The trial squad came back up the garden path toward the Beech & Ember, quiet and still, like the little bit of haven that tried to hide from the madness of the day-to-day.

  Well. That was until…

  Bella and Solara were laughing so hard they were barely holding each other up.

  Lyra walked a step behind them, trying—and failing—not to laugh again. “Sorry, Captain. It was my best shot.”

  Keira patted her on the back. “No, no—don’t apologise for that. Honestly? Distracting me with that idiot show, and hitting me with that on top?” She grinned. “Couldn’t be more proud.”

  Caelan strolled along with his hands in his pockets like he hadn’t just overseen absolute carnage. “Well, it’s not me you should be worried about, Lyra.”

  The inn’s double doors opened.

  Mynxi came flying out like a missile, tackling Keira to the ground.

  “AUNTIE KEIRA!” she shouted, crushing the air out of her. “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! THANK YOU THANK YOU! DO YOU WANT TO SEE IT?”

  Keira wheezed. “Anything for my favourite niece. Now stop crushing your auntie… and we can go see it.”

  Mynxi lit up, then practically dragged Keira across the ground toward the door.

  As she passed Caelan, she chirped, “Hi, Dad.”

  Caelan smiled. “Hey, little one. Don’t take too long—you need dinner, then a bath before board games tonight, alright?”

  “Okay!” Mynxi said, already halfway inside. “Can I stay up late tonight?”

  “You know we’re up early tomorrow,” Caelan said, still smiling. “You need your sleep. And don’t forget—you get to stay up super-duper late tomorrow.”

  Mynxi squealed something incoherent and hauled Keira fully into the inn.

  Elyria’s eyebrow lifted as she watched them go. “Alright,” she muttered, “what has he done now?”

  Bella and Solara heard her and laughed even harder.

  Hector walked up behind them and started herding them toward the doors. “Come on, ladies. You know how they both are about this.”

  “I know, I know,” Solara said, wiping her eyes. “Oh, it was so amazing.”

  Bella jabbed a thumb toward Lyra. “I knew Lyra was going to be good, but this girl—Captain, I love you. Can’t believe you trained her and she does you like that.”

  Veyra barged past them, already peeling off her gloves. “Can we all stop standing around? I want a bath before the rest of those idiots come back, so if we can get moving, please.”

  Braen sighed dramatically. “Oh, are they not back yet? Little angels have been working so hard. I feel bad they’ve had to do so much heavy lifting while we had such a lovely afternoon.”

  Lyra blinked. “What are they doing? I was wondering why half of you have been missing during both days.”

  “You’ll find out tomorrow,” Caelan said easily. “Don’t ruin the surprise.”

  Elyria craned her neck just enough to begin dead-eyeing Caelan through the crowd. “Speaking of surprises,” she said, voice sweet in that way that meant it definitely wasn’t, “I gathered some new teas to try. And some snacks. Courtesy of our little Mynxi.”

  Solara straightened. “You heard the lady. Nothing worse than cold tea.”

  Everyone started filing into the inn, still talking over each other.

  Caelan reached the door.

  Elyria stuck out her arm to block him.

  “Not you,” she said.

  Solara glanced back. “Elyria—”

  “We’ll be back in a few minutes,” Elyria said, already smiling. “Go on.”

  Bella shouted as she disappeared inside, “There they go again!”

  Solara and Lyra both burst out laughing.

  Elyria looked around at the retreating backs, baffled. “What have you done to them?” She pointed at Caelan. “Actually—never mind. I’m guessing it’s all your fault.”

  Caelan shifted his weight, unimpressed. “Uh-huh. Right. Can we get this bollocking over with? I’ve got a hundred things to do before tomorrow.”

  Elyria’s smile turned sharp. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll be super quick with it. Over here.”

  Caelan raised his voice toward the common room. “If you hear me crying, send a rescue party!”

  Absolutely no one even looked up.

  They were already piled around the fireplace, pouring tea and eating snacks like nothing in the universe could touch them.

  Caelan just smiled gently, then walked over to Elyria as she leaned against the inn’s fence.

  Elyria sat up on the fence, arms folded, watching him approach.

  Caelan rubbed the back of his neck. “Right. Before you lay into me for whatever it is this time, thank you for taking Mynxi to get her dress today. And yeah, I know, dick move not waking up, but you looked cosy when I tried this morning. No excuse, I know.”

  He nodded toward the inn. “Kid loves you. So… cheers. Oh, and I set everyone straight about us kissing.”

  Elyria snorted. “Don’t mention it. It’s probably the one thing you’re not a complete screw-up at—”

  She froze.

  “Wait. Us kissing?”

  “Oh yeah,” Caelan said, like it was weather. “Lyra pulled it out during the trial. Wild card.”

  Elyria’s face went calm in that sharp way. “Who’s Linda?”

  Caelan’s smile faded.

  “And don’t try to talk your way around it this time, Caelan,” Elyria added, voice flat. “What the hell are you playing at?”

  Caelan exhaled and leaned back against the fence beside her. “So you found the letter then.”

  “Oh, do you mean the one I found in that secret hole in her wardrobe that leads to the room next door?” Elyria said sweetly.

  She tilted her head. “Or do you mean the letter I found in her Revolutionary Army jacket? Is that the one you’re talking about?”

  Elyria slid off the fence and took a step toward the inn. “Honestly, I don’t even know why I’m talking to you about this. Solara’s the one looking for answers. Maybe I should go bring her into it.”

  She looked back over her shoulder. “What would you say to that, Caelan?”

  Elyria took another step. “So what’s it going to be?”

  Caelan didn’t move. “What did the letter say?”

  Elyria turned fully. “You know what it said. ‘Elyria, please come talk to me first — Caelan.’ So am I getting her, or no?”

  “Take a breath for a moment,” Caelan said.

  Elyria stared at him like she was about to laugh. “You. You, of all people, are telling me to take a moment. Wow. Just… wow.”

  She threw a hand toward the door. “Fine. I’ll just go tell—”

  Caelan’s voice snapped sharply. “See? This. This is the problem.”

  Elyria stopped.

  “One minute you’re up for doing anything and having fun,” Caelan said, stepping forward half a pace, “and the next—out of nowhere—it’s like a switch. If I even breathe, I’m wrong. And sure as shit, me and everyone else hear about it for the next six months.”

  Elyria’s eyes narrowed. “Oh, get over yourself. If I had it out for you, Caelan, you’d know about it. I’ve had your back since we met. Every idiotic thing—I’m always there.”

  Caelan’s jaw tightened. “Had my back?”

  He gave a short laugh, devoid of humour. “Are you taking the piss right now, Elyria?”

  “Aye, you’re fun now and again,” he went on, voice rising, “but then it’s back to this. Caelan’s wrong, Caelan’s stupid, Caelan’s a disaster. Don’t you dare tell me you’ve had my back.”

  He pointed at the inn without looking at it. “And another thing. Maybe get with the game and start using titles in public. Last I checked, you asked to join. Yet you’ve never called a single one of us by rank out there.”

  Elyria scoffed.

  “Yes, I know,” Caelan said, cutting in, “it’s part of the image we’re putting out. And yeah, when we’re not out there fighting God knows what, we relax a bit.” He stared at her. “But you? No. Elyria’s above it.”

  Elyria’s annoyed look sharpened. “Oh, sorry—what—calling your little nickname to make you feel cool?”

  She stepped in closer. “Sorry, I hurt your little feelings, Caelan. Sorry, I don’t play along with your childhood fantasies. And sorry I call you out when you do idiotic things that put all of them at risk.”

  Her voice dropped. “Now stop changing the subject. Who is she?”

  Elyria jabbed a finger toward the common room. “And I swear, if you lie, I’m going right in there and telling Solara everything.”

  Caelan let out a long breath and leaned back against the fence again.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “What do you want to know?” he asked. “I’ll tell you. No bullshit. No dancing.”

  Elyria folded her arms tighter. “Maybe start at the start. Last I knew, she sold flowers for a living.”

  “That’s been her cover since she got here,” Caelan said. “The day we arrived in Virelith was the first time I met her. The same day I met you.”

  He stared at the ground for a second, like he was deciding how much to say out loud. Then he kept going anyway.

  “Little did I know at that stage, some of us had already been known in the city for a while. Apparently, she even checked us out a few times before we got to this city.”

  “When I got here, the first thing she did was—” Caelan shook his head. “In the most ass-backwards, cryptic way possible—ask me to save Mynxi.”

  He glanced toward the inn, voice dropping a notch. “And then one thing led to another. The day after the plaza, we talked. She explained her background to me.”

  Caelan’s jaw tightened.

  “She used to spy and kill for her government back on her world before waking up here.”

  He looked at Elyria. “And it’s how she survived. No one expects the woman who travels around looking for flowers to sell in the middle of a war.”

  He rubbed his face once, hard.

  “And it’s outright because of her I’m able to do this idiotic plan. She… she’s got her reasons.”

  Caelan’s voice went flat. Honest.

  “And to be honest, I’m too scared to see what they might turn into out there if they had to do some of the nasty shit.”

  Elyria’s eyebrow lifted. “So what—no one else gets to know? That you’re sending someone out there to do your dirty work for you?”

  “It might be dirty work,” Caelan said, not blinking, “but it’s what we need regardless.”

  He exhaled. “And Linda agreed to join us and help me in those areas. Not that she doesn’t rinse me for money every chance she gets. Woman gets more of my money than I do.”

  His mouth twitched like it nearly became a smile, then didn’t.

  “I know it’s not perfect. I know it’s not right. But I’ll do anything to keep them from as much shit as I can. That’s all I can really do.”

  Elyria stared at him. “So what, she’s your personal little assassin? Oh Caelan. Trust you to go down this path.”

  Her voice sharpened. “What, you think you get to keep whatever you want a secret? They deserve better than this. They deserve better than you can ever be.”

  Caelan stood up so fast the fence creaked.

  He stepped right into her space, eyes unblinking. “Oh, really, Elyria? What—you’re going to hang me up on a cross while you stand back like a little saint?”

  “Well, at least I’m not—” Elyria started.

  “Fine.” Caelan cut her off. “Fine. You want this out? Let’s do this.”

  He jabbed a finger toward her chest. “If you think we aren’t allowed secrets, why don’t we start with some of the questions I have?”

  Elyria scoffed. “Pfft. Don’t try to deflect now that I’ve caught you in your silly little games.”

  Caelan’s laugh was sharp. “Games? Right. How about this one first—where the fuck did you get those healing powers?”

  He didn’t let her answer.

  “Last I checked, I’ve seen not a single thing like that from anyone else.”

  Elyria’s fist balled up, teeth gritting. “Caelan—don’t. I’m warning you.”

  He kept going.

  “Oh, or maybe we can talk about Solara,” Caelan said, voice climbing. “You know—the one you’re about to throw me under the bus to.”

  Elyria’s eyes flashed. “Caelan—”

  “Where the hell did her power come from?” Caelan snapped. “Or maybe why the hell do her eyes sparkle?”

  He stepped back half a pace, talking faster now, like the words had been waiting behind his teeth.

  “And the last beauty—that sword you just happened to leave her when this whole thing kicked off. The one weapon that doesn’t seem to upgrade like everyone else’s on the Emerald bars.”

  Caelan’s voice dropped low, dangerous.

  “And the fucking cherry on top—the way you reacted when you saw me in the plaza.”

  He stared at her, hard. “Now I don’t fucking have a clue what you’re hiding, but something in me screams that if I ask you—maybe I might actually get some fucking answers for a change.”

  Elyria stood there breathing heavy, looking down.

  Caelan nodded once, like that was his point proven.

  “Exactly.”

  He turned toward the inn. “Now I’m going in there to have a fun night with my friends.”

  He didn’t look back as he started walking. “Do what you’ve always done, Elyria. Do whatever the hell you want. Not like I can stop you.”

  Elyria didn’t move.

  A quiet breath left her.

  “Caelan…”

  He paused.

  “Can I have a hug?”

  Before she could even turn, Caelan was already there, arms around her from behind.

  He leaned in, voice low and warm. “You might be my biggest pain in the ass… but you’ll always be my pain in the ass.”

  Elyria laughed softly. “Please don’t tell Solara I said this, but you’re cheesy as fuck sometimes.”

  “Just that Glasgow charm,” Caelan murmured.

  A throat cleared behind them.

  Both of them froze.

  Slowly, they turned.

  Garron stood a few steps away, hands folded in front of him. Behind him were Takeshi, Aidan, Milo, Lumi, and—judging by the mud—half the forest.

  Caelan blinked once. “Hey, guys. How was it?”

  Nobody answered him.

  They all just started walking past.

  Bags hit the floor one after another inside the inn—clunk, thud, scrape—until there was a small mountain of them by the door.

  Takeshi finally exploded. “No, Takeshi can spend all day digging holes. No, Takeshi can spend all day up trees. No, no—it’s fine. You two just stand around and cuddle.” He jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. “Everyone. These two were cuddling behind the trees.”

  Bella and Solara instantly spun around.

  Solara burst out laughing. “So, Lyra—when did it happen?”

  Bella leaned in, grinning. “You’ve earned some credibility here. Come on, Lyra. Spill.”

  They laughed even harder.

  Hector cleared his throat. “Erm… ladies.”

  They turned.

  Elyria stood behind them, smiling.

  Bella and Solara kept laughing as Elyria calmly reached down, grabbed two cushions from the couch, and pressed them over both their faces.

  “Eww,” Elyria said flatly. “You two are disgusting. Don’t you dare sully my name. Eww.”

  They were still laughing.

  Elyria sighed—and then started laughing too.

  Lyra joined in, just a little.

  Elyria’s head snapped toward her like an eagle spotting prey.

  “NOT YOU,” Elyria said calmly. “We will be talking before you sleep tonight.”

  Lyra swallowed. “Yes, ma’am. Sorry, ma’am.”

  Heavy footsteps thundered upstairs.

  “NOT THE TABLE AGAIN!” Solara shouted.

  Mynxi vaulted over the second-floor balcony.

  Caelan moved instantly—diving across the room, clearing the table, catching her mid-air as they slid next to the fireplace together.

  “Ta?da!” Mynxi announced proudly, completely unfazed.

  She hopped up and started twirling in her dress.

  Half the room squealed.

  Solara scrambled over and scooped her up. “Oh, would you look at our little princess—I could just eat you all up!”

  She tickled her until Mynxi shrieked with laughter. “Stop, Auntie Solara!”

  Elyria offered Caelan a hand while he was still on the floor. “I’m actually annoyed at how quickly you picked that up.”

  Caelan stuck his tongue out at her.

  He looked around. “Wait—where’s sis?”

  “She’s probably got snacks in her room again,” Aidan said, nudging Milo. “Eh? Milo?”

  “Yeah,” Milo said. “I’ll be back. I’m going to get changed.”

  “Nope,” Caelan said immediately, wagging a finger. “Not now. Park it, lad.”

  He looked at Lyra. “Mind giving us ten minutes? We need to go over tomorrow’s trial.”

  Lyra smiled. “Can I use your bath?”

  “Yeah, yeah,” Caelan waved her off. “And send Keira down wherever she’s hiding.”

  “Keep your pants on, I’m right here, numb?nuts!” Keira shouted.

  She appeared on the second?floor balcony wearing an outfit that matched Mynxi’s exactly.

  The room went silent.

  Aidan, Milo, and Takeshi snickered.

  “MASTER CHIEF!” Caelan shouted.

  Garron moved before anyone else could react—smacking all three of them on the back of the head in one smooth motion.

  A gust of wind rippled through the inn.

  They all rubbed the backs of their heads, groaning.

  Keira descended the stairs in a massive black?and?red princess dress topped with an absurd wizard’s hat.

  Lyra passed her on the way up. “Master Sergeant.”

  “Lyra,” Keira replied.

  From upstairs came the sound of muffled laughter.

  Keira stopped in front of Takeshi and stared at him.

  He gulped.

  Slowly, she lifted her left hand.

  “Please don’t hit me,” Takeshi squeaked.

  Keira ran her hand through her hair. “That’s what I thought, bitch.”

  She turned to Milo and Aidan. “I feel like you two have been slacking in showing me enough brotherly love.”

  Aidan smiled weakly. “You know we love you, sis.”

  “More than anything,” Milo echoed.

  Keira’s smile sharpened. “No. Right now, it’s Master Sergeant Keira Langston you’re talking to.”

  Her voice slowed. Dangerous.

  “Drop. And give me them.”

  “No—come on, sis,” Aidan protested.

  Milo laughed. “It’s not like she means it.”

  Keira didn’t blink.

  “How many?” Aidan sighed.

  Milo followed suit.

  Keira’s grin turned evil. “Until I’m happy.”

  “So forever then?” Milo muttered as they dropped.

  “That just doubled,” Keira said.

  “Worth it,” Aidan replied.

  She turned to the rest of the room. “Right. Get it out.”

  Everyone suddenly found the floor very interesting.

  Mynxi ran over and hugged Keira. “I love my dress!”

  Lumi clasped her hands together. “I spent way longer on those than I should have—but it was worth it. So adorable! Anything anytime for my pair of besties.”

  Mynxi looked at Caelan from Keira’s arms. “What do you think, Dad?”

  Caelan smiled. “Well damn. Aren’t you the cutest cutie this old man’s ever seen?”

  He glanced at Milo and Aidan. “See? That’s how you answer that.”

  Solara clapped her hands. “Right. Let’s get started.”

  She looked around the room, suddenly all business. “We’re doing a full rundown. Everyone needs to understand their role tomorrow.”

  Her gaze hardened.

  “If this chaotic plan doesn’t work, we lose the city. No winging it from here on out. Understood?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” the room answered in unison.

  Solara straightened and nodded once. “Good. Let’s start at the top. Jackets?”

  Lumi snapped to attention. “Per your orders, Lieutenant. Four hundred good and ready to go.”

  “Great work, as always,” Solara said without missing a beat. Then her eyes narrowed just a fraction. “Also, ten hours of penalty training. Bulk discounts mean the bill goes down, not up, Lance Corporal.”

  Lumi sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Solara turned. “Garron. Situation with the area. Any issues?”

  “Everything as expected, Lieutenant,” Garron replied. “Makeshift walls are now in place, reinforced with emerald centre plates as per your orders.”

  “As expected from a man of your experience, Chief,” Solara said. Then she exhaled slowly. “Now… Sergeant Takeshi.”

  Takeshi took a deep breath. “Right, where do I start. Four months of running around gathering every spare part I can find to throw things together, only to be saddled with these two for placing them—great idea. And why do you need so many ziplines? I know, I know, but it’s completely over the top for no reason—”

  A cushion smacked him square in the face.

  “Will you get on with it without moaning?” Veyra snapped.

  Takeshi muttered, “Why do I bother?” Then louder, “Yes, Lieutenant. Everything’s in place. Not that I’ll get any credit for anything again.”

  Solara tilted her head. “If this works flawlessly tomorrow, free drinks for you and your role?playing group for a month.”

  Takeshi’s eyes filled. “Finally. Some recognition.”

  Another cushion hit him.

  “Will you give it a day?” Veyra said flatly.

  Solara clapped once. “Right. Groups. After tonight’s monster hunt—we’ll be leaving after dark—the Captain’s group will not be returning tonight. That includes Master Chief, Master Sergeant, and Specialist Mynxi.”

  “Auntie—” Mynxi started.

  “Sorry,” Solara corrected immediately. “Master Specialist Mynxi.”

  Mynxi beamed and clapped quietly.

  “Tomorrow with me,” Solara continued, “will be Lance Corporal Elyria, Specialist Bella, and Lance Corporal Hector.”

  Bella perked up. “Should I pack something for lunch tomorrow as well? That was nice this afternoon.”

  Solara shook her head. “No, Bella. I think we might actually be busy tomorrow.”

  Hector leaned over and said far too loudly, “I’ll pack one, my love. Never want to miss an opportunity for another amazing date with you.”

  Bella melted. “Oh, why can’t more people be like you?”

  They kissed.

  Caelan and Elyria turned toward each other and immediately made gagging noises.

  “Right, that’s enough,” Solara said. “Perfect time for you two to stop fighting for five minutes.”

  They both looked away.

  Caelan whistled.

  “No idea what you’re talking about,” Elyria said.

  Solara rolled her eyes. “Anyway. Sergeant Veyra, you’re on special operations tomorrow. Let me know if you need help setting up before the recruits arrive.”

  Veyra raised a hand. “Do I need to wear—”

  “Yes,” Solara cut in. “You need to wear your uniform. Whatever it is, save it for tomorrow night’s party.”

  She turned. “Front line. Staff Sergeant Braen, Sergeant Takeshi, Corporal Milo, Corporal Aidan, Lance Corporal Lumi—you’ll have the city front. Virelith Council has been informed that the final trial will take place along a set path. Those streets and adjacent areas are cleared until after the event.”

  She scanned the room. “Anyone unclear on what they’re doing tomorrow?”

  Garron raised a hand. “Final numbers?”

  “Twelve at the moment,” Solara said. “But let’s see who actually turns up. As long as a few do, the plan works.”

  She looked to Caelan. “Anything to add, Captain?”

  “Not really,” Caelan said. “You’ve got this locked down. A few notes from today, though—one recruit’s capable of near?Mach movement based on his attacks. It won’t be long before he does that clean. A few others surprised me, too. If they join up, I’ve already got positions in mind.”

  He shrugged. “Intel says they’re a threat. But if we follow the plan, we catch them off guard. Crazy smiles, fear of God. City stays standing.”

  Solara nodded. “Good.”

  She gestured. “Before you all go—new jackets. I want you sharp tomorrow.”

  Elyria glanced at Caelan. “Maybe you can convince him to get rid of that relic.”

  Lumi was on her in a second. “YOU WATCH YOUR MOUTH, YOU DIRTY HEATHEN.”

  She turned and stroked Caelan’s jacket reverently. “Shh, shh. It’s alright. She didn’t mean it. You’re still growing, my little masterpiece.”

  Caelan sighed and handed it over. “Go on. Have your fill.”

  Lumi squealed and ran off. “Thank you! She’ll be even more beautiful before we leave tonight!”

  Solara clapped again. “Right. Dinner in about an hour. Everyone, do your thing.”

  Mynxi’s hand shot up. “Oh! Oh!”

  “Yes,” Solara said patiently. “We’re playing board games after dinner. Apparently, Takeshi’s worked some magic on new ones.”

  Caelan rubbed his hands together. “Right. Operation Reverse?Reverse has begun. Let’s rip this place a new one.”

  The room cheered.

  “WHY ARE YOU TWO NOT DOING PUSH?UPS?” Keira shouted.

  Aidan and Milo, red?faced and shaking, wailed, “We’re sorry, sis!”

  “We’ll do better!” Milo added between breaths.

  The room descended into its usual state of manic chatter and mayhem—laughter, shouting, chairs scraping, plans being argued and re?argued.

  Like any other night.