Niila and Miila woke up to their parents' hugs and head pats. The twins showed confusion as their eyes fluttered open.

“What happened? How am I back home? The last thing I remember is a scary guy telling me to go to sleep,” Miila looked at her mother, expecting an explanation.

“It was a bad dream, little bear. Everything is fine now.”

“Jiran, this is your fault, isn’t it? What did you do?” Niila squinted her eyes at Jiran with the petulant anger only a child could pull off.

She was not about to dismiss the conversation as a figment of her imagination after seeing her sister strangled by a stranger. Dandy started to speak again but Niila pushed him away before smacking the floor with her hand. After a nod from Dandy, Jiran spoke.

“Yes, it was my fault. All three of them are dead. They won't come back for you again. I’ve made arrangements for all four of you to move into the imperial palace with me, so you’ll be safe until the situation is over.”

“What?!” The sound from all four of them was so perfectly in sync, Jiran wondered for a split second if they rehearsed it.

“That is out of the question,” Alatha spoke first, her initial reaction being in the negative was frustrating but understandable.

“Why don’t we have dinner and listen to the whole story dear,” Dandy soothed.

“You expect us to throw away everything we have built? For what? A little safety. Nothing is safe, danger comes at any time, why should we run?” Her frantic tone confused Jiran.

I guess I don’t know their whole life story, I can’t judge. I hope I can convince her though, I have to try.

Dandy didn’t respond, he stood from the floor where he had been hugging Niila and walked to the kitchen. Alatha did not hesitate to join him, Miila hot on her heels.

Niila stood as well, she wore a forlorn expression as she stared at the hole Mayalyn’s body had put in the nearby wall.

The atmosphere remained awkward while Miila and Alatha pushed two tables together and set them for dinner. Jiran watched as Mayalyn’s expression brightened the moment the first dish crossed the threshold from the kitchen.

Dandy had gone all out. Plate after plate of delicious-smelling meats, tubers, and vegetables was set in front of them. Jiran entertained himself by counting the number of times Mayalyn had to swallow her rapidly-produced saliva. His snickers at her barely constrained patience went unnoticed as her focus was devout as the most zealous of nuns.

A special covered plate was set before Jiran, Dandy’s pride was clear in his posture and smile as he presented the meal.

“This is a tier seven stew I’ve been preparing for the last two weeks. I was going to tempt you with it then charge you an arm and two legs. The best-laid plans never bear fruit seems to be true once more.”

“Thank you, Dandy. It smells divine. How did you know stew was my favorite?”

“Because you never shut up about it! I remember your face after the first time you had my stew, if I hadn’t run out, you would have cleaned out my whole stock yourself.”

“True, true,” Jiran laughed and they all dug into their meals.

None of them spoke as they devoured their dinners. Only the sounds of satisfied mouths and bellies escaped their lips. The hole in the wall was a constant reminder to each of them that this was not an ordinary meal.

“I want to move into the palace,” The audacious Niila was the first to break the unspoken truce.

“Me too,” Miila quickly followed, knowing if she didn’t speak up before her mother, it would be hard to get in a single word.

“Aye, it's a good plan for the short term,” Dandy piped in.

Every eye in the room turned to Alatha as she quickly swallowed her last bite.

Nice timing, Niila. Crafty little booger.

“What about our finances? Our home needs repairs and maintenance. Are we to abandon it to the first freeloaders who decide to break in?”

The silence following her questions only lasted a moment before the forgotten Toduerr spoke up.

“If I may interject, m’lady,” After her nod, he continued.

“The standard procedure for sheltering innocents against the emperor's political rivals would include a waiver for taxes and any business expenses accrued during your protection.

“Also, your children will receive the best education and care, while guards are posted in the area of your assets to ensure fiscal harm is not administered during your absence.

“If there are any additional concerns, I would be happy to alleviate them for you. It is my honor to assure you that all your needs will be cared for,” His words, serious demeanor, and the deep bow of respect that followed, left both parents stunned.

Seeing their mother unresponsive, Niila hopped to her feet and pumped an adorable fist into the air with a wide smile on her face.

“Yes! We’re going to live in the palace! We’re going to live in the palace! This is so amazing,” Both girls laughed and danced around the room singing.

Jiran tried to share a smile with Mayalyn but the girl was still greedily stuffing spoonfuls of food into her mouth, seemingly unaware of the conversation around her.

“I’m going to go pack. Dandy, thank you for the meal, It was delicious,” Jiran said as he stood from the table.

Mayalyn stuffed three more bites into her mouth as quickly as she could while in the middle of standing up. Her adorable cheeks were so extended, Jiran nearly failed to restrain himself from poking them. She followed behind him before veering off into her own room.

It didn’t take Jiran more than a few minutes to gather his few belongings. He then went to Mayalyn’s room and helped her fold the pile of dresses she had heaped upon her bed.

Toduerr knocked on her door a few minutes later, a large chest held securely in his aura hovered behind him.

“Your carriage has arrived, Young Master Jiran. A second has been called to bring your friends. I am sure you noticed the guards outside. They will remain to protect them until they are prepared to leave. Might I suggest we take leave before them, to prepare for their arrival?”

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“Sure, we are almost set here, Toduerr,” Jiran snatched the chest and started stuffing it with Mayalyn’s clothes and sundries.

Only a few minutes later, they were bouncing down the street in a plush red carriage toward the palace far in the distance. The two burly tier three men pulled them at a quick pace. Jiran sat next to Mayalyn, facing Toduerr.

The man seemed content to enjoy the ride in silence so Jiran relaxed his head against the carpeted carriage body behind him.

What a day. I can’t believe it was just this morning I was teaching my first class. Then Olive tried to kill me before training in The Garden with Sophia. I hope I didn’t hurt anyone when I flew across the city like that. I’ll have to ask Toduerr if anyone complains about property damage so I can pay for it.

I barely remember tracking down those kidnappers, I was so angry following Mayalyn’s blood that it’s all a blur. Now we are all back and safe, moving into the palace of all places.

Have I ever had such a hectic day in my life? I get the feeling tomorrow won’t be any different. I guess vacation really is over.

Soon the palace loomed far above them in the darkness of night. Its construction was completely unique compared to the rest of the city. Smooth plaster and cement walls rose high into the air.

Towers that Jiran could picture cranky wizards living in swept above the tall walls. Each tower was capped by a circular structure that reminded him of a gyroscope. Spotlights sat atop each tower, keeping the palace lit through the darkness of the night.

The entire palace looked like it was pulled directly from a children’s movie by a giant blue genie. As their carriage pulled through the outer gates, he imagined smelling the desert winds as they blew harmlessly against the sturdy structure.

They were pulled around the side of the palace proper to an attached mansion. There were two other similar buildings nearby, each made with the same smooth architecture.

“We have arrived, Young Master,” Toduerr exited first, holding the door open for them.

He picked up their chest with his aura before Jiran thought to and swiftly crossed the outside lot. The doors leading into the mansion lobby were opened for them as Jiran and Mayalyn followed.

The inside was even more opulent than their carriage had been. Thick white fur carpet covered every inch of the floor. A large circular staircase led to the upper floors. Gold and silver inlays ran along every corner of every surface giving the rooms a regal appearance. Jiran immediately felt uncomfortable in the entirely too-fancy building.

Toduerr set their chest down on an expensive table made of wood so soft it had the appearance of velvet. He then bowed before speaking.

“Your permanent staff shall present themselves to you in the morning.

“I will prepare the house next door for the arrival of your friends. After that, I shall take my leave for the evening. Unless there is something else I can assist you with, Young Master Jiran.”

“Thank you for everything, Toduerr. Have a nice night.”

“Thank you, Young Master. I wish you a pleasant rest,” He closed the front doors behind him as he left.

The thick walls and carpets absorbed all the sounds from outside, leaving the room echoing with a silence so deep as to be slightly disturbing. Mayalyn looked around slowly as if she expected a giant cat to pounce on her from the shadows at any second.

Jiran allowed his camouflage that kept her ears and tail hidden to drop. She quickly noticed and allowed the strange technique she used to hide her whiskers to fade as well.

Jiran watched her move around the building, wondering what she was thinking about.

She’s been so quiet since I rescued her. I hope she’s okay.

He picked up their chest and brought it to the second floor where he found seven bedrooms. They were each so similar as to appear exactly the same.

Probably so guests don’t get jealous of each other. Rich people.

Jiran shook his head to banish the thoughts, not wanting to try and understand the thoughts of someone who grew up in this kind of opulence.

He noticed through his aura that the third floor was dedicated to a massive bedroom suite that dominated the entire floor. Not wanting to separate himself from Mayalyn he chose one of the rooms on the second floor and unpacked his few belongings.

He then deposited the chest in the room next to his. When he turned to leave the room, Mayalyn was standing in the doorway behind him.

“How are you doing?” His voice sounded lame to his own ears.

What the hell am I supposed to say to someone who got kidnapped, after having to cut themselves a hundred times to leave a trail of their own freaking blood across a city?

The frown she wore as she looked at him, did nothing to help his nervousness.

“You, sit,” She pointed at the bed large enough for six people.

Unwilling to deny her anything she needed after her terrible day, Jiran quickly obliged. Mayalyn followed behind him and as soon as he sat at the edge of the bed, she laid down with her head resting in his lap. She grabbed one of the nearby pillows and hugged it to her chest while breathing deeply.

“Good smell,” She said while taking in one lungful after another of his scent.

Seeing her beginning to relax, Jiran gently rubbed the hair on top of her head. She let out soft, low sounds of enjoyment as her muscles slowly loosened.

“Today scary, thanks you coming. Knews you coming.”

“Yes, I came for you. I—” Jiran paused, thinking through what he had been about to say.

I really would, no matter what happens. I’ve made up my mind.

“I will always come for you, Mayalyn. If you need me, I’ll be there with you, or right behind you.”

Through his aura, he saw her toes curl and the smile she tried to hide in his lap.

“Thanks you,” She mumbled into his leg.

“Talk me, scary memory. Maybe feel better.”

Jiran thought through the stories of near-death he’d experienced in his life, wondering which of the many would be a good story that wouldn’t ruin the peaceful mood.

He decided to tell her about his first tiering. Becoming denless and the struggles to heal from the injury caused by his gate. He spoke about meeting Samris and Lenton, about learning to fight. He told her how he finally recovered and was then kidnapped by the bandit Markhiss.

When he got to the part of the story where he had fought off the two tier four bandits her eyes went wide and she jolted to her feet, screaming at the top of her lungs in her language.

Jiran watched her completely at a loss as to what had set her off. She leaped around the room repeating the same few words over and over. Her tone made it sound like she was cursing.

“Matarra liuko koroko shapala!” She repeated several times before rushing back to his side.

Her eyes were open as wide as he had ever seen them. The orbs that were already larger than a humans, stretched wide, giving her an unearthly presence that took his breath away. She closed the distance until her face was centimeters from his.

“What tier now? Tier you tell me’s, please!” She was so frantic, he answered her without thinking.

“Tier four, I’m tier four right now,” As if all the bones in her body were removed, she collapsed onto the floor.

“Mayalyn! What’s wrong? Talk to me,” Jiran anxiously knelt over her prone body. She seemed healthy, her breathing was steady, if a bit quick, and her heart beat powerfully in her chest.

“You koroko. Koroko Jiran,” She spoke in a whisper, but he heard her clearly in the soundless bedroom.

“What does that mean? What is a koroko?”

She scrunched her eyes closed before continuing to whisper.

“Koroko warrior, but also more. What word for people who leader at prayer?”

“Priest, pastor, cleric?”

“Yes, koroko warrior priest, but more,” Her breathing calmed as she took several moments to collect her thoughts.

“My people, long time koroko leaders, always safe all the people. Koroko many generations people waiting, when koroko comes, people all die without koroko. Koroko hope, koroko safe.

“Always know koroko, aura get before fifth tier. Very rare, once in thousand year.”

Her voice took on an eerie quality, as if a ghost had possessed her and forced the words from her throat.

“Me here, not accident. Find koroko. Without koroko, all the islands disaster. Koroko Jiran, must reach home before too late, or all my people will die.”