“Hey man, I don’t know if I’m supposed to know you, but I don’t,” Darmian said, his left cheek bruised and already beginning to swell.

  “Huh. You have a point. Okay then—next time, I hope you have news for me. Anything. And never walk out on me again,” the man said, vanishing from the scene in the blink of an eye.

  “That’s what she meant. Lucky I remembered,” Darmian muttered, turning to walk back toward the carriage.

  “Seems like you are doing fine now. I mean, the day I came, you were in a bad condition,” Azeya said, looking down at Ryke. He was lying on the bed, his body a map of bruises and scars. “I saw the orga you fought. Leon will be proud when he hears. You made me proud, to be honest—but the stench, mmmm, it gave my nose problems.”

  “Yeah, well, it’s better than being beaten by a girl,” Ryke replied. The words felt right after the way Azeya had given him the "I served you" treatment for almost a week.

  “Want a rematch? I can call her,” Azeya said, flashing him a smile.

  “I won’t guarantee her survival, though,” Ryke countered.

  “You know what? I’d say this is the time to learn your life story,” Azeya said, folding her arms. “I’ve known you for quite a time now—almost a year—but still no background check.”

  “Well, same here,” Ryke replied.

  “It’s bad to ask a woman such a question,” she shot back.

  “Mmmm. Where to start?” Ryke wondered aloud, thinking to himself, Considering I have no way out. “Sherlyn! I’m asking Ryke some background questions, want to join?” Azeya shouted. A moment later, Sherlyn came running toward the room.

  “Why not? But I don’t think I have questions to ask,” Sherlyn said, pulling up a chair she’d brought with her.

  “Okay then, let’s start simple,” Azeya began. “Your sword, or that dagger—what’s the history with it?”

  “That simple?” Ryke asked. “I knew about it the same day I knew about you. Before then, I was just a wannabe.”

  “The name Hollow, or Whisper... why?” Sherlyn asked, quickly changing her mind about not having questions.

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  “It comes from nowhere. Like it’s just... just there when it needs to be,” Ryke replied.

  Azeya’s expression turned more serious. “You said you might not guarantee her survival, referring to Neyra. What’s your take on this killing thing? I, for one, don’t like it as a first option, but if it’s the way to go, then I will.”

  “I’ve seen a lot already,” Ryke replied quietly. “Taking the life of a person is not good, but it isn’t something I would beat myself over.”

  Trying to diffuse the heavy atmosphere, Sherlyn asked, “What about training? Who was your first teacher?”

  “An old guy. Helped with the basics,” Ryke said shortly. He shifted in the bed. “I’m exhausted. Can I eat something?”

  “Yeah, there’s food,” Sherlyn replied, standing up and walking out of the room.

  Ryke looked at Azeya. “Is there a reason you came?”

  “You. I had to check on you,” she answered.

  “That so?”

  “I saw something intriguing. I was hoping I would be pleasant, but it won’t happen,” Azeya confessed. “That was until I heard about...”

  “Okay then. Sorry to disappoint,” Ryke said, smiling as he stared up at the ceiling.

  “I’ll handle it. But that feat was impressive,” Azeya said. “I heard it from Sherlyn; well, that was the only place.”

  “She helped. It would have been a little harder without her,” Ryke said, a smirk forming as he tilted his head to look at her.

  “So, what do you think of the place? It’s been a few days now,” Aisha asked Ben as they sat under the moonlight.

  “It’s not like the capitals. Simple houses with a simple lifestyle. I never thought Veilwood would have this inside it,” Ben replied.

  “That’s Miraen for you. It’s our secret city. Or home, if you would like,” Aisha added.

  “And necrosiphy... to see what you guys can do... I mean, I’m a commoner. Seeing lots of you guys is...”

  “Not normal,” Aisha finished for him, laughing. “They are there even in your capitals, it's just that magic nowadays is done in schools. Also, this branch of summoning is done there too—for fear of mistakes, you see.” She looked toward the houses. “They should be done by now.”

  “Oh, no rush. I’m still wondering how this is true—even lights through the houses that people can’t see,” Ben said, gazing at the glowing structures.

  “Yes. If it wasn’t for their fear of greatness, we would be there too,” Aisha said.

  “No, this is good enough. I’ve lived my whole life away from the crowd. It’s good for me,” Ben said, catching the sound of voices nearby. “In due time, I would like to learn as much as possible.”

  “We have time, don’t we? Tomorrow, I’ll show you something,” Aisha said, smiling at him.

  Ben was looking at the stars when Dakota pulled up. “It’s good, right? The place,” she said, her hair still soaking wet.

  “Yes. I’m thankful I had this opportunity with you guys,” Ben replied. He took the towel-like cloth into his hand and guided her to the first stair, letting her rest her head between his legs so he could help dry it.

  “You know she can do that herself,” Sky said, emerging from the next house.

  “Why would she?” Ben joked.

  “Yeah, why would I?” Dakota added.

  “Because Ben should go bathe; it’s already dark enough,” Sky said, taking a seat on the stairs next to them.

  “Let Aisha go first,” Ben suggested.

  “Talking about her, I would like her to help me train,” Sky said. “I’ve been dropping off more by the day.”

  “I can join. I wouldn’t mind it,” Ben said.

  “You will? What about you, Dakota?” Sky asked.

  “Mmmm, me? I don’t think I can fight, but I’ll join in watching,” Dakota said.

  “What’s the chat about?” Anjali asked, joining the group.

  “Just tomorrow’s plans. We’re thinking of asking Aisha to help us with some training,” Sky said.

  “That’s great. I can help you ask, considering how outsiders are viewed,” Anjali said, taking a seat. The rest of the night was filled with chatter. Miraen was mostly quiet; it had to be one of the least violent places in existence.

  “Whatever the girl's parent did—not parents, parent—is not her fault. Stop using it against her,” Aisha said firmly, facing eight elderly people.

  “Aisha, you’re not in your glory days anymore. We are trying to protect you as well,” one of them replied, the others quickly nodding in agreement.

  “As you have said, my glory days have passed,” Aisha said, remaining seated as she looked them over. “For that reason, I’m asking you. Those people saved both me and the girl. I can at least do this.”