Iris leaned against Mocha in the horse's stall, enjoying the early morning quiet. The sounds of horses moving and making noises filled the stables, but she found solace in her horse's company. It was early, the sun was just rising, and she had already spent several of the hourly town bells talking with Mocha.

The two had discussed the plans for the Adventurer's Guild, and Mocha had even given her an idea: the guild would need stables, which meant a stablehand. This brought up a strange conversation about what kind of person Mocha wanted, but Iris didn't judge. It needed to be a cute telv who was good at scritches, brushing, and liked apples.

Yeah, it was weird.

Suddenly, Mocha let out a whinny, her tail twitching, snapping Iris out of her thoughts. “Hey, focus.”

“Sorry, so. Mocha, what am I doing?” she asked, returning to the main reason she was out here. “I’ve never been this nervous around someone. It’s like I’m back in high school when I’m around Kaira.”

Mocha turned her ears back and relaxed them, huffing a response.

“I know we've only been on one date,” Iris continued, “but did she see it as a date? She was super flirty the entire time, but is that just how she is?”

“She did kiss you,” Mocha whinnied.

“And there's that! What was that? It was just a peck on the cheek, but holy crap, it made me want to drag her straight to my room!” Iris exclaimed.

Mocha rolled her eyes. “Okay, let’s tone down the sluttiness. It was just a peck.”

Iris threw up her hands. “Don’t I know it! It’s just… she makes me… I dunno Mocha. There’s something about her.”

“Yeah, she’s flirting with you and you like the attention.” Mocha snorted.

“Ugh. I don’t know what to do, Mocha. She’s coming for breakfast soon, that’s twice she’s come for breakfast before work. What does that mean?” Iris asked.

“That she likes to eat?” The horse suggested.

“Look, don’t be sassy with me. There’s something there, right?” Iris prodded.

Mocha wasn’t sure. “Is there?”

“I don't know! Ugh. I wish I could read minds. This would be so much easier,” Iris said, pausing as a thought struck her. “Wait, Mocha, do you think there are mind mages? Shit, do we need to do something to protect our minds?”

Mocha turned her head and gave her a look. “You’re so dumb,” She neighed.

“I know…” Iris sighed, falling back on Mocha, making the horse grunt. “I guess I’ll find out tonight. Hopefully.”

Mocha neighed, “Good, now get off me.”

“Fiiiine,” Iris said, standing up and brushing off all of the straw that stuck to her. “Thanks for the chat, Mocha. Love ya.”

The horse stood up and gave her a look before nudging her chest. “Love you too. Now get outta here. It's too early for this shit,” Mocha snorted.

Iris smiled, feeling better, and made her way out of the stables.

✦ ✦ ✦

As the morning sun streamed through the windows of the inn's common area, the smell of fresh bread and sizzling bacon filled the air. The room was already bustling with activity as travelers and locals alike sat down to enjoy their breakfast. Iris sat at a small table in the corner, tapping her foot nervously as she scanned the room for any sign of Kaira. She had arrived early, hoping to calm her nerves before Kaira arrived. Despite her efforts, her heart was still racing with anticipation.

Finally, she spotted a familiar figure making her way toward her table. It was Kaira, wearing her usual armor of the city guard but with her helmet tucked under her arm. Iris couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest as Kaira approached her. She stood up, smiling warmly at the elf.

The two greeted each other with a hug and the women sat down together. Iris smiled and waved at the barmaid that was working, quickly requesting some tea and the breakfast she smelled cooking.

She focused on the cute elf across from her. “So, busy day today,” she said nonchalantly.

Kaira chuckled. “Just a bit. I have to perform a garrison inspection, but I will be done by the midday bell. Then I have a couple of surprises lined up.”

Iris raised a brow. “Oh? What do you have?”

“So, a friend recommended a stylist who would love to work on your hair today for the ball. Then we have to get your dress, which I am thrilled about, by the way.”

“What about you? What are you wearing?” Iris asked, still curious about what the woman was hiding.

Kaira smirked. “Oh, it’s a surprise. I think you’ll like it.”

Iris rolled her eyes. “You’ve got me figured out, yeah?”

“I think I do. And speaking of surprises, I think I have something that will fit the occasion perfectly.” Kaira reached into her satchel and pulled out a small, velvet box. “It’s not much, but I wanted to give you something for the ball.”

Iris’s eyes widened as she took the box from Kaira’s hand. She opened it to reveal a pair of midnight blue earrings that matched the requested color of her dress. The silver settings were adorned with tiny star-shaped diamonds that caught the light and sparkled like the night sky.

“Oh my gods, Kaira. They’re beautiful,” Iris gasped, holding them up to admire them closer.

“I’m glad you like them,” Kaira said, smiling softly. “I thought they would look stunning with your dress.”

Iris nodded, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes. “Thank you so much. I can’t wait to wear them tonight,” she said before carefully returning them to the box.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Kaira leaned across the table and took Iris’s hand. “I know… I know we may be moving fast, but I feel a connection with you. There’s something about this, and I think you feel it too. I want to see where it leads.”

Iris squeezed Kaira’s hand, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “Thank you, Kaira. I don’t know what to say.”

The elf smiled. “Let’s just enjoy each other’s company, and maybe… we’ll see what tonight brings.”

Iris nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. They fell into a comfortable silence as they ate their breakfast, the anticipation of the ball and the night ahead hanging in the air.

While they sat there, drinking and eating, an older woman entered the common area and approached the bar. Despite her disheveled appearance, the woman carried herself with a certain elegance that caught Iris's attention. The telv ordered a drink with a calm voice and the bartender quickly poured her a shot, sliding the glass to her along the counter. The woman caught it and downed the brown liquor in a single motion, her movements smooth and practiced. Iris couldn’t help but stare as her curiosity won over.

“What are you looking at?” Kaira asked in between bites of her eggs.

Iris gestured toward the woman with her head. “That woman over there.”

Kaira turned, a bit too obvious, and the woman saw them staring. Her eyes widened with recognition and she immediately stood and walked toward them.

Iris cursed.

Kaira wiped off her mouth and stood up, a polite smile on her face. “Can we help you with something, ma’am?”

Oh, nice customer voice.

The woman gave a small nod. “I couldn’t help but notice you, guardswoman. I have been trying to get help with my problem for days and none of the garrisons will take me seriously.”

"I'm Captain Harken. What issues are you having?" Kaira asked with authority.

“There’s a monster in my basement, and the guard won’t help!” the woman said, with clenched fists “It’s a rat, but it’s the size of a dog! It’s been gnawing on my food stores and I can hear it scurrying around all night. I can’t sleep, I can’t eat. I’m at my wit’s end.”

Iris could hear snickers from a nearby table and she gave the men there a silencing scowl.

The woman continued explaining her situation, describing when the monster rat had taken up residence in her basement and how it had been terrorizing her for days.

Kaira listened intently, her expression turning serious. “Are you sure it’s a rat?”

The woman threw her hands up. “I knew it! The guard doesn’t care!”

Iris stood up from the table and spoke up, “I can take care of it for you. It shouldn't be a problem.”

The woman turned to Iris, looking her up and down. “And who are you?”

I wish I was in my armor. Probably would have been taken more seriously.

“I’m Iris. I’m an adventurer, and I can handle it,” she said confidently.

The woman’s focus darted between Kaira and Iris for a moment but then nodded. “Alright. Since the guard doesn’t care, if you can take care of it, I’ll pay you well.”

Iris grinned. “Consider it done,” she said. “I don't mind getting my hands dirty.”

Kaira raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

Iris nodded. “Yeah, it's just an easy side quest. And you have that inspection to do, remember? I'll meet up with you later.”

Kaira gave her a bemused smirk. “A side quest? I guess I owe you one.”

Iris dismissed the woman's gratitude with a casual wave of her hand. “I'll only accept payment in the form of a date,” she said with a sly grin, her eyes meeting Kaira's.

The elf was taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise. “That was certainly… forward of you. But I accept,” she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

The older woman scowled at the exchange. “If you two would kindly schedule your courtship for another time,” she snapped, her impatience palpable.

Iris winced at the woman's tone and turned to her. “I need to retrieve my gear. I'll be outside in ten minutes,” she announced, her tone firm.

The woman gave a curt nod and marched away. Iris then turned to Kaira with a bright smile. “I'll be quick and see you back here! I can't wait for tonight!” she said eagerly.

Kaira chuckled softly. “I feel the same way,” she replied, her eyes shining with anticipation.

✦ ✦ ✦

Fully armored and equipped, Iris made her way to the front of the inn, with Mocha by her side. The woman eyed Mocha with suspicion. “Why did you bring a horse?” she demanded.

Iris patiently explained, “I wasn't sure how far your home would be, and I need to return quickly after we're done.”

The woman huffed. “Fine. Your horse better not make a mess in my garden.”

Mocha snorted indignantly, “You'll be lucky if that's all I do, you dusty old–”

“Mocha! Don’t be rude.” Iris interrupted, scolding her horse.

Mocha looked away, her ears flicking grumpily.

The woman scowled, and Iris sighed.

“Please, lead the way,” Iris asked politely.

The woman turned and stomped off, and Iris followed with a roll of her eyes. She couldn't help but think that for someone in need of help, the woman was being quite difficult. Although, if I hadn’t slept in days and the Guard had ignored my pleas…

Nope, still a jerk.

Iris exchanged a knowing look with Mocha, who seemed to share her thoughts. Although, she suspected the horse would use more choice language.

Iris followed the woman through the winding streets of Brightburn, the early morning sun casting long shadows across their path. The city was slowly coming to life, with merchants and vendors setting up their stalls and carts along the sidewalks. The air was filled with the smells of the city, mingling with the faint scent of damp earth from the nearby river.

As they arrived at the woman's home, Iris took a moment to survey the decently built, two-story house that sat on the incline of a hill in the city. The house seemed to have weathered the years well, with a warm shade of terra cotta painted stone, and white accents along the windows and eaves.

How the hell did a dog-sized rat get in here?

The woman glanced at Mocha and scowled. “Remember, your horse should behave.”

Iris looked over the supposed garden in front of the house, a single patch of bushes that looked unkempt and on the verge of dying.

This woman…

“Wish me luck, Mocha.”

Her horse neighed.

“For dealing with the rat, not the woman…” Iris mumbled under her breath.

Iris followed the woman through the main floor of the house and to the top of a narrow staircase that led to the basement. As they descended, the air grew cooler and damper. They finally reached a small landing at the bottom of the stairs, and the woman pointed to a door at the end of a hallway.

“The monster is through there,” the woman said with a shudder.

Iris approached the door and inspected it, seeing an occupied keyhole. “Locked, huh?” she said, testing the knob.

“Yes, I locked it tight. I didn't want it to come up and attack me,” the woman said.

Iris nodded and drew her sword. “Alright, stand back,” she said, and the woman quickly scurried up the stairs. Iris took a deep breath and swung the door open.

The room beyond was dark and musty, and Iris could hear the scurrying of something moving. She stepped inside and held her sword aloft, ready to strike at any moment. She heard the woman's voice from the top of the stairs.

“Be careful!”

Iris crept through the dimly lit basement, her senses on high alert as she scanned the murky corners of the room for any sign of the monster. Her heart thudded in her chest, her grip tightening on her sword's hilt as she approached what appeared to be the source of a faint scratching sound.

Suddenly, there was movement to her left, and without hesitation, she [Focused] and channeled her [Mana Sight].

Before her stood a rat the size of a wolf, its matted fur bristling with a shimmering of deep red mana. Its eyes glowed red as it stared her down, filled with an aching hunger.

She cast her [Storm Armor], the lightning cracking against the basement’s stone floor. Iris lifted her hand and cast a [Spark], letting the crackling orb of electricity hover above her hand. Her eyes narrowed, but then she heard a low growl coming from behind her. She turned to see another pair of red eyes staring at her from the darkness, followed by a third.

Then all as one, they let out a blood-curdling screech.