“We need to strike the humans where it hurts most. Their hearts, minds, and souls,” Darius said.

Zane nodded, trying to look like he understood. Oh great, more philosophical mumbo jumbo. Better just nod like I get it.

“Oooh, fun! I call dibs on souls!” Lyra said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Darius raised an eyebrow. “Lyra, please explain. What is the meaning of this... ‘dibs’ you speak of?”

Lyra blinked. “You know, like first pick. Souls are my jam!”

Darius looked even more confused. “Is it a formal process? A ritual, maybe, or some kind of rule?”

Zane nearly choked on his ale. Oh no… He’s actually taking this seriously.

Lyra laughed. “Nah, Darius. It just means I want the soul part of the plan. No special chants or dancing needed.”

Darius nodded slowly. “So, ‘dibs’ means claiming a task. Fascinating. But if everyone called dibs, would it not lead to chaos?”

Zane shook his head. He’s really going to analyze dibs, isn’t he? This is my life now.

Lyra shrugged. “Usually, it’s just for fun. But hey, we could set up, like, a dibs committee if you’re worried about it.”

Darius’s eyes lit up. “A dibs committee? Yes, that could create order. We would need rules, of course, and a voting system to solve arguments.”

Lyra chuckled. “Sure, Darius, whatever makes you happy. As long as I get to play with the souls, I’m good.”

Darius nodded, looking pleased. “Very well. I shall create the rules for this committee. It will keep everything fair and efficient.”

Zane stared into the void of his mug. Maybe if he looked long enough, it would offer him escape. Darius is actually making rules for dibs. Why couldn’t my little sister have married a blacksmith? Or anyone else, really?

The tavern buzzed. Heat from the fire. Clinking mugs. Laughter.

But Zane couldn’t relax. His eyes darted around the room. What if someone recognized them? Or they offended the tavern owner by using the wrong spoon? He had seen friendships end over less.

He glanced at Darius, who was scanning the room like a hawk. That guy couldn’t relax if his life depended on it. He probably meditated on the meaning of chewing.

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Lyra? She was arm-wrestling a farmer who looked like he crushed rocks for fun. The farmer grunted, muscles bulging. Lyra laughed, wild hair bouncing. She wasn’t even trying.

Suddenly, the tavern door burst open. Loud crash.

Zane stared at his drink. Another drunk. Great. Just what we need.

The laughter stopped. Clinking mugs faded to nothing. Something was off.

Zane sighed, finally looking up. Can’t a guy just enjoy a lukewarm ale in peace?

Standing in the doorway was a woman. Beautiful. Powerful. Her armor shone like it had been polished by a hundred angels.

A shiver ran down Zane’s spine. This wasn’t just any guard.

“Hero Ava!” someone whispered, voice filled with awe.

Zane’s stomach dropped. Oh no. This is bad. Really bad.

He shot a glance at Darius, who watched the newcomer. Serious as always.

Lyra? Still arm-wrestling. Totally unaware.

Ava’s eyes scanned the tavern. Judging. Weighing.

The room fell silent. Nervous glances. Hushed whispers.

Finally, her eyes landed on their table.

Zane felt sweat bead on his face. No, no, no. This can’t be happening.

Ava’s voice broke the silence. Clear. Commanding. “Zane, Darius, Lyra. By order of the King, you’re under arrest.”

Silence. The fire crackled. Whispers spread. People leaned in to get a better view.

“Arrest?” a man asked, shocked. “But those are Hero Ava’s party members.” He shook his head. “Something’s not right. This must be serious.”

Guards moved in. Magical light danced across shackles as they locked onto the trio’s wrists.

Lyra looked up, her opponent’s arm still struggling. “Hey, I was winning!”

Zane trusted Ava, sure. But being arrested by his own wife? Definitely not on his bingo card. “Ava, what’s going on? What did we do??”

Ava’s face softened, her hand gentle on Zane’s shoulder. “Zane, I’m sure it’s a misunderstanding. We’ll sort it out in court.”

Lyra grinned, like this was all a game. “Sweet. I’ve always wanted front-row seats to a trial!”

Darius stared at Ava. “A misunderstanding means someone did not communicate clearly. I trust you will make sure the truth comes out.”

Ava nodded. “Of course, Darius. We’ll get this cleared up.”

Zane groaned. “Great. Can’t we have one night without disaster?”

Ava smiled warmly. “Zane, you worry too much. We’ll get through this. And someday, we’ll laugh about it.”

With that, the guards led them out. Patrons stared. Some stood on their toes for a last glimpse. Hero Ava, escorting her own party to face judgment. Unbelievable.

Cold night air hit them. Pale moonlight. Empty streets.

Zane shivered, pulling his tunic tighter. He glanced at Darius, who nodded.

Lyra was humming like they were off to a festival.

The guards marched fast. Armor clanking. Streets quiet. Too quiet.

Zane felt eyes behind shuttered windows. Watching. Judging. “Where are you taking us?” Voice low. Calm, he hoped.

Ava glanced at him, her expression softening. “To the palace. The King wants to see you personally.”

Zane’s heart sank. The King himself? This was getting worse. He could only hope Ava was right. That this was just some big misunderstanding.

Lyra piped up, cheerful. “Do you think they’ll let us keep the shackles? They’re kind of cool, right? I bet I could use them in a spell.”

Darius sighed. “Lyra, now is not the time for experiments.”

Zane rolled his eyes. Only Lyra could make getting arrested seem like an adventure. He looked at Ava, who gave him a reassuring smile.

“Stay strong,” she whispered. “We’ll get through this together.”

The palace gates stood tall. Zane’s breath caught.

Doors creaked open. Darkness.

Zane swallowed. Whatever waited inside, it was ready. And this? Just the beginning.

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Chapter 1 Video/Audio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmJwgjGfmS4