Nyx stared at the elf hanging upside down, their long silver-blonde hair swaying slightly in the breeze.

How did they even end up like this?

She tilted her head, assessing the situation. The elf was suspended from a thick rope, tied expertly around both ankles, swinging slightly from the weight of their struggle. Judging by the broken branches above, they had probably triggered a snare trap meant for something else entirely.

Without overthinking it, Nyx pulled out one of her daggers and made a clean, precise cut through the rope. The tension snapped, and the elf dropped.

What she hadn’t accounted for, however, was their weight.

As soon as they fell, their body slammed against her. Nyx, who was much smaller, barely had time to react before they both crashed onto the forest floor in an ungraceful heap.

A muffled groan. A sharp inhale.

“Ow,” the elf muttered.

Nyx exhaled slowly, pushing herself up on her elbows. “You okay?”

The elf sat up, rubbing their back with a wince. “Yeah. Thanks for cutting me down.”

“No problem,” Nyx replied, dusting herself off as she stood.

She adjusted her cloak, shifting the fabric around her shoulders. This entire situation was ridiculous, but she had no interest in sticking around longer than necessary. She turned, ready to leave.

“Well,” she said, “try not to get caught in another rope.”

She had barely taken two steps when the elf’s voice called out to her again.

“Wait! I want to properly thank you.”

Nyx barely glanced over her shoulder. “You already did.”

“I mean—can I do something for you?”

“I don’t need anything.”

The elf trailed after her anyway, quickening their steps to match her pace. Nyx sighed internally. She wasn’t in the mood for conversation. After completing her quest, all she wanted was to turn in the stones, eat, and rest.

She was about to come up with an excuse to leave when—

Her stomach let out an embarrassing growl.

The elf perked up, a grin spreading across their face. “Sounds like you do.”

Nyx exhaled sharply.

“Let me buy you breakfast,” they said cheerfully. “It’s the least I can do.”

Nyx eyed them for a long moment. Their smile was annoyingly bright, like they had already decided for her.

“…Fine.”

The elf beamed.

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Nyx was already regretting this.

With the elf trailing behind her, Nyx made her way toward the Hunter’s Guild to turn in the stones.

Neither of them spoke.

The guild hall was bustling with activity—hunters gathered around, some seated at tables discussing past raids, while others checked the large quest board near the entrance. The clatter of armor, weapons being sharpened, and the scent of burning wax and parchment filled the air.

But as soon as Nyx stepped inside, the energy shifted.

Eyes turned. Whispers spread.

No one expected her back so soon.

A few scoffed under their breath, clearly amused by the sight of a small girl returning from a job they assumed she had failed.

Nyx ignored them. She walked straight up to the counter, unbothered, and set down the pouch filled to the brim with magic stones.

“These are from the ones I killed,” she said evenly.

Silence.

The receptionist, a tall elf woman with sharp lavender eyes, hesitated before taking the pouch. Her gaze flicked between Nyx and the heavy bag of proof. Carefully, she poured out the contents onto the counter and began counting.

The murmurs in the background grew.

“There’s no way—”

“Did she really take them all out by herself?”

“Impossible. She must’ve had help.”

“Are you sure you’re still an F-rank?” the receptionist asked, her brow furrowing.

“Yes,” Nyx answered without hesitation.

The elf behind her, still quietly observing, stifled a chuckle.

The receptionist finished tallying up the stones and slid a small pouch of coins across the counter. Nyx took it without another word.

Behind her, the other hunters weren’t even trying to hide their disbelief. Some called it insane. Others refused to believe it.

None of it mattered to her.

She turned and left the guild, the elf following close behind.

“Well, that was something,” they mused. “But now that it’s over, let’s get something to eat, Miss Hunter.”

Nyx sighed and let them lead the way.

They stopped in front of a restaurant.

Nyx eyed the elegant, well-kept building, its polished wooden doors gleaming under the lantern light. It looked… too good to be true.

A restaurant like this wasn’t where she usually ate. The places she went to were more low-profile, places where no one would question her presence. This, however, was something else entirely.

Despite her hesitation, she followed the elf inside.

The moment they stepped in, they were greeted by the warm glow of lanterns and the inviting aroma of freshly baked bread, roasted meats, and fragrant spices. The establishment was far quieter than the rowdy tavern she had been in before. Conversations were hushed, the clinking of silverware against plates a soft backdrop to the atmosphere.

A hostess approached them, offering a polite smile before leading them to a table near the window.

As soon as they settled, menus were placed in front of them.

Nyx skimmed over the options but paused, glancing up at the elf across from her.

“Are you sure this place is okay?” she asked. “We can go somewhere less expensive if you want.”

The elf chuckled, setting their menu down with a shake of their head. “It’s fine. What better way to repay the person who saved my life?”

Nyx wasn’t entirely convinced, but if they insisted, she wouldn’t argue.

“Alright,” she said, shifting her attention back to the menu.

After a beat of silence, the elf spoke again.

“You know, we never properly introduced ourselves.”

Nyx looked up.

“My name is Lorienna,” the elf said, offering a small smile. “And you?”

“…Nyx.”

Lorienna’s smile widened. “Well then, Nyx, let’s eat.”

Their food arrived not long after.

Nyx wasted no time digging in, savoring the warmth of the meal. The fresh bread was soft, the roasted meat perfectly seasoned, and the vegetables surprisingly sweet. She had been too hungry to care about appearances, but she noticed Lorienna eating far more slowly, studying her with quiet curiosity.

After a few moments, Lorienna leaned back in their seat, tilting their head slightly.

“You’re an interesting one,” they mused.

Nyx raised a brow. “How so?”

“Well, for starters, you’re young. Too young to be handling guild work alone.”

“I manage,” Nyx replied simply.

Lorienna hummed. “That’s an understatement.”

Nyx didn’t respond. She wasn’t interested in explaining herself to a stranger.

After a long pause, Lorienna set their utensils down. “Alright, since you saved my life, let’s make this fair—I owe you one. If you ever need help in this city, come find me.”

Nyx frowned slightly. “Why?”

“Because that’s how debts work,” Lorienna said, grinning. “I don’t like owing people.”

Nyx studied them for a moment before nodding.

“Fine.”

Lorienna’s grin widened.

As they finished their meal, Nyx silently wondered if meeting them was just coincidence…

Or if it meant something more.