The evening light filtered softly through the curtains of my room as twilight fell, painting the walls in hues of orange and purple. I stood by the window, looking out at the calm before the storm that was about to unfold—a grand party hosted in our honor. Slowly, I began to change into the clothes I had rented earlier that day.

I hung up my grey jacket with its elbow-length sleeves, the white V-neck t-shirt with strings, and, of course, my signature scarf on the hanger. These clothes had been through a lot with me; I was almost reluctant to take them off. But for tonight, a fancy suit awaited.

I slipped on the dark jeans and the crisp, freshly bought suit. The fabric was smooth against my skin, much more refined than anything I was used to wearing. The shoes were a little tighter than I liked, but that was a small price to pay for blending into a noble’s party. The final touch was my hair. I slicked it back, the strands obediently falling into place. I barely recognized myself when I glanced in the mirror. The familiar rough-and-tumble adventurer was replaced by someone more refined—though only in appearance.

When I stepped outside my room, I heard my friends already chatting excitedly in the hallway.

"I'm just here for the food," Kaldor grunted, his voice full of anticipation.

"You do that. Meanwhile, I'll be making some girls fall for me," Elyndor boasted, flashing his usual cocky grin.

Sylas and Mira, standing in front of them with folded arms, were quick to reprimand them. "Just behave yourselves at the party!" Sylas scolded, her voice sharp yet caring.

"Yeah, we don’t want to embarrass ourselves in front of a bunch of nobles," Mira added, raising an eyebrow.

With a deep breath, I pushed open the door leading out of the inn and froze, completely taken aback. My friends had transformed.

Kaldor stood tall, his suit hiding most of his fur but accentuating his broad frame. The deep maroon of his outfit contrasted sharply with his grey fur, and despite his usual rugged demeanor, he almost looked like a proper gentleman. Almost. The fur on his neck and arms still peeked out slightly, refusing to be fully tamed by the formal wear.

Elyndor, on the other hand, seemed to relish his look. His suit, a sleek black, fit him perfectly, and his hair was tied back into a neat ponytail. He had a roguish gleam in his eye as he adjusted his collar, clearly ready to woo any girl that caught his attention.

Mira and Sylas were the most striking of all. Sylas’ dress was an elegant midnight blue, shimmering softly in the evening light. It flowed effortlessly as she moved, her smile confident as ever. Mira, however, had opted for something simpler—a soft emerald green dress that contrasted beautifully with her silver hair. She looked nervous but lovely, her usual serious demeanor softened by the dress.

Kael, however, was in a minor crisis. His charcoal-gray suit was snug around his shoulders, and the sleeves were just a touch too short. He tugged at the collar in frustration. "I knew I should’ve tried this on before renting it. This thing’s about one move away from ripping apart!"

Sylas smirked, giving Kael a teasing once-over. "Well, maybe don’t do any wild flips or sudden attacks tonight, and you’ll survive."

Kael groaned. "This is going to be a disaster. I’m a walking wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen."

"At least you still look good," Mira said, trying to cheer him up with a smile. "It fits your… rugged charm."

"Rugged charm?!" Kael raised an eyebrow, but a small grin tugged at his lips. "I’m going to take that as a compliment."

I couldn't help but chuckle at the scene as I adjusted my own outfit. "You’re all acting like this is a battlefield."

Sylas shot me a smirk. "You’re one to talk. Don’t look too bad yourself, Duke."

"Thanks, I guess," I replied, glancing down at my suit. It was simple but well-tailored, fitting for someone like me who didn’t care too much for extravagant appearances. Still, I had to admit—standing among my friends, all dressed up like this, was a rare sight.

"So," Elyndor said, smoothing out the lapels of his jacket, "what are the odds that this party ends without some kind of chaos?"

"Very slim," Kaldor rumbled, his deep voice calm but amused. "Especially with Sylas here."

"Hey!" Sylas protested, but her grin betrayed her.

"Don’t forget about you, Elyndor," I added. "You’re just as likely to stir up trouble, flirting with someone’s fiancée or stepping on some noble’s ego."

Elyndor put a hand to his chest, feigning shock. "Me? Stir up trouble? I’m a model of decorum, thank you very much."

As we stood together, adjusting our outfits and teasing Kael about his ill-fitting suit, I decided to ask, “So, what are your plans for the party?”

Mira tilted her head. “Probably just find a quiet corner, avoid too much attention, and stick with Sylas.”

“Same here,” Sylas chimed in, a grin on her face. “Though, if any nobles start getting snooty, I might have to knock them down a peg—verbally, of course.”

I rolled my eyes at her typical brashness. I think I’ll use this chance to get along with the nobles. You know, make connections for the future. If I have their support, it’ll be easier to rally allies when needed—or call in a favor if things go south. Meeting new people is good, and it’s even better when they’re distinguished and rich.

Before I share it, Elyndor’s ears twitched, and a sly grin spread across his face. “Boys,” he said, gesturing for Kael, Kaldor, and me to follow him. “Come with me. I need to discuss something… important.”

We exchanged confused glances but followed him a short distance away from Sylas and Mira. Once we were out of earshot, Kael raised an eyebrow. “What’s the big deal?”

Elyndor turned to us, his grin morphing into something downright sinister. “Your plans are dumb and pointless,” he declared dramatically. “The true purpose for men and gentlemen at a party like this is…” He paused for effect, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Women.”

Kael groaned, and I facepalmed, but Elyndor was already on a roll. “Think about it! The charm! The intrigue! The possibilities! I’ll use my roguish charisma to sweep all the girls in this city off their feet. By the end of tonight, I’ll be the most talked-about man in Brightmoor!” His eyes gleamed with excitement as he rambled on, his gestures growing increasingly grandiose.

I tried to step away, but his arm shot out, holding me firmly in place. “E-Elyndor,” I said, exasperated, “I think I’m not interested. For one thing, I’m way too young for that.”

I glanced at Kael and Kaldor, silently pleading for backup. They both nodded quickly, Kael adding, “Yeah, count me out. This suit is a disaster; there’s no way I’m impressing anyone tonight.”

“With the sacred beastkin’s blood running inside me, I’m not interested in girls outside my race. And to be honest, I personally think all the girls I’ve met other than beastkin are all the same, plain and boring” Kaldor said plainly, his tone calm but final.

Elyndor’s grin vanished, replaced by a bored and arrogant expression. “You’re all hopeless,” he muttered, shaking his head. But then his gaze landed on me, and a mischievous light returned to his eyes. He stepped closer, his voice low and teasing. “Or is it… because you’ve got a crush on Sylas?”

I froze, my face heating up as his words sunk in. “W-what?!”

Elyndor pressed on, undeterred. “Oh, it makes sense! Childhood friends, growing up together, surviving countless dangers side by side… Classic tale. And, for the record, I’m a big fan of childhood friends to lovers.” He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his tone mock-serious. “Don’t worry, Duke. No matter how beautiful Sylas gets, I promise not to step in. You’ve got my full support.”

I glanced at Sylas and Mira from afar, who were looking over with curious expressions. My face burned even brighter. “We’re just friends!” I muttered, refusing to meet Elyndor’s gaze.

Sylas and Mira approached, Sylas narrowing her eyes at Elyndor. “What’s going on here?”

Elyndor’s creepy smile returned, but before he could say anything incriminating, Kael and Kaldor spoke simultaneously. “Nothing important.”

“Just Elyndor being Elyndor,” I added, my voice completely calm now, though my heart still raced.

Sylas gave us a suspicious look but shrugged. “Alright. Let’s head inside before we miss all the good food.”

As we walked toward the party, Elyndor muttered under his breath, “I might’ve been wrong about you, Duke.”

“Glad we cleared that up,” I said, trying not to sound too relieved. In my mind, though, I steeled myself. I don’t have a crush and Sylas nor hate her. It just my feelings toward her are just friendship, that’s it. And I bet she thinks the same too. Moreover, it’s way too early to think about love. I’ve got more important tasks ahead—finding my family and returning home comes first.

We joined the rest of the crowd, the laughter and banter of my friends filling the air as we made our way to the grand party.

With everyone ready, we made our way to the castle. As we walked through the streets, it became clear that the city had changed for the occasion. The buildings, previously cold and stone, seemed to glow under the soft lantern light. People, dressed in their finest clothes, wandered through the bustling streets.

Shops had their doors wide open, displaying goods like jewelry, trinkets, and fine fabrics, while street restaurants served warm food to the passersby. It was a lively scene, and as we neared the castle, the sense of excitement only grew stronger.

The castle itself had transformed. Before, it was imposing and serious, but tonight it was alive with music and laughter. The stone walls were draped with banners, and the windows glowed warmly. Inside, the hall had been completely revamped.

Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over the room, and the long dining tables were covered with food and drinks. Nobles of all sorts milled about, wearing suits and gowns, with some of their children playing or running around the edges of the hall.

We were welcomed almost immediately, and the moment we stepped into the grand hall, the atmosphere hit us like a wave. It didn’t take long for our group to scatter.

Elyndor, predictably, was already eyeing a small group of older girls, giggling near the buffet table. He smirked, adjusting his collar as if preparing for battle. “Ladies, don’t wait up,” he said, flashing us a mischievous grin before striding confidently toward them.

We watched from a distance, curious—and admittedly a little concerned—as Elyndor stopped in front of the group and bowed theatrically.

“Excuse me, ladies,” he began, his golden hair shimmering under the chandelier lights, his roguish smile firmly in place. “But did it hurt?”

The girls blinked, confused. “Did what hurt?” one of them asked.

“When you fell from heaven.”

A beat of silence followed, the girls exchanging glances before bursting into a mix of laughter and groans.

“That’s so old!” one of them said, rolling her eyes.

Undeterred, Elyndor grinned wider. “Old? Maybe. But timelessly effective, wouldn’t you agree? Like fine wine.”

Another girl scoffed. “Fine wine? More like sour grapes.”

Elyndor put a hand to his heart, pretending to stagger. “Ouch, you wound me. But I suppose that’s fair—I’ve been struck by beauty so radiant it’s hard to see straight.”

“Is he serious?” another girl whispered, loud enough for him to hear.

Elyndor turned to her with a mock-serious expression. “Deadly serious. In fact, I might need a healer. My heart hasn’t stopped racing since I saw you.”

The group collectively groaned, clearly unimpressed. “You’re terrible at this,” one of the girls said bluntly.

Elyndor’s smirk faltered for a split second, but he quickly recovered. “Terrible? Or terribly persistent? Either way, I’ll take it.” He tilted his head thoughtfully. “But perhaps I need to up my game. Let me guess—you’re not into pickup lines, are you?”

“Nope,” one of them said flatly.

“Ah, a challenge,” Elyndor said, clasping his hands together dramatically. “How about this: I’ll make you laugh. If I succeed, you forgive my earlier attempts and allow me the honor of your company for the evening.”

The girls exchanged skeptical glances but nodded. “Alright, go ahead.”

Elyndor leaned in with a confident smile, his voice dropping to a playful tone. “Ladies, do you believe in the art of sleight of hand? Allow me to demonstrate.”

One of the girls crossed her arms skeptically. “Sleight of hand? Really?”

Elyndor grinned. “Not just any sleight of hand. Watch closely.”

He pulled a small gold coin from his pocket, holding it between his fingers. “Now, keep your eyes on the coin,” he instructed, flipping it into the air and catching it smoothly.

Before they could respond, he tossed it again—but this time, it vanished mid-air. Gasps escaped the group as they leaned in, trying to figure out where it had gone.

“Behind your ear,” he said, revealing the coin with a flourish and a wink at one of the girls.

“That’s basic,” one of them scoffed, though she was clearly intrigued.

Elyndor smirked. “Oh, you’re tough to impress. Let’s raise the stakes.”

He gestured toward the napkin in her hand. “May I?”

The girl handed it to him hesitantly. With a flick of his wrist, the napkin seemed to dissolve into thin air, leaving behind a small, blooming rose.

“Now that,” another girl exclaimed, “was impressive.”

Elyndor bowed slightly, handing the rose to the first girl. “A simple token for allowing me to share a bit of magic with you.”

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

Laughter rippled through the group as the girls began chatting with him more freely, their earlier skepticism replaced by interest and amusement. Elyndor glanced over his shoulder at us, giving a triumphant smirk.

Kael sighed. “Of course, he had to turn a napkin into a rose. What a show-off”

“Yeah,” I said, watching as Elyndor basked in the girls’ attention, “but apparently, it works.”

Sylas chuckled. “I’ll give him credit for creativity. Though I’m not sure whether to be impressed or annoyed.”

“Both,” Mira replied, shaking her head with a smile.

Kaldor, however, had his sights set on something far less complicated. "I’m just here for the food," he muttered, making a beeline straight for the middle of the room, where a massive table groaned under the weight of dishes.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. "Well, that’s predictable."

Sylas turned to Mira with a grin. "Should we go talk to some of the girls over there?" she asked, nodding towards a group of noble girls who were chatting excitedly near the far corner of the room.

Mira smiled and nodded. "Let’s try. They don’t look too intimidating."

With that, the two of them walked off, their dresses flowing elegantly behind them.

Kael and I stood there for a moment, taking in the hustle and bustle. He glanced at me and shrugged. "So, what now?"

"I... have no idea," I admitted. The sheer size of the party, with all its finely dressed people, made me feel strangely out of place. "Just... blend in, I guess?"

Kael sighed. "Easier said than done."

It wasn’t long before the sound of a bell rang through the hall, and a hush fell over the crowd. All eyes turned towards the second-floor balcony, where the mayor of the city stood. His suit was perfectly tailored, and beside him were his wife and two daughters, Lily and Lara, both beaming at the crowd below.

"Honored guests," Merric began, his voice resonating through the grand hall, commanding the attention of everyone present. "Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate but to reflect on the strength and unity of our community. It is a night to honor the brave adventurers who risked their lives to save my daughters, Lily Talwyn and Lara Talwyn, from a fate I dare not imagine. Their courage, determination, and selflessness have ensured that my family remains whole."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "However, let us not forget the role each of you played in this outcome. The efforts of our citizens—those who stayed vigilant, offered resources, spread the word, and stood firm in the face of fear—were invaluable. This city is not just a collection of buildings and streets; it is a tapestry woven with the threads of our shared determination and care for one another."

Merric's tone softened, tinged with emotion. "I know the past weeks have been trying for all of us. The safety of our children, the security of our homes—these are matters that weigh heavily on every heart. But even in the darkest moments, we stood together. Your concerns were heard, your voices mattered, and together, we faced this challenge head-on."

He raised his goblet, his voice strengthening with conviction. "Let this evening be a reminder that our strength lies not only in the actions of the few but in the collective will of the many. To the adventurers who braved danger to bring my daughters back, and to each of you who contributed in your own way—this night is for all of us. Let us celebrate not only our triumph but the bonds that make us strong."

A ripple of applause filled the hall as Merric lowered his goblet, his expression one of gratitude and pride.

Merric stood beside his family in a sharp black suit that spoke of wealth and refinement. The suit was tailored to perfection, with subtle patterns woven into the fabric that added a touch of sophistication. His broad shoulders and tall stature commanded attention, while the dark red tie he wore added a bold splash of color to his otherwise monochrome look.

His neatly trimmed beard and stern yet kind expression gave him the air of a man who took his responsibilities seriously but had a deep, caring nature for his family. He glanced often at his daughters, his chest swelling with pride at the sight of them safe and happy once again.

I glanced at the others. Sylas and Mira had returned to stand beside me, their expressions a mix of pride and awkwardness. Elyndor, of course, gave a quick wink to the girls he had been chatting with, clearly enjoying the attention.

"Please," he continued, motioning to us. "Come forward, all of you."

Sylas leaned over, whispering nervously, "Do we have to?"

"Looks like it," I whispered back with a smirk. "Come on, we’re heroes tonight, remember?"

With that, we walked up the stairs to the balcony, one by one. The mayor greeted each of us with a firm handshake, introducing us to the crowd. "These brave souls risked their lives for my family," he said, his voice full of gratitude. "Let us thank them once again!"

Applause erupted from the hall, and I could feel a faint blush creep up my cheeks. It was one thing to fight monsters; it was another thing entirely to be in the spotlight like this.

“Thank you big brothers and big sisters’ Lily and Lara said in unity to us, the term bro brother made me warm-hearted. It has been a long time since I’ve heard Clara’s cries or her stubborn words. Haa, I missed those days…

Lily and Lara, standing proudly beside their parents during the party, looked like miniature versions of elegance. Lily, the older of the two, wore a soft lavender gown that shimmered under the candlelight. The dress had intricate silver embroidery along the bodice, and the delicate layers of tulle flowed gracefully as she moved.

Her long, red hair was braided with small flowers woven into it, adding to her natural beauty. She stood tall, her almond-shaped eyes gleaming with gratitude and joy, a small smile on her lips as she occasionally glanced at her parents.

Lara, younger and more playful, wore a pale pink dress that complemented her bright, curious eyes. The dress was simpler than her sister's but no less beautiful, with subtle lace accents along the edges and a satin ribbon tied around her waist.

Her short curls bounced as she moved, and she often giggled and whispered to her sister, her youthful energy evident even in such a grand setting. Lara’s innocence and excitement made her stand out, her face flushed with joy as she waved at the guests below from the balcony.

“I am Eveline Talwyn, her wife, and of course Lily’s and Lara’s mother” The woman beside him spoke up.

She wore a royal blue gown with an off-the-shoulder design, which highlighted her poised figure. The dress was adorned with tiny crystals, catching the light and making her appear as though she were shimmering under the glow of the chandeliers. Her red hair was styled in an elaborate updo, with silver pins securing it in place.

Her serene, gentle smile never wavered as she greeted the guests, her soft green eyes filled with warmth and gratitude. She carried herself with the elegance of a woman used to such grand affairs, though her focus remained on her two daughters throughout the night.

“Thank you… thank you very much for saving… my daughters. I am… truly…grateful,” Eveline said as her tears flush out from her eyes, her daughters casually hugged her from 2 side, while Merric patting her shoulder

After the formalities were over, Merric gave us a friendly pat on the back. "Now, go and enjoy yourselves! This night is as much for you as it is for us."

As we descended back into the crowd, Mira nudged me. "You handled that pretty well," she teased.

"I was shaking the whole time," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. "But it’s over now."

"Let’s get back to the party!" Sylas said with a smile, and with that, we all dispersed again. Elyndor immediately slipped back to the girls he had been flirting with earlier, while Kaldor seemed determined to empty the food table all by himself.

Kael and I, though, once again stood awkwardly near the center of the room, unsure of what to do next. "So..." Kael started, glancing around at the crowd. "Now what?"

I shrugged. "Honestly? I have no idea. Just... try not to stand out too much, I guess."

Kael chuckled softly. "Easier said than done."

As I stood by the food table, trying to decide between two pastries, I noticed a boy around my age approaching. He had dark, well-groomed hair and wore an elaborate suit that practically screamed wealth. His confident stride matched his polished demeanor, and as he stopped in front of me, he gave a polite bow.

"Good evening," he began, his voice smooth and measured. "I am Marco Drayden, from the southern district. My family manages the largest textile trade in the region—perhaps you've heard of the Drayden Merchant Guild?"

Before I could respond, Marco turned his gaze toward Sylas, who stood a few steps away, watching us with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. He bowed slightly again, this time in her direction.

"Miss Sylas," he addressed her directly, his tone polite but practiced, "it would be an honor if you would grant me the next dance. I’ve been told I’m quite skilled, though I suppose I’ll leave that for you to decide." His smile widened, a touch of charm gleaming behind it.

Sylas blinked in surprise, glancing at me for reassurance. I leaned slightly toward her, whispering with a grin, "Go for it. Just try your best."

She hesitated, then gave Marco a small nod. "Alright, I suppose I can spare a dance," she replied, her voice steady though her fingers fidgeted slightly with the hem of her dress.

Marco straightened, clearly pleased. "Wonderful. I promise to make it worth your while. After all, I couldn’t let an evening like this pass without the chance to dance with the most elegant lady in the room."

Sylas had agreed, but as they began to dance, it quickly became apparent that her talents did not extend to the dance floor. Her steps were uncoordinated, her feet occasionally tangling with Marco’s, and she struggled to keep up with the rhythm of the music.

Marco, for his part, tried valiantly to salvage the situation. "Here," he murmured, leaning closer to guide her. "Just follow my lead."

But his own steps faltered as he tried to adjust to Sylas’s uneven movements. His foot slid awkwardly, nearly tripping them both, and the sound of a muffled chuckle rippled through the nearby onlookers.

Sylas flushed with embarrassment, her nervousness worsening. Marco, determined to recover, attempted a flourish—a quick spin meant to reestablish their rhythm. Instead, it threw them further off balance.

The whispers in the crowd grew louder, and I could see the judgmental eyes fixed on them. When Marco tried to steady her and pull her back into the dance, the movement only made things worse. Sylas wobbled unsteadily, and I saw her teetering on the verge of falling.

Without thinking, I stepped forward, closing the gap between us in an instant. I grabbed Sylas’s hand firmly, cutting in before the situation could spiral further.

"Mind if I take over?" I asked, locking eyes with Marco, whose surprise rendered him momentarily speechless.

Sylas looked at me with wide eyes, her cheeks flushed not just from exertion but from relief. Marco hesitated, clearly torn between protesting and stepping aside. Finally, with a somewhat begrudging smile, he released her hand.

"By all means," he said, stepping back and giving me a small, formal bow. "Good luck."

The whispers from the crowd quieted slightly as the music played on, and I began to lead Sylas in a simpler, steadier rhythm. Her steps were still hesitant, but the embarrassment in her eyes began to fade as she focused on matching my pace. The tension slowly dissolved into something lighter, and I made sure to send Marco a pointed glance over Sylas’s shoulder.

As I led Sylas to the center of the floor, she looked up at me with a mix of nervousness and disbelief. Her voice was barely a whisper as she muttered, "I can’t believe I messed up like that. Everyone's staring at me."

"Don’t worry," I replied softly, giving her a reassuring smile. "I’ve got this. Just follow my lead, alright?"

She hesitated for a moment, her hand trembling slightly in mine. "I’ve never done this before."

"Neither have I," I chuckled, keeping my voice low so only she could hear. "But trust me—if we look confident, they won’t notice."

Sylas blinked up at me, a little surprised, then nodded. "Okay... I'll try."

I led her into a simple but elegant rhythm, guiding her through steps that felt surprisingly natural. As we moved together, I noticed her tense shoulders relax. The fear in her eyes started to melt away, replaced with something else—confidence. We weren’t doing anything fancy, but we moved in sync, and I could feel the change in her. We were a team now, gliding across the floor like we belonged here.

"See?" I whispered, spinning her around gently. "You’re doing great."

"Only because you’re making me look good," she murmured back, a small smile creeping onto her face.

The crowd that had been snickering moments ago was now watching in silent awe. I could feel their gazes shift from amused mockery to genuine surprise. By the time we finished the final steps, the room erupted into applause. Sylas looked around, wide-eyed.

"They’re clapping?" she whispered in disbelief.

I gave her hand a light squeeze. "Told you. You nailed it."

Her cheeks flushed, but she smiled brightly, the tension completely gone. As we made our way off the dance floor, she whispered, "Thank you, Duke. I would've been mortified out there."

"Hey, no problem," I said with a grin. "What are friends for?"

Just as we were about to rejoin the others, Elyndor, clearly not one to be outdone, jumped onto the dance floor with an exaggerated flourish. "Step aside!" he called out with a confident smirk. "Time to show everyone how a real dancer moves!"

The crowd turned to watch as Elyndor started swaying and spinning with wild energy. His moves weren’t exactly graceful, but they were certainly… enthusiastic. Some of the girls giggled as he tried to pull off a complex twirl, nearly tripping over his feet in the process.

"Watch and learn, everyone!" Elyndor proclaimed, still full of bravado.

But then, from the corner of the room, Kael suddenly caught everyone’s attention. He wasn’t trying to dance at first—just swaying lightly to the music. But then, almost on instinct, he started moving with a fluid grace that none of us expected. His steps were effortless, his body language smooth, and within seconds, the girls who had been watching Elyndor were now completely transfixed by Kael.

One by one, they gravitated toward him, circling him like he was the most fascinating thing they had ever seen. Their eyes were wide, some even whispering among themselves.

"Wow... he’s incredible," one of the girls murmured.

Another added, "Is he even real? Look at the way he moves!"

Elyndor’s jaw dropped, and his confident swagger instantly disappeared. He shot Kael a glare. "What the—hey! I’m supposed to be the one impressing the ladies here!"

I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of Elyndor’s face turning red with frustration as Kael continued to unknowingly steal the spotlight. "Seems like Kael’s the real dancer here, huh?"

Elyndor threw his hands up in exasperation. "Unbelievable! I was this close to winning them over!"

Sylas, standing beside me, giggled softly. "Looks like your charm isn’t working this time, Elyndor."

Elyndor huffed, crossing his arms. "Yeah, well, I’ll just… I'll just try harder next time. Kael can’t have all the glory."

Meanwhile, Kael, oblivious to Elyndor’s irritation, was still surrounded by the girls, all of them showering him with praise and admiration.

"Looks like you’ve got competition," I teased Elyndor, patting him on the back.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Elyndor grumbled, though there was a hint of a smile creeping onto his face. "Next time, it’ll be my turn. Just you wait."

After the party, we were all stuffed and utterly exhausted. The celebration had been overwhelming, and the amount of food and drink consumed was starting to show—particularly in Elyndor, Kaldor, and, surprisingly, Kael. All three were swaying, their faces flushed as they stumbled along with us back to the inn.

Elyndor was the first to start mumbling, his voice slurring. "Y’know... I think I really impressed those girls," he said, nearly tripping over his own feet. "They... they couldn’t resist the charm."

I raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh, sure, Elyndor," I said, grabbing his arm to keep him steady. "Let’s just get you to bed."

"Bed? No, no, no," Elyndor insisted, his voice rising in protest. "The party’s just getting started! Where’s the next drink? Kael, back me up, buddy!"

Kael, who was leaning heavily against a nearby wall, hiccuped and gave a dazed smile. "Yeah... 'nother round... or two." His words slurred together as he pointed weakly at some imaginary drink in the distance.

"Kael," Sylas said, exasperated as she tried to guide him back to the room, "you’ve had enough for one night. Come on, let’s get you to bed before you pass out in the hallway."

"But... I’m not even tired!" Kael protested though the heavy bags under his eyes told a different story. "I could... go for a two kilometers run right now!"

"Sure you could," I muttered, wrapping my arm around him to keep him upright. "A marathon to your bed."

Meanwhile, Kaldor was standing by the door, looking like he was in deep concentration. "Do you guys... do you guys ever wonder... why trees... are so tall?" he asked, blinking slowly.

"Because they’re trees, Kaldor," Mira said, shaking her head with a sigh as she tried to push him gently in the direction of his room. "Now stop wondering about trees and go to sleep."

"But... the trees..." Kaldor muttered, stumbling forward as Mira shoved him. "They’re watching us... always watching."

"Kaldor," I said, trying not to laugh, "I promise the trees aren’t watching you. Let’s get you to bed, okay?"

After what felt like an eternity of wrangling, we somehow managed to herd the three drunkards back to their rooms. Elyndor kept muttering about his ‘irresistible charm,’ Kael was convinced he could still dance, and Kaldor mumbled something incoherent about trees being spies. It was like dealing with a group of overgrown children.

Before I went to bed, I made my way to the inn's bathroom to freshen up. The cool water splashed against my face as I rubbed away the remnants of the evening. I brushed my teeth, the minty freshness clearing my mind, and took a moment to wash off the day’s exhaustion. After drying off, I returned to my room, feeling more relaxed.

Inside my room, I started by taking off the suit. The fancy clothes had been tight and uncomfortable, and I was more than ready to get out of them. I hung them on the coat hanger, reminding myself that I would need to return them tomorrow. My fingers traced the smooth fabric of the jacket for a moment before I set it on the hanger, then I pulled off the shirt and pants, finally feeling at ease in my own skin.

I grabbed my scarf from the hanger and sat on the bed, the soft fabric warm in my hands. As I folded it, my mind wandered to thoughts of my parents.

"How are they doing now?" I muttered under my breath, a knot tightening in my stomach.

I carefully folded the scarf into a neat square, my hands moving automatically as my mind ran through the possibilities. "They’ve probably had to adjust to a lot since I’ve been gone. I wonder if they’re worried about me... or if they’ve managed without me."

I paused for a moment, the weight of uncertainty settling in my chest. "I mean, they must have. They’re strong... but... is everything okay? What if something happened and I didn’t know?"

The room felt too quiet as I placed the folded scarf on the table next to me, my thoughts racing faster than I could keep up. I stared at it for a few seconds, willing myself to stop worrying.

"They’ll be fine. They have to be," I muttered, trying to convince myself. "I’ll get back to them. I’ll figure it out. It’s just... everything’s so different now."

I sighed deeply, feeling the exhaustion weighing down on me. "I just want to know they’re okay. That they’re safe. I should have been there..." I shook my head, trying to clear away the doubts.

Finally, I laid back on the bed, my body sinking into the softness of the mattress. "One day,... one day we will be back together as.. things should…be."

As my thoughts quieted, sleep began to claim me. I let it pull me under, the uncertainty about my parents slowly fading as the weight of the day caught up with me.