"Oh goodness, I arrived just in time!" a familiar voice said exasperatedly.

  Footsteps scurried behind her, uneven and hurried. Suddenly, a sinuous, long vine grasped her hind leg, yanking her downward and coiling upward along her chest. Her {Spatial Sight} detected it before her eyes did. The annoying vine that wrapped around her frame belonged to the spoilsport, Lief!

  "No, you don't," Lief said firmly. "What were you thinking, opening a portal around kids?! You could have harmed them, Idalia!"

  She peered down from the tree that eagerly enveloped her. She snarled at Lief, who had changed too.

  Gone were the formal robes and stiff layers. Instead, Lief wore something that looked suspiciously like a student uniform stolen from another world entirely. A fitted jacket over a collared shirt, a striped tie loosened just enough to suggest rebellion, dark trousers, and comfortable shoes clearly meant for running away quickly.

  He looked like he had dressed himself for the possibility of disaster. Idalia sniffed him; he smelled of fear despite the distance between them. Once she got down— "You look like prey pretending to be important."

  Lief adjusted his tie nervously. "This is considered casual academic wear."

  Cheyin blew a pale pink bubble with her gum and let it pop softly. "Cute." She was directly behind him, purposely invading boundaries. Lief jumped a little, startled by her sudden appearance.

  He shot a sideways glance at her, eyebrows knitted in a mix of annoyance and disbelief.

  "Cute? Is that really what you think?" he retorted, earning a chuckle from Cheyin.

  "Absolutely. You look like you're ready for a test, not a duel," she teased, motioning for Idalia to untangle herself.

  Idalia shook her body vigorously, the vine loosening its grip as she wiggled free from its clutch.

  "I was just trying to have some fun!" she exclaimed, dropping to the ground. "These kids wanted to play, and who wouldn't want to have some adventure?"

  Lief crossed his arms, looking exasperated. "You need to be more careful, Idalia. You have a reputation to uphold, and—"

  "Come on, Lief! Lighten up!" Cheyin interjected, flicking an errant snowflake off her shoulder. "She's just trying to blend in. Besides, these kids could use some excitement and inspiration. Isn't that what it's all about?"

  Lief opened his mouth to protest, but the laughter and joyful screams of the children interrupted him. They were already chasing each other again, creating little clouds of snow as they leaped and twirled. Idalia's heart swelled at the sight; seeing their happiness pushed away the tension that had been building up inside her.

  "Fine," he huffed, putting a hand to his forehead in exasperation. "But if anything goes wrong… I'm to blame, I assume?"

  "Of course! I'm certain that Braunches will punish you if anything goes wrong. Wouldn't that be a delight?" Cheyin winked, sharing a knowing smile with Idalia.

  Oh, she was so right, Idalia thought, agreeing with her. "Now, come on, Doro!" Idalia called out, the beast trotting up beside her, tail wagging furiously. "Let's join them!" She turned toward the kids again.

  Lief flinched, throwing his arms outward. "Where… where would you two like to go? I… I will pay for the occasion!"

  Cheyin hooked her thumbs into the pockets of her hoodie and tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Anything yeah?"

  She turned and whistled a sound so loud and attention-grabbing that Doro skidded to a halt, and even Idalia slid forward, her paws scraping the snow in a spray until she stopped. What was that? And why did she obey? Why was her heart starting to race even faster?

  Cheyin's playful expression turned serious for a brief moment. "Follow me," she said, her voice steady. "I think I know just the place for some real fun."

  Idalia's ears perked up at the hint of mystery in Cheyin's tone. The children, momentarily distracted, gathered around her, their curiosity piqued.

  Cheyin continued, "I've been cooped up in negotiations and reports for weeks. I want food. And I want to explore."

  Idalia perked instantly. "Yes!"

  "The good kind," Cheyin declared. "Not rations. Not polite tasting menus. Real food." She pointed the gum-stained finger at Lief. "I heard Verdantine has at least five places worth fighting over."

  Lief swallowed. "It does, but—"

  "And then," Cheyin went on smoothly, "we go shopping."

  Idalia blinked, confused. Slopping didn't make sense. Perhaps she meant slobbering. "For food?"

  "For clothes," Cheyin corrected. "I want to meet the esteemed Elven designers, too. The ones that pretend they don't design for combat but absolutely do."

  Idalia's ears twitched. Clothes. Design. Cheyin was throwing around terms like the snow that fell. "Do they make things for biting?"

  "They make things that survive biting," Cheyin said.

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  Idalia gasped, delighted. "Amazing."

  "And after that," Cheyin added, blowing another bubble, "the University."

  Lief made a sound like his soul leaving his body. "The University? Why?!"

  "I haven't been there in person yet," Cheyin said nonchantly with a shrug. "There are documents I would like to read there."

  Idalia tilted her head. "Is it a nest for smart prey?"

  His shoulders in resignation, and Lief sighed. "It is an academic institution filled with students."

  Hearing that made her brighten. "Oh! You mean there'll be many books to devour?"

  "Yes," Lief said weakly. "So many."

  They started walking, but before that, Cheyin snatched a pouch from Lief's pocket.

  He exclaimed, "Hey!" but Cheyin ignored him and jogged toward one of the kids. "Here, take some of the coins and buy yourselves treats," she said, glancing toward the arrival of the children's parents. "And if any of your parents ask, the one who gave you cash was the Beast Hero—Cheyin of the Eastern Lands! Make sure to tell them that!"

  The children's eyes widened in awe as they clutched the coins in their hands, their faces alight with excitement. "Thanks, Beast Hero Cheyin!" they cried, practically vibrating with energy as they dashed off toward the vendor stalls lining the square.

  As the children scurried away, the atmosphere buzzed with newfound enthusiasm. Idalia turned to Cheyin, her tail swishing in delight. "You're amazing! Can I be like you when I grow up? But I still want my Papa back!"

  Yet her feelings were mixed now. She had never disliked Cheyin, despite always having heard that this woman was said to have taken her father.

  However, that didn't align with Cheyin's current vibrancy. There was no darkness in Cheyin, only the spark of adventure and the thrill of living in the moment.

  Cheyin chortled, her eyes sparkling. "You already are, just in a different way. Always embrace your wildness, Idalia. But remember, a little charm can go a long way too."

  "Don't ignore me! I mentioned Papa, give me answers to his whereabouts!" Idalia could smell his scent, faint and elusive, but it was enough to cloud her thoughts with confusion and frustration.

  Lief shifted awkwardly, glancing between Idalia and Cheyin. "You want to know where your father is? I might have some leads, but…"

  "But what?" Idalia pressed, ears swiveling forward eagerly.

  "But it could be dangerous. There are those who don't take kindly to… well, to your kind wandering into their territories." Lief's eyes softened as he met her gaze, a flicker of concern shining through.

  "Danger is my middle name," Idalia replied defiantly.

  Cheyin raised an eyebrow at that. "It is? I thought it was 'Adventurous'."

  "Well, that too!"

  Cheyin chuckled. "Alright then, if we're going to do this, we should prepare, and we'll definitely need to eat first. Fighting on an empty stomach isn't wise."

  Lief hesitated. "The places I know might not be safe for you to visit alone, especially with Orun Hunters reigning over most of the continent. You could draw unwanted attention."

  Idalia pouted, her brows knitting together. "You're worried about me, aren't you? I can handle myself!"

  Cheyin hovered a hand over Idalia's head, but stopped. Her expression became serious for a moment.

  "We all have our limits, Idalia. No matter how strong we think we are. We just need to be smart about this. Let's focus on having fun for now, and we can plan our next steps after we've eaten and had a little adventure shopping."

  Idalia quivered in confusion. Why was Cheyin being so kind to her? She had been all serious about fighting her and claiming ownership just moments before. This Cheyin was absolutely not the same Cheyin in the negotiation chamber, and it made her mind spin with fuzzy confusion.

  "Okay, but you promise you'll return him when I win?" she asked, trying to keep her tone hopeful.

  Cheyin's expression softened as she nodded. "Of course, I will."

  Lief sighed, running a hand through his hair while casting a wary glance at Cheyin. "She has a point, though. It might be best to keep things a little more... contained, especially with so many civilians around." But even as he said it, there was a glimmer of reluctant amusement in his eyes.

  He wasn't entirely immune to the joyous energy radiating from Idalia and Cheyin. Cheyin walked ahead of them, hands stuffed in her pockets, her demeanor relaxed. "Come on, Lief! Live a little. Besides, this is a perfect opportunity to mix with the locals. You never know what you might learn from them." She winked playfully.

  Lief spoke up again, more assured now. "Ah. I know some of the best places in Verdantine! But I'm going to act as your chaperone. And if we do encounter trouble, you listen to me, alright?"

  Idalia nodded eagerly. "Deal!"

  Cheyin laughed and clapped her hands together. "You'd best get moving then! I've got a few ideas about some delightful spots we can check out for food that will blow your minds!"

  Idalia felt a rush of energy course through her, excitement bubbling in her chest. "Can we see the vendors? I want to try everything! What do you think is the best thing to eat? What do you like, Cheyin?"

  "Oh, there's a stall that sells the most delightful roasted chestnuts, and another that does spiced apple cider that warms you from the inside out!" Cheyin replied animatedly, her eyes lighting up at the thought.

  Lief looked pained but couldn't keep the corners of his mouth from twitching upward. "And then you'll want to sample the pastries… they have a special recipe with honey and berries that is quite exquisite." He paused, taking a breath. "But don't tell Master Braunches that I suggested it. My diet is supposed to be strictly 'academic.'"

  Idalia fell into step beside Lief. "Does she always act like this?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

  "You’d better believe it," Lief replied, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. "And it's exhausting, at times. But then again, you seem to enjoy it."

  Idalia nodded enthusiastically, her paws crunching over the snow-covered cobblestones. "I do! It's like a festival in the middle of the city!"

  As they walked, the sounds of the city enveloped them. A nearby vendor shouted cheerfully about their wares, showcasing an array of colorful candies made from rare fruits. Another stall was piled high with intricately crafted toys that danced and spun under the twinkling lights, enticing the children who hung back, eyes wide with wonder.

  Cheyin, her gaze fixed ahead, led the way with casual confidence. "The first stop is the Bakery of Delight," she announced. "Their gingerbread is legendary—just ask anyone in the city."

  Idalia's mouth watered at the mention of gingerbread. "Is it chewy? Crunchy? Both?" she inquired, her anticipation growing with each step.

  "Both," Cheyin replied with a grin. "And they have spiced hot chocolate that could warm even the iciest of hearts."

  "Then let's hurry up!" Idalia urged, her heart pounding with excitement. The thought of indulging in such delights blurred the stress of the upcoming duel, if only for a moment.

  Lief followed behind, his brow slightly furrowed, as if he were weighing the consequences of this whimsical detour. "Cheyin, are you sure this is a good idea? We have important matters to attend to…like protecting my funds!" he stressed, rubbing at the bridge of his nose as if it might alleviate the pressure building there.

  "Nonsense!" Cheyin waved her hand dismissively as they approached the inviting bakery, its window decorated with an array of pastel-colored treats. "We'll have our fun, then we'll deal with business. Balance is essential for a great mind."

  Doro trotted happily beside Idalia, occasionally glancing up at her as if gauging her excitement. "Play more?" he asked, his large eyes sparkling in the light. The enthusiasm radiated from him, infectious and uplifting.

  "Yes, Doro. Play is essential too!" Idalia replied, her tail waving in agreement. She loved how much joy this creature brought to their unexpected adventure.

  When the bakery door swung open, Idalia's eyes widened as several familiar figures stood in her path.

  It was Vestella, Kelix, and Rhaya!