Back inside the geisha house, Ana sat on a soft, layered pillow. In front of her, Aazin and Ryzin faced her. The air around them felt heavy, their skin sun-kissed from the light spilling in through the window.
Knock, knock.
Aazin spoke so softly that only Ana and Ryzin could hear."They won't let us talk to the geisha this much."
Ana raised her voice a little."Who is there?"
From outside the room, a voice replied."I am Tima. Are you fine in there, Ruma-sumi?" Tima pressed her ear against the door.
"Yes, I am fine. They are old friends, nothing to worry about," Ruma answered.
Tima hesitated, then said, "Oh… alright then. But you must come out—Lord Lady is calling you."
Ryzin pressed his thumb nervously."Did she figure out… that we are Tideborn?"
Aazin exhaled calmly, a cigar between his fingers."Don't overthink," he said, eyes narrowing as he looked at Ana. "We're leaving now. The longer we stay here, the riskier it becomes."
Ana nodded silently.
