《Dark Strings》 The Rising Star The earth trembled as the first lightning struck. Not a regular discharge, but a white pillar of light that seemed to tear the sky apart. Chaos erupted across the continent as these columns crashed into the ground with unpredictable force. Anyone who witnessed the calamity had no time to react. They were simply drawn in¡ªengulfed by the relentless beams and spat out at random locations. Some landed safely, in forests or on fields. Others awoke at sea or in molten rivers, destined for death. And then there were the few who were hurled 500 meters above ground into nothingness, doomed to a fall that promised only one outcome¡ªthe end. Aaron, clutching his massive axe, looked downward. "A dwarf isn''t meant to fly¡­" he muttered as the ground approached at a dizzying speed. Seraphion, clad in heavy armor, watched in silent acceptance, the wings that once carried him long gone. Lunara screamed, her golden eyes filled with panic. Zaphara remained motionless, the cold wind howling around her. And Talon? His blood-red eyes glowed from the shadows of his hood as he remained still, a statue of impending doom. But then, just as the impact seemed inevitable, it happened. The world froze. The ground vanished, the sky dissolved, and everything was consumed by endless blackness. They stood in a dreamscape where the silence was deafening. The space was empty, save for a figure slowly materializing out of nothingness. Black as the void itself, faceless, featureless, yet undeniably human in form. "You are not here by chance," said a voice that seemed to echo directly within their minds. "You should be dead. But I saved you. Not out of mercy, but necessity." Aaron stepped forward, gripping his axe tightly. "What game are you playing, shadow-man?" he bellowed, his voice echoing in the endless darkness. The figure didn''t move. "No game. A deal. You have two options: die now¡­ or accept my task." "And what if we refuse?" Seraphion asked calmly, his hands hanging heavily at his sides. "Then you return to where you were. 500 meters in the air." The words were final, unyielding. "What task?" Lunara asked, her voice soft but insistent. "You will soon meet someone named Ivory, a princess. She must accept you as her companions, willingly. Travel with her; until then, you are bound together." The figure extended a black hand. "A pact, sealed by touch. Stray too far from each other, you die. Fail, and you die." Aaron''s defiant expression didn''t escape Zaphara, who froze his mouth shut before he could speak. An unnatural silence followed as Zaphara turned her cold eyes toward the hand. "We have no choice," she said with a smile as eerie as the figure before her.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. One by one, they stepped forward and placed their hands on the figure''s. Darkness pulsed around them as their fates became irrevocably intertwined. A low rumble coursed through the dreamscape, as if reality itself responded to their decision. Suddenly, a blinding beam of light pierced through the darkness, wrenching them out of the black void and back into the world. The beam was like thunder, shaking the earth, its impact leaving a mark visible from afar. Ivory, one of the four princesses of Valoria, felt the vibrations before she saw the light. Her bodyguard Silen paused briefly, hand on the hilt of his sword, but she didn''t hesitate. "That came from the clearing" she said with a mix of curiosity and determination, running before he could stop her. What she found defied explanation: five figures, surrounded by a shadowy aura that felt like a faint echo of the darkness they had just left. It was the first time she met them, a time when she could still look them in the eyes¡­ The morning sun illuminated the group lost at the forest''s edge, each figure unique, yet all inextricably bound together. Aaron was the first to break the silence, his loud laughter echoing through the trees. The dwarf carried his massive axe with the ease others might carry a walking stick. His broad frame was like a walking fortress, but his face radiated a warmth unusual for warriors of his stature. "Come on, friends! We''ve got an adventure ahead of us!" he called, his voice overflowing with energy. Overbearing, perhaps, but impossible to stay angry at for long. Seraphion stood slightly apart, his heavy armor glinting faintly in the light. He seemed like a statue, so still he was easy to overlook¡ªuntil one saw his eyes. They were a mirror of his fallen lineage, filled with deep sorrow hidden behind a mask of stoic calm. Yet beneath that armor and stillness lay a soul always ready to stand for the weak. Lunara, the Kitsune, moved gracefully through the grass, as if the earth itself welcomed her. Her white hair shimmered like pure moonlight, and her golden eyes glowed with a promise of hope and comfort. She wore an elegant black garment that only emphasized her grace. Her presence was like a quiet blessing, a living promise that everything would be alright. Zaphara followed, a stark contrast. Her white hair was cold and lifeless, like her face, which revealed no emotion. Her blue eyes were as cold as the eternal snow of her homeland, and the ivy crown on her head seemed strangely out of place, almost like a relic of a long-lost summer. Her leather attire, adorned with blue feathers, and the sparkling necklace with the blue star around her neck spoke of a solitary story. Finally, there was Talon, lingering at the edge of the group, his figure half-consumed by shadows. His cloak fluttered lightly in the wind, the hood pulled low over his face. Only his blood-red eyes glowed beneath¡ªblazing gateways to a world better left unexplored. Not a word passed his veiled lips, yet his presence was a whispering thunder that made even the bravest pause. And despite their vastly different personalities, they all shared the same thought as they saw the young woman running toward them. Her long, light blue hair streamed in the wind, and her determined voice broke the silence. "Are you alright? I''m Ivory Fendril, princess of the royal family. What happened here?" The exact moment her name fell, the same realization flashed through their minds, an unspoken thought striking like lightning between them: This is our target Bound by Shadows, Guided by Light
Aaron leapt to his feet without hesitation and hurried toward the princess. With a gallant gesture, he knelt before her, taking her hand in his rough fingers. With a charming sparkle in his eyes, he declared, "Aaron Salvathor is my name. It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Your Highness." Without a moment''s pause, he brought her hand toward his lips, ready to kiss it. Ivory froze for a moment, overwhelmed by the sudden attention, unable to grasp the situation immediately. But before she could respond, Silen stepped forward, a shadow filling the space with his presence. With a swift motion, he pushed Aaron firmly to the ground. "Has no one taught you how to behave in the presence of royalty?" His voice was calm, but the irritated crease on his brow spoke volumes. Ivory, regaining control of the scene, felt her cheeks flush a deep red. Yet her voice remained gentle as she gestured for Silen to step aside with a forgiving glance. "Leave him, Silen. You''re always so hasty. He meant no harm." She turned back to Aaron, her eyes radiating a warm, soothing light. "But it''s true, I don''t particularly like being touched without permission. I''d appreciate it if you refrained from doing so in the future." Her words were accompanied by a soft smile, one that could melt even the coldest of hearts. Zaphara stepped forward briskly, grabbing Aaron by the arm and pulling him back. Her cool gaze rested on the princess before she spoke in a calm voice, "I apologize for my¡ª" she hesitated briefly, "my companion." Her tone was as smooth as frozen water, but when she glanced at Aaron, her icy blue eyes delivered a clear message: Pull yourself together and remember the mission. She turned back to Ivory, her posture impeccably upright, as if she belonged to a royal court herself. "My name is Zaphara Whisper. I hail from Niveria, the ice lands of the far north. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Fendril." As she spoke, she inclined slightly forward in a graceful, precise gesture of courtly decorum¡ªone devoid of genuine politeness. Every step she took was calculated, every move purposeful. Her words were nothing more than a tool to bring her closer to the goal. Ivory quickly waved her hands, as though trying to dispel Zaphara''s formality. "Please, not so formal! When you call me that, I feel like an old woman. And definitely not ''Lady Fendril!'' I hear that title all day at home." Her gaze flicked irritably to Silen, who always used such terms at every opportunity. She sighed softly, then smiled at the group. "Just call me Ivory, okay?" Before the mood could fully relax, a more pressing thought struck her. "But tell me¡ªwhat happened? And why are you here?" Aaron saw this as his chance to take the lead¡ªnaturally, without thinking. "Well, I was in the mountains when, out of nowhere, a bolt of lightning or something hit me! I have no idea how, but the next thing I know, I''m falling from the sky. Can you imagine that? And then¡ªas if that wasn''t bad enough¡ªjust before I could smash into the ground with my handsome face, I end up in some kind of black void! And there''s this weird faceless guy standing there, who still somehow looks human. Completely bizarre. And you know what he says? We''re dead unless we take on a mission: to bring you into our group and take you on a journey. The wildest five minutes of my life!"
Aaron gestured animatedly as he spoke, while the other four stared at him with open mouths. Their expressions were an open book: What an idiot. To their surprise, Ivory laughed brightly. "That''s hilarious! You should write stories, Aaron. Or better yet¡ªI''ll introduce you to my father. Maybe you can become a court bard!" She grinned but then adopted a more serious tone. "But seriously, what really happened?" The group realized this was their chance to present a more believable account. Talon stepped out of the shadows and took over. His calm, measured voice eased the tension in the air. "To be honest? We don''t know much ourselves. We were suddenly teleported here without the faintest clue why. We barely know each other, let alone why this happened to us." He glanced at the others and added, "One thing is certain: we didn''t choose this. Teleportation magic is illegal for a reason. Disasters like this prove it." Ivory furrowed her brow thoughtfully, crossing her arms as she weighed his words. After a moment, she nodded slightly. "You don''t seem like the kind of people who would willingly do something so reckless." Her stance softened, and a friendly smile returned to her face. "But first, let''s make sure you''re all alright." She invited the group to sit and began preparing her healing magic. Lunara was the first to trust Ivory''s touch. Her golden eyes glowed with curiosity as she asked, "You can use healing magic? That''s incredible! I''ve never met anyone who could do that. Are you a prodigy?" Ivory blushed faintly, a hint of embarrassment on her face. "Not at all. Without my teacher, I never would have discovered I could do this." Her expression darkened briefly, a fleeting sadness crossing her face before she regained composure. With renewed energy, she added, "But it seems you''re all in good health. Did you really fall from the sky? It''s a miracle you''re unscathed." The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. The quiet was broken by Seraphion, who finally raised his monotone voice. "May I ask a favor of you, Ivory?" he asked plainly. Ivory nodded without hesitation. "Of course. I''ll help you however I can." The angel rose, his imposing figure towering over the young princess. "We don''t know where we are, let alone how to reach a city. Can you help us?" Before Ivory could reply, Silen stepped forward, his expression as mistrustful as ever. "The princess has an appointment in the north. We can give you a map, but you''ll have to manage on your own." His words carried the weight of a man whose duty was to see every stranger as a potential threat. Before Ivory could speak, she delivered a swift kick to Silen''s shin. "Ouch!" he cried, staring at her in confusion, only to meet her stern gaze. "Do you really think we should leave them on their own? In a foreign land, without supplies?" Her voice was firm. "And I''m not interested in meeting that old man to discuss some marriage arrangement! If I meet someone, it will be on my terms. Period." Her gaze brooked no argument. Silen sighed and relented. "As you wish, Your Highness. But the meeting cannot be canceled. It would dishonor your father." Ivory pouted but nodded reluctantly. "Fine¡­ but until then, we''ll help them." The group collectively exhaled in relief, though Zaphara''s icy blue eyes glimmered with cunning as she thought to herself: Ivory is too kind. I can use this to my advantage. Zaphara immediately seized the opportunity as the tension between Ivory and Silen hung in the air. With a calculated smile, she stepped forward. "We truly must thank you, Ivory, for your generosity in helping us. Once we arrive in the city and you''ve taken care of your business, we''d love to invite you for a drink at the tavern." Her voice was warm, but her intentions were crystal clear. This invitation wasn''t mere politeness¡ªit was a chance to draw Ivory closer for her own purposes. Ivory''s eyes lit up. "That sounds wonderful! I''d love to come." Silen, however, appeared far less enthusiastic. His brow furrowed deeper, and his narrowed eyes scrutinized the group with growing suspicion. "I have to be in the capital tomorrow," he said coldly. "I can''t just leave her in Kean. It''s far too dangerous." Ivory crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at him. "Silen, I''m not a little child anymore. I don''t need you hovering over me all the time. How am I supposed to make new friends if you''re always watching my every move?" Her voice was firm but not loud¡ªprecisely the tone that brooked no argument. Silen opened his mouth to protest but closed it again as Ivory continued. "Just this once, Silen. I can handle myself. You can trust me." Her words were gentle, but her gaze left no doubt that she intended to have her way. Zaphara, observing the charged exchange, smirked inwardly. It was almost too easy to pull Ivory to her side. "Then we should get moving before we lose more time," she said with a faint hint of urgency in her voice. She knew every second Silen spent thinking increased the risk of him denying the opportunity. Ivory nodded in agreement. "Agreed. We should hurry." Silen gritted his teeth but finally relented. "Very well, Your Highness. But the meeting in Kean is still happening no matter what got it?" Ivory sighed, giving him an annoyed glance. "Fine, but that doesn''t mean I have to like it." As the group packed their things and prepared to set off, a faint sense of relief spread among the five companions. Yet it was quickly replaced by the realization of the monumental task ahead. The challenge of escorting Ivory, a princess, out of the country loomed before them like a towering mountain. None of them noticed the cold determination etched on Zaphara''s face. Ivory is too soft-hearted, she thought. That makes her easy to influence. Make sure to take full advantage of that.
With one final glance at the vast landscape stretching out before them, the group set off¡ªunaware that this was the first step on a journey that would change their lives forever. Half Light After a long and surprisingly uneventful journey, the group reached the city of Kean in the late afternoon. The peaceful road particularly impressed Talon and Zaphara. Talon murmured quietly to himself, ¡°No ambush on the carriage¡­ not even a small problem along the way¡­ I never thought it could be this peaceful here.¡± Zaphara cast him a sideways glance, her ice-blue eyes filled with skepticism. ¡°We haven¡¯t reached a safe inn yet, so don¡¯t jinx it,¡± she replied dryly. As they passed through the massive city gate, Ivory¡¯s gaze drifted into the distance, and her usually lively presence seemed to fade. She paused briefly before turning to the group. ¡°I¡¯ll see you later at the tavern. I¡¯ll join you as soon as I¡¯m done.¡± Her voice was softer than usual, almost subdued. ¡°The bartender¡¯s name is Arnold, an older gentleman. Just tell him I¡¯ll be coming; he¡¯ll be happy to hear it.¡± It was clear that something was weighing on her, even though she tried to hide it. Aaron noticed the change and saw an opportunity to apologize for his behavior. He stepped forward hesitantly but with a serious expression. ¡°Your Highness¡­¡± Ivory turned to him, raising an eyebrow. ¡°You mean Ivory?¡± Aaron gave a quick grin and continued in an unusually gentle tone. ¡°Yes, Ivory. I wanted to apologize for earlier. The hand-kiss was really inappropriate. I¡¯m sorry.¡± He inclined his head slightly¡ªa gesture that almost seemed as if he was mimicking Zaphara¡¯s earlier demeanor. Ivory paused, and for a moment, the heavy mood seemed to vanish. She laughed brightly, a lightness returning to her face. ¡°I should probably apologize for Silen instead. The way he threw you to the ground didn¡¯t look very gentle. Let¡¯s just say we¡¯re even, okay?¡± With those words, she turned away, waved over her shoulder at the group, and called out, ¡°I have to go, or Silen will be mad at me. Ciao, ciao!¡± As Ivory disappeared from view, Aaron turned to Zaphara, a visible question mark on his face. ¡°Do you think that was the right thing to do? That didn¡¯t sound like me at all. Why did I have to say it like that?¡± Zaphara, who had already taken a few steps towards the city, didn¡¯t even look at him as she answered. ¡°It makes a good impression on her. Whether it suits you or not doesn¡¯t matter. She won¡¯t notice the difference¡ªyet.¡± Her tone was indifferent, almost casual, as she vanished through the city gate. Lunara, who had been silently observing the entire exchange, stepped up to Aaron and placed an encouraging hand on his shoulder. ¡°You did the right thing, and that¡¯s what counts,¡± she said with a gentle smile, her golden eyes shining. But within her, other thoughts stirred. What game is Zaphara playing? Lunara wondered. Of course, it was important to be friendly to Ivory if they wanted to win her over to the group. But this sneaky manipulation, this dishonest approach¡ªit didn¡¯t feel right. Ivory had looked so happy when she was invited¡­ A flicker of pity rose within Lunara. She understood the seriousness of the situation, but she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if there was another way¡ªone that wasn¡¯t so cold and calculating. As soon as they left the mighty gate behind, the group was immersed in a world pulsing with life and lights. The city felt like a dream that only came alive at night. Everywhere, strings of lights hung like falling stars between the buildings, bathing the alleys in warm, soft light. Street lanterns of wrought iron flickered with a golden liquid glow, their dancing shadows seeming to merge with the movements of the crowd. Despite the late hour, the streets were packed. Merchants with colorful stalls loudly advertised their goods, their voices a multilingual chorus echoing through the air. A fruit vendor waved a shiny apple in the air, while an old woman turned steaming skewers over an open flame. The scent of sweet and spicy foods filled the alleys¡ªroasted nuts, fresh flatbreads, and the aroma of something unfamiliar that piqued their curiosity. A boy ran laughing through the legs of the people, followed by a small dog whose bell-adorned collar jingled softly. In a corner, a group of musicians played on hand-carved instruments, their melodies so lively that some passersby spontaneously began to dance. In a side alley, a fire-breather was surrounded by a small crowd, his breath igniting the night with glowing flames. Right beside him, a fortune teller under a crooked tent offered her services, her table filled with candles, crystal balls, and cards painted with eerily beautiful symbols. Yet, despite the city¡¯s vibrant and inviting atmosphere, a touch of mystery lay over everything. It was the fleeting glances of the people, lingering too long on the strangers before hastily looking away. It was the way certain alleys remained dark, as if deliberately spared from the light. And it was that feeling¡ªas if the city itself was watching them, testing them, inviting them in while simultaneously warning them. ¡°This is¡­ overwhelming,¡± Seraphion murmured to himself, his words barely audible amidst the hustle. Aaron, however, seemed completely at home. ¡°Look at this!¡± he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement as he pointed to a stand displaying a tower of candied fruits. ¡°This city knows how to live!¡± Zaphara, on the other hand, remained calm, her ice-blue eyes scanning the crowd attentively, taking in every movement, every detail. ¡°It also knows how to hide,¡± she remarked quietly, almost to herself. The group pressed on, deeper into the heart of the city. The alleys seemed narrower, the lights brighter, the sounds louder. And while the city showed them all its beauty and liveliness, the feeling remained¡ªsomething was waiting in the shadows, something they couldn¡¯t grasp, but whose presence they could feel. And so, the group made their way through the lively streets, past tightly packed stalls and street performers captivating the crowd with their performances. The alleys grew narrower, the light of the hanging lanterns reflecting off the cobblestone streets, while the scent of spices, roasted meat, and sweet pastries filled their senses. Voices, laughter, and the sounds of instruments echoed through the night, yet the group kept a determined course toward their destination: the tavern owned by Arnold. Finally, they stood before the massive wooden door of the ¡°Silver Ember,¡± a tavern whose wooden sign was etched with a flame symbol. Aaron, grinning broadly, pushed the door open. ¡°Time for a proper drink!¡± he announced before stepping inside first. Inside, they were enveloped by a warm, lively atmosphere. The tavern was a bustling place, filled with traditional music played by a small group of musicians in the corner. A fiddler, a flutist, and a drummer ensured that the guests swayed to the melody or even danced. The benches and tables were crowded, guests toasting loudly, and a waitress skillfully weaved through the chaos with a tray full of frothy mugs. Behind the counter stood Arnold, the tavern¡¯s owner, an old man with silver hair, a weathered face, and an impressive stature that, despite his age, still commanded respect. With strong hands, he wiped down a glass, gave the newcomers a quick look, and nodded in greeting.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. ¡°Finally, a place that suits my taste,¡± Aaron said contentedly before heading to a free table on the right side. While the others followed him, Seraphion was the last to enter. The angel let his gaze wander through the room, his sharp eyes capturing every detail. In the farthest corner, left of the fireplace, he noticed a woman sitting with her head lowered, her shoulders trembling slightly. Tears ran down her cheeks, but she held a hand over her mouth to stifle her sobs. Seraphion frowned, hesitated, but ultimately turned away. It wasn¡¯t his place to interfere. Not now. Meanwhile, Talon had already scanned the room, his blood-red eyes, half-hidden under the hood of his cloak, suddenly locking onto a figure at the bar. An elf woman sat there alone¡ªa beauty that was hard to overlook. Her long, snow-white hair cascaded like liquid silk over her shoulders, and her eyes¡ªa deep, mesmerizing blue like the ocean¡ªseemed to hold secrets that inevitably drew Talon in. Aaron, who had noticed Talon¡¯s stare, smirked broadly. ¡°Oh-ho! What do we have here?¡± he said in a teasing tone, clapping Talon on the back. ¡°Do you see someone you like? Maybe you should try your luck before someone else does.¡± Talon slowly turned his head toward Aaron, his eyes glowing briefly, but he said nothing. Aaron only grinned wider. ¡°Come on, big guy. You can¡¯t just sit here all night in silence. Go talk to her! Who knows, maybe there¡¯s more behind those pretty eyes than you think.¡± Lunara giggled softly, while Zaphara merely shook her head and took her seat. Talon remained motionless for a moment, then rose slowly without acknowledging Aaron. Yet, as he moved toward the bar, a hint of uncertainty crept into his usually confident demeanor. Aaron leaned back with satisfaction, taking a large gulp from the beer mug Arnold had just brought. ¡°Sometimes, the guy just needs a little push,¡± he murmured. Talon sat down stiffly on the stool next to the elf woman, his entire posture radiating discomfort. Why am I doing this? he asked himself, trying to gather the courage to speak. When he finally looked up, he noticed that she was already watching him¡ªher eyes thoughtful, almost scrutinizing. ¡°Are you alright?¡± she finally asked, her voice gentle but concerned. Talon felt the words stick in his throat. Overwhelmed by the situation, he let out an awkward laugh. ¡°Yeah, yeah, all good,¡± he said hastily before adding, ¡°My name is Talon. I just wanted to introduce myself. What¡­ uh¡­ what are you doing here?¡± At the other end of the room, Zaphara, who had caught part of the conversation, couldn¡¯t help but sigh quietly. Strong and mysterious, but incapable of talking to women. Impressive, she murmured, audibly disappointed. The elf woman, however, found Talon¡¯s awkwardness rather charming. She smiled sincerely and eventually laughed softly. ¡°My name is Fionna. Nice to meet you, Talon,¡± she said, her voice warm and inviting. ¡°I have a task to complete here before I leave for the capital tomorrow. Nothing special, but I¡¯ve never seen you here before. Are you new in town?¡± Talon, who was slowly regaining his composure, dared to look at her directly. Her eyes, now up close, were even more captivating than he had imagined¡ªa deep, radiant blue that reminded him of the endless ocean. ¡°Yes, my group and I just arrived,¡± he finally said, his voice calmer. ¡°On our way here, we met one of the princesses and invited her for a drink. Now we¡¯re waiting for her. But¡­ what kind of task do you have, if I may ask?¡± Fionna, who had been polite but reserved until then, suddenly seemed to open up. ¡°You met Ivory?¡± Her eyes widened slightly, and an honest smile spread across her face. ¡°That¡¯s why she was so late today! I thought it was Silen¡¯s fault again.¡± She leaned forward slightly, her posture becoming more familiar. ¡°I work for the royal family and am here to ensure everything is prepared for an important meeting. But I¡¯m glad you invited her. She deserves to meet people who truly want to be her friends.¡± For a moment, Fionna fell silent. Her gaze wandered into the distance, as if she were lost in thought. Then, suddenly, she turned back to Talon with a touch of playfulness and pointed a finger at him, almost as if she wanted to startle him. ¡°But¡­ you do mean well with her, don¡¯t you?¡± Her voice was still friendly, but there was a hint of seriousness and almost a threat beneath it. Talon hesitated, unsure of the best answer. At that moment, he heard a quiet throat-clearing behind him. Zaphara, who had been carefully observing the conversation, gave him a brief look¡ªone that made it clear he should not reveal anything. Her message was unmistakable¡ªa warning. ¡°Of course,¡± Talon finally said, making his voice as convincing as possible. ¡°Ivory helped us after we¡­ had an accident. We just wanted to thank her. She used healing magic, and it was impressive. It was the first time I¡¯d seen anything like it.¡± Fionna¡¯s expression softened, and a hint of pride shimmered in her eyes. ¡°Yes, Ivory truly is special,¡± she said gently. ¡°After every mission, she welcomes us and heals our wounds. She always gives her all for us¡­ sometimes I wish the world would treat her the same way she treats the world.¡± For a moment, a melancholic silence lingered between them, but Fionna quickly shook off the thoughts and smiled again. ¡°What¡¯s your group called? Or are you not yet registered with the guild?¡± Talon, caught off guard by the question, hesitated. ¡°That¡­ is a good question,¡± he muttered slowly. ¡°Maybe we should actually register to make some money.¡± Fionna chuckled softly, then stood up and smoothed her cloak. ¡°It¡¯s getting late for me,¡± she said with a cheerful tone. ¡°The nightlife in this city is always impressive. But now I feel like an old lady for going to bed.¡± She smiled at him warmly. ¡°It was nice meeting you, Talon. I hope we see each other again soon.¡± With an elegant wave, she turned and disappeared into the crowd. Talon watched her leave and let out a quiet sigh. How am I ever going to see her again? I didn¡¯t even ask where she lives¡­ He lowered his head and shuffled back to his table. As soon as he sat down, Lunara and Aaron were grinning at him. ¡°Come on, spill it. How did it go?¡± Aaron asked with obvious amusement. Lunara lifted a hand to her mouth as if afraid of the answer. ¡°She didn¡¯t reject you, did she?¡± she asked dramatically. ¡°Maybe next time, you should show your face. Your eyes can be quite intimidating!¡± Talon let his head sink onto the table. ¡°It went well,¡± he muttered dejectedly. ¡°But I forgot to ask how I could find her again.¡± Aaron clapped him on the back. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll be here for a while.¡± Lunara, however, couldn¡¯t resist teasing. ¡°White hair, blue eyes, an elf¡­ that¡¯s your type, Talon?¡± She shot a mischievous glance at Zaphara, who happened to possess all those traits. ¡°In case of emergency, you have that cold aunt over there.¡± Zaphara reacted immediately, her tone sharp: ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear anything from a squeaky little duster like you. Don¡¯t you have anything better to do than constant chattering?¡± Lunara immediately fired back, her golden eyes flashing with annoyance. ¡°Squeaky? At least I¡¯m honest and have a personality, unlike some people who only tell others what they want to hear!¡± Before the situation could escalate, Seraphion stood up and placed a hand on both of their shoulders. His voice was firm. ¡°Are you really going to make a scene now?¡± He turned to the group. ¡°Talon just mentioned that we should register as a group with the guild, didn''t even notice it huh? Let¡¯s focus on that first.¡± Zaphara sat back down, cool as ever. ¡°Then suggest a name,¡± she challenged. Seraphion thought for a moment. ¡°Half Light!¡± he declared proudly. The others exchanged glances¡ªno one seemed thrilled, but no one objected either. Satisfied, Seraphion marched toward the bar to handle the registration. At that moment, the door swung open, and Ivory stepped in, her radiant smile lighting up the room. ¡°I¡¯m here!¡± she announced.