We ran into Ash, who was walking down the corridor all by herself.
"Hey, guys!" she called out as she ran up to us. "What a coincidence. Heading somewhere without me? Scheming something indecent?"
"Every time we meet you, it feels like you orchestrated the whole thing," I replied.
"Oh, dear Athey. How could I ever commit such recklessness? By the way, how's my gift?"
"You mean that voodoo doll of yours? I put it on display—just in case something terrible happens to me."
"I-it's not a voodoo doll! I stitched it myself, down to the last thread!" she puffed out her cheeks.
"Is that so? Looks like the perfect voodoo doll to me."
The three of us continued walking. With Ash around, Riven chose not to talk about the portals. And honestly, I understood why.
"By the way, Riven, I haven't seen much of you lately. Don't tell me you've actually gotten busy with something?" she said.
"N-not at all!.. I was just… sick. Yes, I've been sick."
"Hmm."
