“So, have you heard about the missing people?” one man asked.

  “Yeah. It might be related to the magicians—I mean, we did see what they did, didn’t we?” another replied, his eyes fixed on the notice board.

  “Couldn’t this cause it?” a third man chimed in, pointing to a specific flyer.

  “‘Reported attacker in Veilwood,’” he read aloud. “Why does it have to be Veilwood? It’s tiring at this point.”

  “Almost the whole forest around this kingdom is Veilwood,” the second man replied, handing his paperwork to the guild receptionist. “I think that’s the problem.” he said, looking at his friend.

  .......

  “Hey, I have to ask,” Rheis started. “Considering spirits... can they band together? Like, fuse into one?”

  “No, that’s not possible, and it’s best that way,” the lady began. “But they can manipulate each other. They have minds—they aren't just ‘dumb’—but the difference lies in who held them. They tend to take on the habits of the people they belonged to.”

  “Why ask?”

  “There’s news. Lots of spirits in the cities and towns, especially the Twin Kingdoms,” Rheis replied.

  “A displacement? That might be trouble,” the lady murmured.

  “Miss, wake up. We’ve reached Zurehn,” the man next to Rheis said, shaking her slightly.

  “The distance felt small,” Rheis remarked, blinking.

  “Yeah, but the cart was just faster. Plus, we happened to use a shortcut,” the man replied.

  .........

  “Okay then. Ryke, Veryn—let’s go. Neyra will remain to check things here, and Toney will pass through too,” Leon said, adjusting his half-white, half-black coat.

  With that, Azeya, Leon, Veryn, and Ryke set off for Miraen, leaving Neyra behind with Toney to accompany her.

  ........

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  “Finally awake,” Terry said, looking at a puzzled Joe.

  “Right,” Joe muttered, recognizing Terry’s familiar face. “Can I go now?”

  “No. I’ve got questions and lots of work. So, tell me about your encounter. Dakota?”

  “She’s just a girl with a bounty. But why ask? I thought your little girl could see my memories,” Joe countered.

  “No. Even she has limits. I guess she can’t directly penetrate your mind,” Terry said, locking eyes with him.

  “Wait, my—”

  “She’s fine. I guaranteed her I won’t kill you, though maybe you think otherwise because you think I’m hiding all sorts of things,” Terry said. “See, me and my friend, the healer—we’re under those of the Realms. We were sent to check on things. Someone up there thinks we are in some real danger.”

  “Think?” Joe cut in.

  “Yesterday, I felt something. Not big, no—I wasn’t close enough. We are still in your district, you know. And you... you know something. Anything,” Terry pressed.

  “And who came up with this possibility?”

  “Someone who is supposed to see the future.”

  “Supposed?” Joe asked.

  “I don’t see these beings or people; we ain’t on the same level,” Terry admitted.

  “Cardinals,” Joe whispered, scratching his head.

  “For whatever reason, we have to look for this thing,” Terry concluded.

  ........

  'Huh. And now, a real-life detour,' Rheis thought, pushing open the doors.

  Inside was a circle of chairs, four or five rows deep, filled with Guild Masters.

  “Girl, who are you? What are you? Where—”

  “Don’t worry, I’m the furthest thing from your troubles. I’m just looking for the District 35 Guild Master, that’s all,” Rheis replied. She walked to the center of the room, standing in the spot usually reserved for those being judged.

  Fragrances and perfumes hung heavy in the air. The room was dim, and every eye was on her.

  .......

  “Finally awake?” Sky asked, sitting near Ben.

  “Not exactly. I was up, but then I felt Dakota’s weight, so I went back to sleep,” Ben replied. He looked down at Dakota; her head was resting on his chest, and he could feel her steady breathing.

  “Yeah, well, someone else is here for you,” Sky said, standing up to open the door.

  “Alph,” Ben whispered as the Nyrrak entered. Its eyes were locked on him. “You grew up again. Just a little. What, girl, miss me?” Ben added. Alph closed the distance, sniffing his arms before giving them a lick.

  “Yeah, you’re gonna need a bath after that,” Sky joked. Alph was tall now—standing at human waist level.

  “So, what happened? Seems like she doesn't fear you.”

  “Oh yes, I was surprised too. But I think it’s because of the distance. And she might have babies; I saw one following her until she chased it back,” Sky replied.

  “Babies?” Ben asked, patting the Nyrrak’s head.

  .........

  “So, was that just a fraction of the truth, or...?”

  “I hope not. I didn’t know the boy would try that. What did they say?” Aisha replied.

  “Well, you overdid it. You will most likely die; it took a lot from you,” Tork started, taking a seat by the bedside. The room was large, filtered with soft shades of light. “They thought of executing you, but I talked them out of it. As if it was your fault someone’s child tried something stupid.”

  “What about casualties? I mean, I left lots of people in danger.”

  “Yes, unfortunately many died. But Miraen always had plenty of people, so it will be fine. We fought a monster. What we did, sister... it will be remembered,” Tork said.

  “And Anjali?”

  “Well, she’s fine. It might have worked, because she’s getting better, gaining weight. It’s hard to tell, but I know,” Tork said. “And the other Ben got knocked out. The spell took a toll on him; he might be unconscious for a while.”

  “The elders... are they looking for Sky, Ben, and Dakota?”

  “No, you needn’t worry. Though it’s something they’ll eventually try, right now the focus is on Miraen. The barrier is a little weak.”

  “And what about you, Tork? I know this is surprising... even I almost cried for our home.”

  “Almost?” Tork cut in, laughing hard. “'Tork, we can’t let it out,' you said. Even going full magic... you are something, you know.”

  “And you said, ‘Why the fuck would we try keeping it in here?’” Aisha replied, laughing through a cough until it took over.

  “Easy there. I don’t want the one and only Aisha to die while laughing,” Tork replied, holding Aisha’s hand. “I mean, that would make me laugh at your graveyard.”

  .......

  " So, will you do it."

  " I'm only waiting for you, we need that girl, the more you delay, the more time we waste, I thought you magicians want to have your place." The man replied, his pupils widened.

  " We will get the girl, you just focus on your part, Ell is already there." The magician said, entering into a portal.