“What’s the best action to take?” the Guild Master asked, struggling to comprehend what Joe had whispered.

  “Let’s sleep on it, then try to find the answer tomorrow,” Joe replied before taking his leave.

  He woke with a sharp gasp, sweat clinging to his brow.

  “What’s wrong? You’re sweating and breathing so heavily,” a woman asked, her voice soft with concern.

  “Don’t worry, it’s just something from yesterday,” Joe said, wiping his face with a blue cloth.

  She moved closer, pressing against him. Their eyes met—her bluish gaze locking with his brown ones.

  “It’s a bit chilly to be sweating like this,” she said gently.

  “You don’t need to worry. I get what you’re saying,” Joe replied, pulling her into a tight embrace before kissing her.

  Joe woke again, this time to morning light.

  “I feel like I slept for three days,” he muttered, still tangled in his warm brown blanket.

  “That’s because the nights are long now and the days are short,” she said as she entered the room. She was fair-skinned, but not pale—a common feature of people from Myrrvale.

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  “The Guild Master just called for you,” she continued, her expression curious. “He said it’s about yesterday’s job?”

  Joe dressed quickly, scarfing down breakfast before heading out. “I’ll see you later,” he said, but she caught his hand.

  “Be careful. From the sound of it, whatever happened yesterday was a big deal,” she said firmly. “I’m not willing to lose you.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m strong enough to keep myself safe,” Joe replied, kissing her goodbye before stepping out.

  The streets were familiar as Joe made his way to the guild. Zurehn wasn’t a violent kingdom as a whole, but the capital had its dangers. This part of town, though, felt peaceful—quiet enough to make you forget the threats of daily life.

  He was about to turn a corner when a girl bumped into him.

  “Sorry,” she said quickly, before darting off.

  The encounter brought a grin to Joe’s face, one he carried all the way to the guild.

  “Seems like you’re having a delightful morning,” the receptionist noted.

  “Just found my little pocket thief. She’s finally come back,” Joe replied.

  “The Guild Master is ready for you,” she said.

  Joe climbed the stairs and knocked.

  “Come in,” the Guild Master called.

  “Can you believe it? Short days, long nights already. I hate this time of year,” Joe said as he entered.

  “Oh? Long nights are always good for couples, aren’t they?” the Guild Master teased.

  “They’re better for creatures and monsters. More work for men like us,” Joe countered.

  “Speaking of,” the Guild Master said, pulling out a letter. “I found this this morning. Darmian picked it up.”

  Joe unfolded it and read aloud: “‘What happened yesterday shouldn’t have happened; it’s best for both of us to stay away from each other.’”

  “What did Darmian say about it?” Joe asked.

  “He had his own encounter,” the Guild Master replied. “Got kicked by a girl he bumped into on the way here.”

  The white-haired Guild Master paced the room, restless.

  “And who said he was kicked?” Joe pressed.

  “Just someone I trust,” the Guild Master said with a dismissive wave. He stopped pacing and muttered, “Do you think it was her?”

  “Yes,” Joe replied, rising to his feet. “I didn’t have any other encounter worthy of note—or a letter.” He started for the door. “Where has Darmian gone?”

  The Guild Master hopped onto a table, his face showing some kind of disappointment. “Of course he’s gone for the girl. His pride was struck damn boy thinks he ranks everything.”

  Joe’s hand rested on the door. “Then I’ll have to reach her before he does.” He paused, glancing back over his shoulder. “Mr. Guild Master, you’ve done your part. Let me handle the rest.”

  The door clicked shut behind him.