"Did you see those scars?" a woman whispered to someone near her. "They obviously lost some of their body parts… but it seems they spent a lot of magic healing each other's wounds."
"No need to be gloomy," a man said with a firm grin. "They came back. That's what matters. So let's be happy, alright?"
"Yess!!" several people cheered before dispersing.
"I better follow them," Odessa mumbled with a small smile, trailing after the twins.
The sun was just beginning to set as the twins made their way on an upward mounting like path around the edge of the city. At its heart stood a tall, vividly painted guild building known simply as the Dragon Fang Guild with their logo displayed boldly on its gates.
The structure towered over the surrounding houses, its red and black colors vibrant against the plants that surrounded the guild. Gold-lined banners with a dragon emblem fluttered in the breeze, and the guild's crest, which was a dragon head revealing its fangs—was etched proudly on the massive double doors.
As they drew closer, Anisia glanced up at the familiar building and smiled. The guild had been their home for years. Despite the faint scorch marks on the walls and the patched windows it was still beautiful to stare at.
The guild's main doors creaked open as Anisia stepped forward and pushed them wide.
"We're back, everyone!!" Anisia yelled.
Confetti exploded above them instantly., And the entire guild hall erupted into cheers.
"Welcome back, you twins!!" a chorus of voices cried out.
The large main hall was packed. Over forty guild members filled the room—some sitting at long wooden tables, others sprawled across plush couches or standing near the notice board where new quests were pinned. Warm lights floated through the air like lazy fireflies, illuminating the hall's stone walls and glowing crystal chandeliers. The scent of roasted meat and fresh bread wafted from the nearby kitchen, making the air lively and comforting.
"I knew you two would come back alive!" boomed a voice behind them. Dandrol, the guild master, appeared out of nowhere and clapped both Anisia and Lucius on the back. Towering over everyone else, his massive body made even the stone floor bend beneath his boots. His biceps bulged through his rolled-up sleeves, and his broad smile could brighten even the dreariest day.
"What happened to Lucius's shirt?" Dandrol asked, arching a brow.
"She broke it," Lucius muttered, nudging his sister with an embarrassed pout.
"Hmm. Kid, your scars…" Dandrol's voice lowered.
"Don't worry, good master," Lucius replied. "We're both fine."
"Well then, I'm glad you're back."
"ANISIA! Fight me!!" a shout echoed across the hall. A blur darted toward them.
It was a girl their age, with flowing crimson hair and fierce blue eyes. Bat-like wings stretched from her back, and sharp fangs glinted behind a smirk. She was dressed in a summer dress, and pointed her sword squarely at Anisia.
"You'd lose, though, Cyndrith," Anisia chuckled, a bit impressed every week when she used to be around Cyndrith would always challenge her but she has never won a single spar.