After leaving the Mages Union, Holden, Sable, Elliandra, Mathias, and Atticus all made their way to the Red Sun Tavern. Holden ordered a round of drinks for each of them, aside from Sable who got a bowl of milk. The all then sat back, feeling exhausted from the grueling case.


    Mathias groaned after taking his first sip. “This sucks. I said I was going to pay you guys back, but I hardly did anything except swing my sword around at a bunch of fairies.” He then took a big gulp of his drink before talking again. “I guess I still owe you one.”


    “You could always just pay us,” Sable pointed out.


    Mathias laughed awkwardly. “I’m kind of short on digmata right now. But I promise I’ll pay you back soon.”


    “I for one, would rather pay you two,” Elliandra said. “Who knows what kind of favors I’ll be asked now that the two of you have saved me.”


    “You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Holden said.


    “It kind of is. If it were the police, I wouldn’t sweat it. But your assistance always comes with strings attached.”


    “I’m a PI that gets into a lot of trouble. People owing me favors is the only thing that keeps it from coming back to bite me.”


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    “So, this doe me you’re going to ask me for some sketchy favors. I swear, I’m supposed to be a prosecutor who punishes criminals. I can’t be covering you and Sable if you do anything illegal.”


    Holden made a dismissive gesture. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I never do anything illegal. I’m an upstanding citizen of this great city.”


    Elliandra rolled her eyes. “An upstanding citizen. Don’t make me laugh.”


    “This coming from the most unprofessional prosecutor I’ve ever met.” Elliandra looked as if she had no idea what he was talking about, so Holden felt compelled to remind her. “Do you remember your behavior at the underground bar when I was working the case where we met Sable. You were messing with those guys at the table across from you. Acting all refined and lady-like. We both know you’re a tomboy without a care in the world.”


    “You have no clue how to talk to a lady.”


    Holden and Elliandra bickered back and forth. The rest of the group just laughed. They all spent thew rest of the morning drinking, and celebrating the end of the case.


    ***


    Meanwhile, a group of officers arrived in Naomi’s office to help Alwin take the red pixie, the fairies, and the coin-sith away. The red pixie was the main culprit, but the fairies and coin-sith were still witnesses.


    Once they were all gone, Naomi sat back in her seat, and stretched her arms. “Holden and Sable. So, that red pixie of yours just said she used the Leudox to get revenge on the traffickers who held her hostage.” Naomi then sighed, and turned to overlook the cityscape from her window. “This city really is ripe with corruption. But you two will still be able to put an end to it. Right?” Naomi then shut her eyes as a tear fell down her cheek. She then continued staring at the cityscape as feelings of nostalgia caused her to crack a smile.