Elyria shot her a look. “Excuse me, ma’am. We are not your dad. Watch your language, or I will be telling Auntie Solara.”

  Mynxi immediately wilted. “Sorry, Ely.”

  Elyria turned back to Lumi. “Right. Are you alright watching her while I go get my stuff done?”

  Lumi crouched in front of Mynxi. “Go get changed just now, my little star. Tomorrow night, everyone’s going to lose their minds.”

  Mynxi grinned, throwing up a peace sign. “Hashtag facts.”

  Lumi hugged her. “Your auntie’s going to be so proud. Be careful packing it, alright?”

  “Don’t worry!” Mynxi called as she closed the curtain. “I’ll take super?duper care of it!”

  Lumi straightened and turned to Elyria, voice dropping. “Dude. What’s your problem today?”

  Elyria lifted her hands. “Like always. Caelan.”

  Lumi stepped closer, quieter now. “I can’t watch her today. Honestly. Solara’s order alone is insane, and if you left her here, I’d just end up playing with her instead of working. But whatever your issue is, don’t take it out on Mynxi. Imagine being her age in this mess. Give the girl a break.”

  Elyria rolled her eyes. “Yeah. Whatever. You are almost ready, Mynxi?”

  “Uh?huh!” Mynxi replied. “One second!”

  Lumi gathered the boxes and bags and handed them to Elyria. “Guess you’re carrying these the rest of the day.”

  She knelt as Mynxi stepped out, smiling warmly. “Thank you for coming to try it on, my little angel. Best model I could’ve asked for.”

  “Thank you, Lumi!” Mynxi said, tail swishing. “Can we play tonight when you get home?”

  “You pick the game,” Lumi said, smiling, “and we’ll start the second I’m back.”

  Mynxi jumped in for a hug.

  Elyria opened the door. “Alright. Let’s go. We’ve still got things to do.”

  “Okie?dokie, Ely!” Mynxi shouted, racing ahead and pretending to be an aeroplane.”

  They hadn’t gone far when Mynxi tugged on Elyria’s hand, pointing excitedly down the street.

  “Can we eat at Whaa Whaa’s, Ely?” she asked. “We can get you a drink too!”

  Elyria slowed, taking in the busy streets of Virelith for a moment before exhaling.

  “…Sure,” she said at last. “Why not. I could use a drink.”

  Whaa Whaa’s was packed.

  Laughter and the sharp clatter of bottles filled the air. Half the bar was a blur of movement as men hauled case after case of alcohol inside. At the counter, Aurex stood mid-argument with the bar manager.

  “Why has he ordered this much?” Aurex demanded. “How many people is he expecting? He’s going to drink the city into elimination. Did Solara actually sign off on this? I’m finding that hard to believe.”

  “I get paperwork,” the bar manager shot back. “Lieutenant signs it. I order what’s on it. That’s all I know.”

  Aurex thunked his forehead gently against the bar. “That moron is going to cause alcohol inflation all by himself. I can’t believe she approved this.”

  “Hi, Rexy!”

  Mynxi sprinted forward and hugged his leg.

  Aurex blinked — then laughed, scooping her up and setting her on the bar.

  “Well, hey there, Mynxi. How’re you today? Thought you’d be with your dad.”

  “Nope,” Mynxi said proudly. “Ely and me went to get my super?duper present from Auntie Keira.”

  Aurex smiled. “Your Auntie Keira is pretty great, isn’t she?”

  Elyria reached the bar and leaned against it. “Rack them up,” she muttered. “Killer hangover. Only one way to deal with it.”

  Aurex glanced sideways. “Caelan?”

  “What do you think?” Elyria snapped. “The man’s a tone?deaf, reckless idiot. Honestly, sometimes I just want to strangle him.”

  Aurex took a sip of his drink. “Give it a few weeks. You two’ll be back to normal.”

  Elyria shot him a look. “What’s that meant to mean?”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Wait — are you serious? That’s your whole thing. One minute you’re doing the dumbest shit I’ve ever seen, laughing like idiots together. Then he goes too far, you shout at him, and the cycle resets. You’ve really not noticed that?”

  “Why does everyone take that moron’s side?” Elyria muttered. “Seriously. Why?”

  Mynxi leaned toward Aurex. “We’re getting lunch. Can you eat with us?”

  Elyria brightened instantly. “Actually, Aurex, are you busy right now? I’ve got a few things to—”

  The door opened.

  Pael stepped inside like a hunting dog catching a scent.

  Aurex froze. “Don’t move,” he whispered. “If he sees you move, it’s over.”

  Pael stopped behind him. “I didn’t realise following Caelan’s training plan would also make you as stupid as he is, sir. We have a meeting — one already delayed due to whatever this is.”

  Aurex sighed. “Right. I’d better go.”

  He crouched slightly to Mynxi’s level. “Stop overthinking for once, Elyria. And you —”

  He offered his fist.

  Mynxi lit up and bumped it, making explosion noises.

  “See you later, buddy,” Aurex said, rubbing her head. “Tell your dad I’ll see him tomorrow.”

  “Bye, Rexybaby!” Mynxi called.

  Aurex groaned as he walked away. “I can’t believe that name stuck.”

  Pael sniffed. “When you mingle with stupid, you become stupid.”

  The bar manager leaned closer to Elyria. “Ma’am… the lieutenant mentioned some undesirables might pass through. Staff have been hearing comments. You might want to report it next time you see her.”

  Elyria waved it off. “Just keep the smiles and drinks flowing. Such a stupid plan. Could’ve wrapped this up in a week — but no, Caelan has an ego.”

  Mynxi suddenly pointed toward the door. “Hi, Linda!”

  Elyria’s head snapped around.

  “…Did you see Linda just now?” she asked carefully.

  Mynxi nodded. “Yep. I think she was going toward the plaza. Can we invite her to lunch?”

  Elyria set Mynxi down gently. “How about we play a quick game first?”

  Mynxi’s eyes lit up. “I have some—”

  “No,” Elyria said softly. “A new game. One we can play with Linda. But you have to be super quiet and stay right next to me, alright?”

  Mynxi thought for a moment — then nodded.

  “Okay.”

  Mynxi and Elyria moved quickly, slipping through the side streets as the noise of Whaa Whaa’s faded behind them.

  They were almost at the corner when Mynxi tugged on Elyria’s hand and pointed eagerly.

  “There she—”

  Elyria reacted instantly.

  She pulled Mynxi back against her, one hand covering her mouth as she leaned close and whispered, “Shh. Surprise game.”

  Mynxi’s eyes went wide.

  “The rule is,” Elyria continued quietly, peeking around the corner, “if Linda sees us, we lose. So we have to be super, super sneaky. Okay?”

  Mynxi nodded furiously, whispering, “Is it like hide-and-seeky?”

  Elyria allowed herself a small smile. “Yeah. Just like that. Now — quiet.”

  They edged around the corner.

  Linda was ahead of them, walking at an easy pace, a small basket tucked under one arm. Mynxi exaggerated every step, lifting her feet high and freezing dramatically whenever Elyria paused.

  Elyria kept her focus forward.

  Then Linda turned again — and disappeared into a narrow building set back from the street.

  Elyria slowed.

  “…Where are you going?” she murmured to herself.

  Mynxi tugged her sleeve, whispering, “Can we go in now? Linda always has snacks for me. Pretty please?”

  Elyria turned slowly, her attention snapping fully back.

  “…Is this Linda’s house?”

  Mynxi nodded. “Uh-huh.”

  Elyria blinked. “…You come here often?”

  Another nod.

  “It’s where Dad and Linda have their super-duper secret—”

  Mynxi froze.

  She clapped both hands over her mouth.

  Elyria stared.

  “Oh,” she said quietly. “Come on, Mynxi. You can tell me.”

  Before Mynxi could answer, the sound of a door closing echoed from down the alley.

  Elyria leaned forward and peeked around the corner.

  “Of course she does,” Elyria muttered. “You are so busted now, Caelan.”

  She turned quickly and handed Mynxi the shopping bags.

  “Alright,” she said briskly. “Mynxi, you wait right here for just a second. I’ll be back.”

  Mynxi didn’t protest.

  She took the bags, sat down neatly against the wall, and said softly, “Okay.”

  Elyria hesitated for half a heartbeat.

  Then she jogged down the alley.

  The door Linda had entered stood slightly ajar.

  Elyria slipped inside — and immediately winced as the lock snapped free with a quiet crack.

  “…Fudges,” she hissed.

  She eased the door closed behind her and glanced at the wall.

  A small placard listed the floors.

  She smacked her forehead lightly. “Should’ve asked Mynxi. Right… genius move.”

  Footsteps approached.

  A man exited one of the apartments, pausing when he saw her jacket.

  “Oh,” he said pleasantly. “You’re with the Revolutionary Army? Thanks for throwing the party tomorrow. Tell your captain he’s doing a great job out there.”

  Elyria’s eye twitched.

  “Yep,” she said through gritted teeth. “He sure does.”

  She forced a smile. “Hey — quick question. My friend lives here, but I forgot which—”

  “Last door on the right,” the man said easily. “Captain’s friend, I’m guessing.”

  Elyria’s stomach dropped.

  “Yeah,” she said quickly. “That’s her. Just… dropping something off.”

  The man looked confused but shrugged as he turned to leave. “Right. Well — hopefully see you at the party.”

  Elyria exhaled slowly and walked down the hall.

  She reached the door.

  Locked.

  She sighed — and kicked.

  The lock gave way instantly.

  “Everything really is trying to ruin my day today,” she muttered — then stopped.

  The room was immaculate.

  Not just clean — perfect.

  Every surface is aligned. No clutter. No personal effects. A single bunch of flowers sat in the window, precisely centred.

  Elyria stepped inside slowly.

  “…I know I’m a neat freak,” she murmured, “but this is unhinged.”

  She opened drawers—empty. Checked beneath the bed—nothing.

  No clothes. No mess. No signs of someone actually living here.

  Her unease deepened as she turned toward the wardrobe and reached for its handle.

  Elyria pulled it open.

  “Ah?ha…” she said dryly. “Just more dresses. Yeah, yeah — we get it. Beautiful legs, flawless skin. Buy a pair of trousers, woman.”

  She pushed a row of dresses aside — then frowned.

  The back panel shifted.

  Elyria pressed harder.

  The wardrobe slid away with a soft scrape.

  Her lips curved into a slow smile.

  “Ohhh,” she murmured. “I’ve got you both now.”

  Beyond it lay a small, cramped room — utterly unlike the pristine space outside.

  A narrow bed sat unmade. Paperwork was stacked in chaotic piles. Snack wrappers littered the floor. Whiteboards crowded the walls, covered in notes, routes, and names.

  Elyria laughed under her breath.

  “Ha. I knew no one was that perfect.”

  She tossed the dresses aside and stepped in, scanning the room.

  “Got you now, Linda… trousers— wait. What am I even saying?”

  She spotted a folded pair on the bed and snorted, throwing them aside.

  Her attention drifted to the paperwork.

  She flipped through a few sheets — then froze.

  At the far end of the hidden room, another wardrobe sat.

  Elyria’s smile vanished.

  “…What the hell is going on here, Caelan?”

  Elyria burst back out into the street, breath sharp, a single sheet clenched tightly in her hand.

  “Mynxi?” she called.

  Her heart dropped.

  The wall was empty.

  “Mynxi?” she called again, louder. “MYNXI?”

  She spun — then spotted her.

  Mynxi was walking slowly down the street, shopping bags clutched to her chest.

  Elyria sprinted.

  “Hey — wait! Mynxi! Stop!”

  She caught up, placing a hand gently on Mynxi’s shoulder.

  Mynxi flinched.

  Her shoulders trembled.

  Elyria knelt immediately.

  “Hey,” she said softly. “What happened? Are you okay?”

  Mynxi sniffled, staring at the ground.

  “It’s okay,” she whispered. “Can we just go home now, please, Elyria?”

  Elyria tipped her chin up — and saw the tears.

  Her chest tightened.

  “Hey,” Elyria said gently. “You can tell me. What’s wrong?”

  Mynxi’s breath hitched.

  “…Do you not like me anymore?”

  Elyria blinked. “What?”

  “I’m sorry if I made you mad,” Mynxi continued quietly. “I don’t want you to be mad at me anymore.”

  Elyria tilted her head, confused and stricken.

  “What are you talking about, silly?” she said. “I could never be mad at you.”

  Mynxi wiped her eyes on her sleeve.

  “But… you kept trying to leave me. And when we went to get my dress, you didn’t want to take me with you.”

  She sniffed hard.

  “I’m sorry if I made you angry. I really am.”

  She collapsed forward into Elyria’s arms.

  Elyria closed her eyes, biting her lip.

  She wrapped Mynxi up tight.

  “Hey. Come here, little one,” Elyria whispered. “Can I tell you the truth?”

  Mynxi nodded against her chest.

  “I’m just a big, silly idiot sometimes,” Elyria said softly. “I never meant to make it sound like I didn’t want you around. I would do anything to spend time with you.”

  She held Mynxi closer.

  “You’re my little angel, Mynxi. And I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

  Mynxi sniffed — then let out a tiny giggle.

  “More than Dad?” she asked quietly.

  Elyria smiled. “Our little secret, okay?”

  Mynxi nodded.

  “Can we get snacks?” she asked.

  Elyria laughed, lifting the shopping bags. “You really are just like your dad.”

  “And then we can play the board game Takeshi made,” Mynxi added. “It needs four people.”

  “We can play as long as you want tonight,” Elyria said.

  She lifted Mynxi up onto her shoulders.

  “And you’ll be nice to Dad again?” Mynxi asked.

  Elyria laughed as they started walking back toward the inn.

  “As long as he stops being a silly billy.”