Where am I? Said the young man.

  Seraphine looked at the him, her eyes tracing a hint of disappointment.

  You are in Ravenport, the second-largest city in the Kingdom of Valcrest.

  Ravenport, is the second-largest city of the Kingdom of Valcrest, clung to the cliffs where the commerce met the restless sea. Its bustling docks, crowded with merchant ships and caravans, made it the kingdom's vital hub of trade and transportation, linking distant cities by land and water. The air was thick with the scent of salt, spices, and smoke from forges, while sailors, merchants, and couriers moved in a constant, lively rhythm.

  Beyond commerce, Ravenport thrived as a haven for adventurers. Taverns rang with laughter and challenge, guild halls offered quests from monster hunts to treasure expeditions, and rumors of lost temples and forbidden magics drew the bold and the foolish alike. Winding streets connected markets, canals, and towering stone structures, while lanterns glimmered on the water at night, casting the city in a golden glow.

  Ravenport was a city alive with ambition, danger, and possibility—a crossroads of Valcrest where fortunes were made, legends were born, and every alley, tavern, and ship's deck held the promise of adventure.

  Lunaria's voice cut through the commotion, sharp and commanding.

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  This is where someone like you learns his proper place. Now move—we have a quest waiting.

  She tugged on the leash with a firm pull.

  Tria chuckled, clearly entertained by the scene.

  Don't worry. You'll get used to being our servant soon enough.

  Hey—stop treating me like a pet! the man shouted, irritation flashing in his eyes.

  But that's exactly what you are, Lunaria replied, her tone dripping with mockery.

  With my level and status, I could easily make her regret that, he thought, gritting his teeth.

  Lunaria leaned closer, voice sly and merciless.

  What's wrong, little pet?

  Can't handle a tug?

  At your level, I'm not even sure you'll be of any use.

  Behave... or I might forget to feed you for three days.

  You're a slave now. Slaves don't make demands. You'll learn your place soon enough, she added, cold as winter steel.

  Seraphine's voice broke in, hesitant but gentle.

  M-maybe we should... be a little nicer to him, Luna?

  The man's gaze softened slightly, and he murmured, Thank you... you're an angel.

  Seraphine froze. Her face burned crimson, and her eyes widened.

  W-what?

  Me? An angel?

  she stammered, completely flustered.

  Lunaria rolled her eyes, exasperated.

  Oh, please, Sera. Don't let him flatter you. He's just manipulating you.

  Seraphine fidgeted with her cloak, biting her lip.

  B-but...

  She whispered, barely audible, You really think I'm... an angel?

  Tria snorted, barely containing her amusement.

  Wow, Sera... you're totally blushing. She gave Seraphine a playful nudge.

  Seraphine ducked under her cloak, bowing her head slightly.

  I-I'm just... not used to compliments.

  Lunaria sighed, her patience thinning like worn steel.

  Enough. We're wasting time. Sera, get a grip.

  She pivoted, eyes frostlike, her tone snapping like a whip.

  And you—slave—stop trying to charm our mage.