Paola groaned as they rounded yet another corner, finding themselves in another unfamiliar alleyway lined with quaint stone buildings, vibrant flower boxes hanging from windowsills. Windmere's concentric layout, while picturesque, was proving to be a labyrinth.

"Okay, seriously, does everything here have to spiral? It's like the city itself is trying to confuse us," Paola muttered, her tail flicking with irritation. She walked barefoot through the cobbled streets, the smooth, worn stones cool beneath her feet, which did little to soften her mood.

Ayla, walking beside her, chuckled, the two braids framing her face swaying slightly as she turned to Paola. "You’re right. It’s beautiful, but... a little overdone with the ‘spiral’ thing, isn’t it?" Ayla’s voice was thoughtful, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

"Right? And don’t even get me started on how many places are called 'Forge' around here," Paola continued, shaking her head. "Why is everything either a Forge or a Spire? Arcane Forge, Windspire… it’s like they ran out of names."

Ayla nodded, casting a glance over her shoulder at Poca, who was a few steps behind them, eyes wide with curiosity as she took in the sights around her. Despite getting them turned around for what felt like the tenth time, Poca was smiling brightly, clearly more absorbed in the new sights than in the fact they were lost. Her light blue skin seemed to glow in the afternoon sun, her wavy black hair shifting slightly in the gentle breeze, hints of deep navy in her locks catching the light.

"Hey, Poca," Paola called back, amused by her friend’s obliviousness, "are you even paying attention to where we’re going, or are you just sightseeing?"

Poca blinked, snapping out of her reverie and flashing a sheepish grin. “Non, non, I am focused! I remember zis city, but...” she twirled around, pointing to a street that seemed vaguely familiar. “It all looks ze same after a while, no?”

Paola shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. It was hard to stay annoyed with Poca, especially with her infectious enthusiasm. "Yeah, I’m starting to think you were born with no sense of direction."

“Ah, mon chaton, you wound me!” Poca placed a hand over her chest dramatically, her stitched smile seemingly wider. "But look at it zis way—we are exploring, no?" She spun in a little circle, the hem of her burlap dress twirling with her.

Ayla laughed softly, the sound light and warm. "It’s not so bad. At least the city’s beautiful." Paola glanced at her, noticing again how much more composed and, well, noble Ayla seemed within the city walls. Despite her usual relaxed demeanor, there was something about Ayla’s posture and presence that shifted in urban settings. She carried herself with the grace and poise of someone who had grown up in high society.

Paola caught her gaze and raised an eyebrow. "You seem a bit more... at ease here. Like this is your element."

Ayla smiled softly, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. “I grew up in cities like this. Valarian was more... chaotic, but still. Being in a city feels more familiar than being on the road. There’s a rhythm here I know.”

Paola nodded, sensing the change in Ayla. She had always admired the warrior’s ability to adapt so easily between life on the road and life within the walls. "It suits you."

They rounded another corner, and finally, the grand towers of the Arcane Forge loomed ahead, their polished stone reflecting the late afternoon sun. The intricate details on the buildings—magical symbols etched into the stone, banners of the guild fluttering in the breeze—gave the area a powerful, almost ancient feel. The Arcane Forge itself was a stunning example of Windmere’s architecture, its towers spiraling upwards like fingers reaching for the sky.

Poca stopped, her green and purple eyes wide with awe as she took in the sight. “Zere it is!” she exclaimed, pointing dramatically.

Paola sighed, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. "Finally."

As they approached the entrance, a tall figure stepped out from one of the side doors, his dark skin rich and warm against the autumn-hued robes he wore. The man’s hair was pulled up into dreadlocks adorned with golden rings that gleamed in the fading sunlight. He wore a necklace of intricately beaded stones, each one shimmering faintly with a hint of magic. His robes were tied at the waist with a belt of woven leather, and his pants—harakam style—were loose but tailored, with embroidered designs along the cuffs.

He looked over the group with a calm, assessing gaze, though his eyes lingered on Poca for a moment longer than the others.

“Can I help you?” His voice had the smooth, coastal lilt that most Windmere residents shared, but there was a warmth to it, a friendliness that put them at ease.

Paola stepped forward, glancing between Ayla and Poca before addressing him. "We’re here to meet Master Cainen Draslyn."

The man tilted his head slightly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Ah, you must be the ones Yasmin mentioned. I’m Adrian England, Jade Tier magist. Master Draslyn is currently in a meeting, but I’ll be happy to show you around while you wait.”

Poca’s eyes lit up. “Oh, zat would be wonderful! I ‘ave been here once before, but I did not get to explore.” Her curiosity was palpable, and Paola couldn’t help but smile at how easily Poca’s enthusiasm won people over.

Adrian’s smile widened. “I’d be glad to give you a tour. Just the public areas, of course. The Eternal Flame is a bit out of the way at the moment, but there’s plenty to see.”

As they began walking, Adrian glanced at Poca again, clearly intrigued. “You have an interesting energy about you,” he remarked casually. "Are you a mage?"

Poca chuckled, her laugh light. “Non, non. I am just... curious! I cannot resist new places.”

Paola and Ayla exchanged amused glances as they followed behind, listening to the playful banter between Poca and Adrian. The Arcane Forge’s grounds were vast, with gardens of magical plants and small training yards where younger magists practiced their spells under the watchful eye of mentors.

As they walked, Paola asked, “So, you’re a Jade Tier magist. What’s your affinity?”

Adrian smiled, his pride evident. “I’m a geomancer, primarily. I’ve spent years mastering earth magic, and I’m currently working on gaining an affinity for fire. Once I can fuse the two, I’ll hopefully move into the Obsidian Tier with a lava affinity.”

Ayla, ever the strategist, looked intrigued. “That sounds like a dangerous combination.”

Adrian chuckled. “It can be. Controlling lava requires not only precision but a lot of mana control. It’s easy to burn out, no pun intended.”

Poca’s eyes sparkled with interest. “You must ‘ave incredible power! Zis guild... it is full of dangerous magists, no?”

Adrian nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, though the danger comes with responsibility. We’re trained to control our power, not just unleash it. Yasmin, though...” He trailed off, shaking his head with a fond smile. “Well, she’s an exception to that rule.”

Paola laughed. “Yeah, we’ve noticed. She’s a bit... much.”

Poca, surprising no one, grinned. “I like her! At first, oui, she was a bit overwhelming, but now zat I know her a little better, I find her lively attitude refreshing!”

Paola shot Poca a look. “Of course, you do.”

Ayla, looking around the grounds, asked, “And Yasmin? Is she here today?”

Adrian shook his head. “Not at the moment. She’s tending to a matter outside the city. She should be back by evening, though.”

As they walked through the various courtyards and gardens, Adrian pointed out various magists in training, explaining some of the exercises they were doing. “Right now, most of the trainees are working on refining elemental control. It’s not just about casting a fireball or creating a shield; it’s about knowing when and how to use your magic efficiently.”

Poca looked fascinated, her gaze darting from one training group to the next. “And zis Yasmin... she is the master of explosions, no?”

Adrian chuckled. “That’s one way to put it. Her explosive magic is... something to behold. She’s one of the most powerful AoE magists we have, but controlling the scale of her power has always been a challenge.”

Paola, still trying to wrap her head around the idea of magic in combat, asked, “So, do you use your magic in the same way? Like, in battle?”

Adrian nodded. “Yes, though every magist has their own style. For me, it’s about using the terrain to my advantage. Earth magic allows me to create walls, barriers, or even open the ground beneath an enemy’s feet. When combined with fire, the destructive potential increases significantly.”

Paola whistled, impressed despite herself. “That sounds intense.”

“It is,” Adrian replied, his tone more serious now. “But the key is control. Without that, the power is useless—or worse, dangerous to everyone around you.”

As they continued their tour, Adrian’s easygoing nature made the conversation flow effortlessly, and Paola found herself genuinely enjoying the experience. The Arcane Forge was as grand and intimidating as she had imagined, but the people—especially Adrian—were far more welcoming than she’d expected.

Finally, they reached the entrance to one of the larger buildings, where Adrian paused. “This is where Master Draslyn will meet with you. He should be finishing up shortly.”

Paola glanced up at the imposing structure, nerves bubbling slightly in her stomach. Meeting with a high-ranking magist wasn’t exactly something she was looking forward to, but at least they had a guide who was friendly.

Adrian smiled warmly at the group. “It’s been a pleasure showing you around. Hopefully, you’ll have a chance to meet Yasmin again soon.”

Paola groaned inwardly, already anticipating the chaos Yasmin’s return would bring. "Oh, I'm sure we'll see her again soon enough..."

Adrian led them through the grand entrance of the Arcane Forge, his hand sweeping out to indicate the wide-open room they stepped into. The air inside felt cooler, the stone walls lined with intricately woven mosaics depicting historical battles fought by magists, their spells captured in threads of gold and silver. The ceiling stretched high above, supported by columns that seemed to spiral upwards, mimicking the city’s famed concentric design. In the center of the room stood a round table made from dark, polished wood, its surface etched with arcane runes that glowed faintly.

The room was empty, except for the four of them. Adrian, still speaking in his easy, casual tone, glanced over at Ayla as they settled into the space. “So,” he began, his eyes flicking to the Obsidian Tier stone embedded in her Dragon Guard armor, “you’re not just a warrior, are you?”

Ayla, who had been surveying the room with her usual calm composure, raised an eyebrow and looked at him, intrigued by the shift in his tone. "I’m a Sword Maiden under Lady Marcelline Velcrest of Valarian," she said, her voice steady and proud. The name clearly caught Adrian’s attention. His eyebrows shot up in recognition, and he exaggeratedly bent into a mock bow.

“Lady Velcrest? Well, now I’m really impressed,” he teased, straightening with a smile. "It’s an honor to have a Sword Maiden in our humble guild. What’s that like, being under someone like her?"

Ayla smiled at his playful gesture but kept her composure. "It’s an honor," she said simply, ever loyal to her title. "She’s... taught me much."

Adrian’s eyes gleamed with curiosity, but his next question was more probing. “And what about your affinities? Do you practice magic?”

Ayla hesitated, her gaze flicking briefly to Paola. The unspoken rule about unregistered magic users in Udanara loomed between them. Practicing magic without proper guild or government registration was not only frowned upon—it was illegal. Paola knew that hesitation all too well.

Adrian, ever the smooth talker, noticed Ayla’s wariness and raised his hands in a gesture of reassurance. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m not going to tell anyone. Just... something I’d like to know, if you’re willing to share. I have a feeling you’re not just a Sword Maiden with no magical prowess.”

Ayla studied him for a moment before slowly nodding. “I do have affinities,” she said cautiously. “Fire and ice.”

Adrian’s expression brightened, a slow smile spreading across his face as if he had just uncovered a treasure. “Fire and ice,” he repeated, clearly fascinated. “That’s... quite rare. A natural dual affinity?”

Ayla nodded, though she was clearly unsure of the significance. “Yes, natural.”

“Rare indeed,” Adrian mused, his tone almost reverent. “And not just rare—those are opposing affinities. Fire and ice, two elements that are traditionally difficult to control together. I’d wager that’s caused some... interesting results in your training.”

Ayla’s brow furrowed slightly. Paola could see her friend was putting up a front, trying to maintain her confident demeanor, but there was an unfamiliar uncertainty in Ayla’s eyes. She wasn’t used to being probed like this, especially not about something as intricate as her magic.

"Right," Ayla said, her tone clipped, as if trying to brush off the comment. "It’s... different."

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Adrian caught it too. His smile widened, and there was a glint in his eye that made Paola think of a predator that had just found its prey. He wasn’t being malicious, but he was certainly intrigued, maybe even a little too much. He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a softer, more persuasive tone. “You know, I’ve met plenty of warriors who thought they knew their magic, who thought just using it in combat was enough. But you... you strike me as someone who could go further.”

Ayla’s posture stiffened, her eyes narrowing slightly. “What do you mean?”

Adrian shrugged, though his gaze remained sharp. “Using fire and ice in battle is one thing. But mastering those elements? Understanding the intricacies of how they work together, or against each other? That’s another level entirely. It’s more than just throwing fireballs or freezing your enemies—it’s about control. Theory.”

Paola watched as Ayla’s defenses wavered. She had never seen her like this—so guarded, yet curious. Usually, Ayla was composed, even in the heat of battle, but something about Adrian’s probing seemed to unnerve her.

“I know how to use my abilities,” Ayla said firmly, though Paola could sense the uncertainty beneath her words.

Adrian grinned, a wicked, almost mischievous glint in his eye. “I don’t doubt that. But what about the deeper theory? The magical foundations of Udanara’s elements?”

Ayla’s silence was answer enough.

“Thought so,” Adrian said, his voice light but carrying a weight of understanding. “That’s not uncommon. A lot of talented magists, especially those with dual affinities like yours, are never really taught the ‘why’ behind their magic. They’re just told to use it, to harness it. But there’s so much more. You see, understanding the theory could unlock potential you didn’t even know you had.”

Paola couldn’t help but smirk, watching Ayla’s discomfort grow. She wasn’t used to being the one caught off guard. Usually, Ayla was the one with all the answers, the calm voice of reason, the one who kept everything together. But now? She was like a fish out of water, struggling to keep her footing.

“So... what are you suggesting?” Ayla asked, her voice quieter now, clearly intrigued despite herself.

Adrian leaned back, his arms crossing as he watched her with an amused smile. “I’m suggesting that you could benefit from some time here at the Arcane Forge. Not saying you need to join or anything, but a few lessons in magical theory? Might give you that edge you’re looking for.”

Ayla scoffed, though it was more to cover her uncertainty than anything else. “I’ve done just fine without it.”

“Sure,” Adrian said easily, “but think of how much better you could be with it. It’s not just about raw power, Ayla—it’s about understanding how to wield it to its full potential. And with dual affinities like yours? You’re sitting on something incredible.”

Paola, watching the exchange, couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Seeing Ayla put in the hot seat like this was a rare sight, and even though she felt a bit protective of her friend, it was also... amusing.

Ayla shot her a look, catching the grin on Paola’s face. “Something funny?”

Paola raised her hands in mock surrender. “Not at all. Just... enjoying the show.”

Ayla rolled her eyes, though Paola could see the flicker of amusement in them. Still, the way Adrian had expertly drawn her into this conversation was something Paola hadn’t expected. He was good—too good.

“I’ll... think about it,” Ayla said finally, her tone measured but thoughtful. Her eyes flickered with an odd mix of curiosity and caution, and Paola could tell that Adrian had piqued something in her that she wasn’t quite ready to admit yet.

Paola took a moment to really look at Adrian as he smiled, satisfied with Ayla’s response. His skin was a rich, deep brown, glowing faintly in the soft light of the chamber. His hair was tied back into neat dreadlocks, gold and orange-colored rings braided into them, which caught the light and shimmered with each movement. His robes, the color of autumn leaves—deep oranges, reds, and browns—draped gracefully over his lean frame, and his light brown eyes held a sharpness that spoke of his deep understanding of the arcane arts. Around his neck hung a necklace of intricately carved wooden beads, each one etched with tiny runes, perhaps wards or magical symbols.

There was something about him that screamed mastery, even if he carried himself with the air of someone who preferred to keep things casual. Paola could see it in the way he moved, the way he spoke. He was skilled, deeply knowledgeable, and he enjoyed toying with people’s thoughts just enough to see if they could keep up. And right now, Ayla was his current puzzle.

“You know,” Adrian began, stepping casually toward one of the chairs in the room and sitting down, clearly at ease in the Arcane Forge, “a lot of people don’t realize how much magic is tied to who we are as people. Take you, for example, Ayla. Fire and ice, opposing forces, both natural affinities for you. That’s not something you see every day.”

Ayla shifted slightly, clearly unsure where this was going. “Yeah... I’ve heard it’s rare.”

“Rare?” Adrian grinned, leaning forward. “It’s more than rare. It’s extraordinary. But the thing is, those affinities aren’t just about casting spells. They’re reflections of you, of your life, your experiences, your emotions. They shape how you see the world, how you interact with it.”

Paola raised an eyebrow. “How do you mean?”

Adrian’s eyes flicked to her, pleased to draw her into the conversation. “Let’s say Ayla was a different person. Someone calmer, maybe more even-tempered. I’d bet that her fire affinity wouldn’t be as strong as it is now. But because of her life experiences, her emotions, her fire is potent. Fire responds to passion, to anger, to determination. It’s tied to her spirit.”

Poca, who had been quietly observing up until now, sidled up next to Paola and gently slipped her hand into hers, their fingers intertwining. Paola smiled softly at the warmth of her touch, grateful for the comfort of the gesture.

Poca grinned and leaned close, whispering, “Seems Ayla’s in fer a lecture on magic she didn’t ask for.”

Paola chuckled under her breath. “Yeah, I can’t wait to see how long she’ll tolerate it before her eyes glaze over.”

They shared a quiet laugh as Adrian continued, seemingly oblivious to their teasing.

“And ice,” Adrian continued, turning his attention fully to Ayla. “Ice is all about control. Restraint. It’s the counterbalance to fire’s chaos. Together, they’re like a storm and the calm that follows. But... if you don’t fully understand how they work together, how they interact, you’ll never reach your full potential.”

Ayla narrowed her eyes slightly. “I know how to use them. I’ve been in enough battles to know how they work.”

Adrian smiled again, but this time it was more of a teacher’s smile—kind, but knowing. “Using them in battle is one thing. But you can use them without truly understanding the theory behind it. That’s what separates a good magist from a great one.”

Ayla, never one to back down from a challenge, crossed her arms. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Adrian leaned back, clearly enjoying this. “Have you ever heard of the Tree of Life theory?”

Ayla blinked, clearly caught off guard. “The... what?”

Paola snickered quietly, whispering to Poca, “Oh boy, here we go.”

Poca’s smile grew wider as she watched the scene unfold, but her hand gently squeezed Paola’s as if grounding herself in the moment.

Adrian, ignoring Paola and Poca’s hushed commentary, launched into an explanation. “Every person in Udanara has what we call a Tree of Life, as you know. It’s this... mystical representation of who you are. It grows as you grow, and it’s directly tied to your magical potential. Your affinities, your abilities—they’re all branches of your Tree.”

Ayla looked at him skeptically. “So, you’re saying I have a magic branches I don't know about connected to the Tree of Life?”

Adrian chuckled. “Not literally. But I'm using metaphor for how this magic works. As you experience more, as you train and grow, your Tree of Life expands, forming new branches. These branches represent new affinities, new abilities, even combinations of magic that are unique to you. All just like the Tree of Life within the Grove."

Paola, now more intrigued, leaned in a little. “So, that’s why no two people’s magic looks the same?”

“Exactly,” Adrian nodded. “You might have two people with the same fire affinity, but their flames will behave differently depending on their Tree of Life. One person’s fire might be wild and destructive, while another’s might be controlled and precise. It’s all tied to who they are as individuals.”

Ayla, still skeptical, glanced at Paola and Poca, then back at Adrian. “Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I know how to use my fire and ice. I don’t need ‘magic branches’ to tell me that.”

Adrian’s grin widened, sensing the challenge. “Sure, you know how to use them in combat. But what if I told you that your fire and ice could be combined? That you could create something entirely new?”

Ayla frowned. “Combine them? They’re opposites.”

“Exactly,” Adrian said, his eyes lighting up. “That’s what makes it so powerful. Opposing affinities are incredibly rare, and the magic that comes from combining them is even rarer. But it’s possible. If you understand the theory behind it, you could unlock something no one else has. You could create a whole new form of magic.”

Paola couldn’t help but smirk. “I think you’re losing her, Adrian.”

Ayla shot her a look, clearly torn between wanting to dismiss Adrian’s claims and being intrigued by the possibilities he was presenting.

Adrian, undeterred, pressed on. “Think about it. Fire and ice, working together in harmony. It’s not about canceling each other out—it’s about finding the balance. The key to mastering dual affinities is understanding how they interact, how they feed off each other. You could create magic that’s more powerful than either fire or ice alone.”

Ayla stared at him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Paola knew that look—it was the look Ayla got when she was deep in thought, weighing her options.

Poca leaned closer to Paola, her voice soft but amused. “I think she’s actually considering it.”

Paola grinned, squeezing Poca’s hand. “I never thought I’d see the day Ayla would be so interested in magical theory.”

As they watched Ayla and Adrian continue their conversation, Paola felt a sense of warmth and comfort wash over her. Despite the winding streets and occasional frustrations of the city, there was something about this moment that felt right. The three of them—Paola, Ayla, and Poca—were a team, navigating this world together. And even though they came from different backgrounds and had different skills, they complemented each other in ways that made their bond unbreakable.

Paola’s thoughts were interrupted as Poca let out a quiet laugh. “You know, zis is nice. Watchin’ Ayla actually engage in a conversation like zis. Who would’ve thought?”

Paola chuckled, her eyes drifting back to Ayla. “Yeah, it’s rare. But I think Adrian’s onto something. He’s got her thinking about her magic in a whole new way.”

Poca nodded, her gaze softening as she watched Ayla. “She’s strong, no doubt. But maybe... zis could help her become even stronger.”

They fell into a comfortable silence, their hands still intertwined, as Adrian continued to explain the intricacies of magical theory to Ayla. He spoke about the Tree of Life, about how affinities could be combined to create powerful new forms of magic. He talked about the different tiers of magic, from Quartz to Obsidian and beyond, and how each tier represented a deeper level of mastery.

Ayla, for all her skepticism, was clearly absorbing the information. She asked questions, some hesitant, some direct, but each one showed that she was seriously considering what Adrian was saying.

Paola couldn’t help but admire her. Ayla had always been strong, always been the rock in their group. But seeing her open up to new ideas, seeing her willing to learn and grow—it made Paola realize just how much potential Ayla had. She wasn’t just a warrior; she was someone who could truly master the power within her.

As the conversation continued, Paola felt a gentle nudge from Poca. “Looks like our little fire and ice is gettin’ a bit of an education, non?”

Paola laughed softly. “Yeah, who would’ve thought she’d be the one talking about magical theory?”

Poca grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I zink it’s good for ‘er. And who knows? Maybe we’ll see Ayla throwin’ around some new spells in no time.”

Paola’s gaze drifted between Poca and Ayla, her heart swelling with a quiet contentment she hadn't expected to feel. These two women had somehow started to capture her heart, in different ways but equally powerful. Poca, with her endless optimism, had a way of softening the edges of Paola’s hardened soul, while Ayla’s fierce loyalty and strength were a constant source of stability. Together, they made her feel safe in a way she hadn't experienced since coming to Udanara.

She glanced at Ayla again, watching her intently as she stood there, deep in conversation with Adrian about magic theory. It was strange—Ayla had been so adamant about magic being a free and natural thing, not something to be governed by guilds or rules. And yet here she was, almost looking half convinced to join the Arcane Forge right then and there. Paola couldn’t help but smirk at the sight of Ayla’s shifting expression, as if she were mentally wrestling with everything she’d believed in up to this point.

And just when it seemed Ayla might dive deeper into the conversation with Adrian, the door to the chamber opened with a slow creak. Paola’s breath caught in her throat as Master Cainen Draslyn entered the room.

Draslyn was a towering figure, easily over six feet tall, with a broad, muscular frame that seemed both imposing and graceful. His robes, dark burgundy with silver embroidery that shimmered faintly with magical energy, flowed behind him as he moved. He carried himself with the confidence of a man who knew his power and wielded it with ease. His dark hair, streaked with silver, was cropped close on the sides and styled slightly longer on top, giving him a distinguished, almost regal appearance. In his hand, a lit cigar sent a trail of smoke curling lazily into the air.

But it was his eyes that truly commanded the room. Dark, nearly black, they gleamed with an intensity that made it clear he was constantly assessing, weighing, and calculating. Paola felt as though he was looking right through her, evaluating her worth in an instant.

"Ah, Master Draslyn," Adrian said, rising to his feet with a respectful nod, though his casual demeanor remained. "Good timing. I was just getting into the finer points of magical theory with our guests."

Draslyn’s lips curved into a small smile, his cigar bobbing slightly between them. "I’m sure you were, Adrian. Always the teacher." His voice was deep, gravelly, with a tone that commanded attention without needing to be raised. He exhaled a cloud of smoke before turning his full gaze on the group. "I’ve been wanting to meet you all," he said, his eyes lingering briefly on each of them before settling on Ayla.

Paola glanced over at Ayla, noticing the way her posture subtly shifted under Draslyn’s scrutiny. Her Obsidian Tier stone, glimmering in her Dragon Guard armor, seemed to catch his eye.

"And you," Draslyn said, a faint smile tugging at his lips, "are one of Lady Marcelline’s Sword Maidens, if I’m not mistaken."

Ayla gave a curt nod, her tone respectful but firm. "Ayla of Valarian, Sword Maiden under Lady Marcelline Velcrest."

Draslyn’s expression remained inscrutable, though the gleam in his eyes suggested interest. "An honor," he said, his voice carrying just a hint of sarcasm. He took a slow puff of his cigar, then added with a dry smile, "Lady Marcelline has a reputation that precedes her, as do her Sword Maidens."

Ayla didn’t flinch, but Paola could tell she was weighing her words carefully. "It’s been an honor to serve," she replied, though her tone was more guarded than before.

Draslyn’s gaze flicked to Adrian for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly in amusement. "Adrian, I’m sure you’ve been making things interesting for our guests."

Adrian grinned, leaning back against the wall, clearly unbothered by the jab. "Just sharing some insight, Master Draslyn. You know, keeping things lively."

The room seemed to shift slightly as Draslyn’s attention returned to Ayla. "I’m curious, Ayla. What are your affinities? You wear your sword well, but I can sense there’s more to you than just a warrior."

Paola’s heart raced as Ayla hesitated. She knew what Draslyn was really asking. Affinities were a delicate subject—especially for those who, like Ayla, had always practiced magic outside of the regulated guild system. But before Ayla could respond, Draslyn raised a hand, his smile deepening. "Relax. I’m not here to report anything. Just curious. Fire... and ice, if I’m not mistaken?"

Ayla’s eyes flickered with surprise, and she nodded. "Yes. Fire and ice."

"Fascinating," Draslyn murmured, taking another slow drag of his cigar. "Opposing elements, yet you wield them both naturally. Quite the gift. And quite rare." His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "How much training have you had in harnessing that power?"

Ayla hesitated again, but before she could answer, the door to the chamber burst open, and Yasmin came striding in, her fiery hair practically glowing in the light of the room. She had her usual wide grin plastered across her face, though this time there was a hint of sheepishness in her expression.

"Sorry, sorry!" Yasmin called out, waving a hand dramatically as she entered. "I didn’t mean to be late! Got caught up with some... well, let’s just say there was a bit of a mess to clean up." She shot Draslyn a playful glance, but it was clear she had a healthy respect for him, despite her usual carefree attitude.

Draslyn merely raised an eyebrow, exhaling another cloud of smoke. "A mess, Yasmin? I’m shocked."

Yasmin laughed, clearly unbothered. "You know me, Master."

Draslyn’s lips twitched, and he gestured toward the group. "Yasmin, you’ve met our guests, I presume?"

Yasmin’s eyes lit up as she caught sight of Paola, Ayla, and Poca. "Oh, I’ve more than met them, Master Draslyn. We’re practically best friends by now." She winked at Paola, who groaned inwardly, her earlier thought about Yasmin’s inevitable reappearance coming true.

Poca, always the optimist, chuckled softly. "Yasmin ‘as quite ze lively spirit. It’s... refreshing."

Paola raised an eyebrow. "Refreshing isn’t the word I’d use, Poca."

Poca grinned, nudging Paola playfully. "Ah, Paola, don’t be such a grumpy cat."

Paola’s ears twitched at the teasing, and despite herself, she couldn’t help but smile. As chaotic as everything had been, as unpredictable as this world was, being with these two women—Ayla and Poca—made it all feel a little more bearable.

Draslyn, watching the exchange with mild amusement, gestured for them to sit. "Well, now that Yasmin has finally joined us, let’s get started." His tone was light, but the weight of his presence was unmistakable. This was a man who commanded respect, and Paola had no doubt that whatever came next would be important.