The sun had started to dip below the roofs of Ginip when Kael finally pushed open the door of Kaelmart.
"I'm back."
From behind the U-shaped counter, Seris straightened. Her face lit up with a mix of surprise and exhaustion.
"You're late," she said. Then her eyes narrowed slightly. "And you look like you've been through a battlefield."
Kael didn't answer. He simply rubbed his temples and walked around to the side of the counter, checking nothing in particular.
"Anyway, you won't believe what happened today."
Kael looked up. "What is it?"
She leaned closer, voice dropping slightly.
"A customer came in. A woman. She could use storage—like you. She vanished through a teleportation portal."
Kael's heart skipped a beat. He froze, his mind immediately alert.
"Portal?"
"Yes," Seris said. "She tossed her things in and just… left through it. Calm as could be. Even tipped me generously."