Unlike our usual routine of meeting in the quiet study room tucked away in the library, Seris was waiting for me right at the entrance of the guild hall. He was dressed casually—at least by noble standards—but still managed to radiate I have money without saying a word. Black dress pants tailored perfectly to his frame, a dark blue tunic fastened neatly at the collar, and a lightweight black coat trimmed with subtle gold embellishments that caught the light when he moved.
I must have looked as confused as I felt, because my expression gave me away before I could stop it.
"Hey, Seris," I said, glancing around as if expecting we were late. "Are you just getting here, or do we need to reschedule?"
The corner of his mouth lifted—just slightly—an amused reaction he clearly tried not to show.
"Today, we're going to the shopping district," he said as he turned and began walking, clearly expecting me to follow. "I'm going to start taking you out every couple of days. You already understand spoken language well enough—now it's time you become immersed in the other kinds people use. Body language. Facial expressions. What isn't said."
He led me out through the front of the guild hall, and instead of stopping for a carriage, we continued on foot. When I questioned it, he explained calmly, "Not every common citizen has access to a carriage. Unless they come from noble blood or can afford the expense, walking is simply how most people get around."
That was good information to have. Up until now, every outing I'd taken had been by carriage, and I hadn't fully considered how unusual that might be. The walk itself took about twenty minutes—long enough for me to feel the distance settle into my legs and appreciate how much effort daily travel required for most people.
We found an empty bench near the edge of the plaza, and as time passed, the streets slowly came alive. Merchants pulled open shutters, vendors called out their wares, and the steady hum of conversation grew louder with each passing minute. I glanced at my watch—11:40 a.m.
People of every kind moved through the streets. Some looked energized and cheerful, clearly ready to face the day, while others seemed half-asleep, dragging themselves forward out of obligation rather than enthusiasm.
One vampire man caught my attention in particular. His shoulders were hunched, his steps slow as he made his way toward a run-down apothecary. His gaze was fixed on the ground, and the deep frown on his face stretched almost painfully across his features, as if the very thought of the day ahead weighed him down.
In contrast, a dwarf woman walked past hand in hand with what appeared to be her human partner. She laughed openly as she spoke, her free hand gesturing animatedly, while her companion leaned closer, clearly engaged. Together, they disappeared into a general store, their shared warmth lingering even after they were gone.
Seris had me jot down my observations—expressions, posture, movement—occasionally stepping in to clarify when I hesitated or misunderstood something subtle. He pointed out the difference between exhaustion and resentment, between nervousness and anticipation, helping me refine what I was seeing rather than simply looking.
By the time the sun had shifted noticeably in the sky, it was nearing 3 p.m. That's when I spotted Nyx and Lucy across the plaza. They were walking close together, laughing as they headed toward one of the shops—until Nyx's golden eyes suddenly locked onto mine from across the crowd.
"Hey, Seris," I murmured, already bracing myself. "We've been spotted."
He let out a quiet chuckle just as Nyx and Lucy turned toward us, their expressions immediately lighting up with mischief. Their tails swayed in perfect sync as they started heading our way.
Lucy wasted no time—she practically launched herself at me, wrapping me in a hug and rubbing my head enthusiastically with her fluffy hands.
"Hey, Syl!" she chirped. "Nyx and I were heading to a café and then doing a little light shopping—if we find anything interesting. You and Seris have to join us!"
She said it like refusal wasn't an option.
Nyx, meanwhile, slipped easily to Seris's side.
"If you're teaching her about social cues," Nyx said smoothly, "then spending time with girls her age might help her understand what they actually talk about."
Seris was already nodding in agreement before Nyx even finished speaking.
We were soon ushered into a café rich with the scent of sugar and warm pastries. The staff were dressed in maid uniforms, frills and ribbons immaculate. Nyx chose a booth by the window—a choice that surprised me, given how often she preferred the shadows while working. I supposed people were allowed different preferences outside their professions.
I made a mental note to write that down later.
"Okay, Syl," Lucy said, leaning forward eagerly, vermillion eyes sparkling. "Any cute boys you've spotted so far?"
I hesitated, unsure how to interpret the question. Was she asking for me? Or fishing for gossip?
"I don't think so," I admitted. "But there might be some attractive elf or vampire boys around—if that's your type. I haven't seen any knights yet to judge them."
She laughed, seemingly satisfied with that.
I ordered a slice of dark chocolate cake topped with strawberries. Seris chose a vanilla and blueberry parfait, Nyx opted for a matcha crêpe cake, and Lucy went with lemon cake. A pot of tea was brought to the table, steam curling gently into the air as we talked.
At some point, Lucy pulled a magazine from between her breasts—apparently the most convenient place to store it, given the generous cleavage her dress provided—and began flipping through it enthusiastically. The pages were filled with profiles of eligible bachelors from higher social circles, beauty tips and recommended products, and daily blessings organized by deity.
Apparently, there were four main gods.
Mireldis — god of healing and protection. This is the god of the kingdom of Virelmora, who the people praise and hope hears their prayers. Apparently it's a good day for those blessed to be born under this mischievous god; the color to have on you is light blue, and you should avoid cats today.
Loki — goddess of nature and balance. This is the goddess of the kingdom of Thornewood, where the elves come from. It is a neutral day for those born under her protection and blessings; the color to have today is a deep yellow, and you should avoid mice.
Hecate — god of death and time. This god rules the kingdom of Noir, where the vampires hail from. Word is that today is not the day for those born under this cold yet kind god; the color to have today is black, and the thing to avoid is mint. Maybe that's why that vampire apothecary shop owner looked so down.
Aslan — god of creation and courage. This god presides over the kingdom of Asgard, where the dwarves hail from and happily praise him as they use their godly hands to create. It is a neutral but good day for those under his blessing, with the color of the day being red and a caution against lily flowers.
But I did notice there was no mention of the beast‑kin kingdom, Circe, or what god they may have followed in place of Virella. Does that mean that not only did this kingdom erase a goddess from history, but the very thing that helps a kingdom prosper—even in a small way? I know Obsidryx told me about her, but what of those who were also born under her blessing, or born from her creations such as the beast‑kin? Do they not even have the slightest clue or feeling from her?
Maybe one day I'll get my answers, because right now, in this clothing store run by a thruple—yes, a relationship between a female elf, a male vampire, and a female dwarf—Lucy and Nyx seem to be having far too much fun stacking clothes in my hands that I apparently "must have."
"Trust us," Lucy said brightly, her long fuzzy fingers flicking through fabrics with unsettling confidence. "If you're going to be attending classes in Virelmora, presentation matters."
Nyx hummed in agreement, red eyes glinting with mischief as she draped something dark and soft over my arm. "You can't look like you just wandered out of the woods—or a dungeon."
"I didn't wander out of a dungeon," I muttered automatically.
The dwarf—Bruna, I'd learned—snorted from behind the counter. "That's exactly what someone who wandered out of a dungeon would say."
I sighed, shifting the growing pile in my arms. Silks, wool blends, enchanted thread that shimmered faintly when the light caught it just right. Each piece was practical, they claimed. Each piece also cost more than I was comfortable acknowledging.
As Lucy adjusted a collar against my neck, her expression softened, just slightly. "You'll stand out less this way," she said quietly. "That matters here."
That made my chest tighten in a way I didn't like.
Stand out less.
Circe stood out. Beast‑kin always did.
Nyx caught my look and tilted her head. "You're thinking too hard again."
"Just noticing patterns," I replied.
Bruna leaned forward on the counter, voice lower now. "Patterns tend to lead somewhere uncomfortable."
I thought of the missing goddess. Of erased names and silent prayers. Of a kingdom surviving without the thing every other kingdom relied on.
And I wondered—quietly, dangerously—what would happen if Virella were remembered again.