Marina bead at the praise. "See? I told you it’s worth it!"
Arnold chuckled. "I didn’t say that. I said you have a good eye, not that you should empty your purse."
Catherine laughed from beside another stall, holding a bundle of scarves. "Good luck convincing her otherwise. She’s already chard the tailor into a discount."
Freya crossed her arms, amused. "A discount? Or a full robbery?"
"Negotiation," Marina corrected, flashing a grin.
Nearby, Valeris and Sophia were speaking with a vendor selling travel gear, discussing cloak enchantnts and protective sigils for the journey ahead. Valeris turned as Asher approached. "You two disappeared for a while," she said with a faint smile. "Find sothing interesting?"
Arnold lifted the cage containing the faintly glowing Nightrazor. The little beast stirred within, its obsidian fur glinting with streaks of violet light. "Just a new companion," he said calmly.
Valeris arched a brow. "You couldn’t resist, could you?"
Freya answered for him, smiling. "He calls it research."
"That’s because it is," Arnold replied without missing a beat. "Every bond deepens understanding. Even old Sovereigns have things to learn."
Catherine leaned forward slightly, curiosity bright in her eyes. "What’s it called?"
"A Nightrazor," Asher said. "Young one, but it’ll grow fast."
Marina looked both impressed and slightly jealous. "You got a beast already? I thought we were just browsing!"
Arnold gave a small shrug, entirely unbothered. "Sotis the right creature finds you before you find it."
Asher rolled his eyes lightly. "He said the sa thing when he brought ho a frost wyvern hatchling once."
The old man grinned. "And it turned out beautifully, didn’t it?"
Freya shook her head, laughing. "I’m starting to see where Asher gets it from."
"Bad influence runs in the family," Catherine teased.
Arnold gave a dramatic sigh, but his eyes glead with humor. "Unappreciated wisdom, that’s what it is."
Valeris glanced toward the higher tier of the city, where the glow of the Grand Pavilion shimred in the distance. "It’s getting late," she said. "We should head back soon. Tomorrow’s going to start early."
Marina reluctantly set down a few robes but kept one draped over her arm. "Fine, but I’m keeping this one. It literally hums when you move."
Freya smiled. "As long as it doesn’t sing in the middle of the night."
They all laughed softly as they began walking together again—past the glowing stalls, past the scent of sweet incense and roasted fruit. The air was warm, rich with soul energy, and above them, the floating lanterns continued to drift skyward like tiny stars.
Arnold walked at the center of the group, the caged Nightrazor glowing faintly in his hand. Asher glanced at him briefly, then at the others—each of them relaxed, content, and alive in the glow of the night.
For a fleeting mont, it felt like the world itself had paused—peaceful, untouched by the chaos waiting beyond the city walls.
As they made their way out of the bustling streets, the sound of the market faded behind them—replaced by the quieter hum of the upper district. The air grew cooler here, touched by the faint silver light of floating wards that lined the streets like gentle constellations. Their rented carriage waited by the archway, its crystal lanterns glowing with soft amber hues.
Arnold handed the Nightrazor’s cage to the coachman with a quiet word. "Handle it gently. It’s not fond of sudden movents."
The coachman, pale but obedient, nodded quickly. "Of course, Lord Magnus."
They all climbed in, the interior lined with soft gray velvet and faintly glowing sigils that kept the air warm. The city lights slipped past as the carriage began to move—wheels silent on the polished road. Freya leaned against the window, watching the lanterns drift higher over Velstrand’s skyline. "It’s beautiful here," she murmured. "Almost too calm."
Arnold smiled faintly. "That’s how every city looks before the next storm."
Asher t his grandfather’s eyes briefly, understanding the unspoken weight beneath his words. Then he turned to look out the window again, resting his chin on his hand as the carriage rolled toward the teleportation plaza.
Within minutes, they arrived at the transfer gates—tall crystal arches etched with glowing runes. The attendant recognized the Magnus crest on Arnold’s ring and imdiately activated the portal sequence.
"Destination?" the attendant asked respectfully.
"Averin City, Magnus Household," Arnold replied.
Light flared briefly, wrapping around them in a seamless ripple. The world blurred, and then the next breath they took was no longer filled with market air—but with the faint scent of pinewood, hearthfire, and mountain wind.
They were ho.
The Magnus residence was quiet at this hour—a sprawling estate built from pale stone and dark oak, its walls alive with protective sigils that shimred like moonlight. The gardens glowed softly under the night, and the distant waterfalls beyond the hills murmured in the dark.
Servants approached imdiately, bowing deeply. "Welco back, Lord Magnus. Young Master Asher."
Arnold waved a hand. "No formalities tonight. Just prepare dinner—we’ve had a long day."
"Yes, my lord."
They entered the grand hall, where warm light from the chandeliers spilled across the polished floor. The dining table was already being set when they arrived—bowls of crystal fruit, steaming bread, and platters of seasoned soulfish.
Arnold settled at the head of the table, removing his coat with a content sigh. "Ah, nothing quite like ho food after market air."
Asher sat beside him, loosening his collar slightly. "You say that every ti we co back."
"Because it’s always true," Arnold said with a grin.
Monts later, the door opened again, and a tall man with broad shoulders and silvering hair stepped inside. His features carried the sa sharp lines as Arnold’s, though his eyes were softer—asured, thoughtful.
"Brother," Arnold greeted warmly. "You’re up late."
Liam Magnus smiled faintly. "I heard the wards react—figured you’d returned." His gaze shifted toward Asher, a spark of approval lighting his expression. "And I see our hero still prefers walking the long way through the markets."
Asher smirked lightly. "Better than being locked in etings all day."
Liam chuckled. "Touché." He took a seat across from them, nodding to the servants to begin serving. "So? How was Velstrand?"
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