The warmth of stew still lingered on my tongue when I finally hugged Reddy goodbye.
She stiffened at first, clearly unused to sudden contact in public, but when I pulled her closer and muttered, "Thanks for tonight," I felt the faintest shift— her body relaxing, just a fraction. Her dress smelled faintly of herbs, parchment, and a hint of steel oil. The mix suited her: orderliness disguised beneath hard edges.
Her heartbeat had skipped. I knew because mine had, too.
When I let go, her ears were still red.
"Goodnight, Captain," I teased softly, slipping away before she could scold me.
"It was no easy battle."
"Jem was injured and just about to die, but then the captain picked up the monster and tossed it on its head."
"It was an epic scene!"
The Traveler's Inn greeted me before I even reached its door.
