The sun had long since dipped below the horizon when Raven finally stepped out of the enchanted item shop.
The cool night air brushed against her skin as she glanced at the empty space beside her where Archer's portal should have appeared.
Club activities had ended, and the city was winding down for the night. Students were already heading back to their dorms.
She sighed, leaning against the shop's outer wall. "Where the hell is he? He said he'd pick me up."
She couldn't open the portal to the Red Dragon's domain herself—she can't open portals. That was a magic way advanced than a student mage.
Barry had agreed to meet her on this spot after club practice.
But wasn't here.
Inside the shop, Maltida and Lenya emerged, laughing and chatting as they tucked away the last of their enchanted stock.
They spotted Raven standing outside and waved at her.
"Hey, Raven," Maltida called, "come with us. It's getting late."
Lenya nodded. "Yeah, it's not safe to wait around alone."
