The night air over Black Tortoise's outer streets was cool and still. The two girls walked side by side up the stone path that wound toward the high ground, their boots clicking faintly against the cobbles.
"Ugh, my shoulders are going to fall off," Alina groaned, rolling them as she trudged along. Her pink hair, tied in twin ponytails, was damp with sweat and dust. "I just got here, and you've already got me working like a pack mule."
Elara glanced at her, silver-white hair glinting faintly in the moonlight. "Didn't you eat dinner?" she asked, blinking her pale eyes in innocent confusion. "You had enough for three people."
"That's exactly why I'm exhausted!" Alina snapped, half joking. "All the energy's gone into carrying that ridiculous armor around."
Elara smiled faintly, unbothered. "You didn't have to volunteer."
"I didn't! You dragged me into it!" Alina retorted. "You said, 'Come with me, it'll be quick.' Next thing I know, I'm catching thieves all night."
