A group of people wake up in a video game world and are forced to work together to survive and find out how to escape.

The group struggles with what to do next, getting only more questions with each answer.

Sorry for the wait!

Chapter 11

“Lyra is gone. I don’t know where she went or… or how to get her back.” I say my voice trembling.

Kaida speaks up, her voice soft but steady. “She’s not just gone. The heart did something to her. It chose her, it changed her—and then it took her somewhere.” She glances around the room, her eyes narrowing. “This isn’t over. Wherever she is, it’s connected to this world.”

Lorien steps forward, his spear still in hand, though his stance is less defensive now. “Kaida’s right,” he says, his voice calm but firm. “We need to figure out what happened. If Lyra’s part of this… whatever this is… we can’t just leave her behind.”

Hrothgar growls, slamming his axe into the ground with frustration. “This damned game doesn’t give us a break! Every time we think we’ve got answers, we get more questions instead!”

I look around the room, my chest tightening. The runes on the walls are still faintly glowing, though their light is faint now. The air feels heavy, charged, as if the chamber is holding its breath.

“She disappeared after the heart took her,” I say slowly, piecing it together. “It wasn’t random—this has to mean something. The runes, the key, the map seller… they’re all connected.”

Veyron crosses his arms, his expression skeptical. “Great. So what? We sit here and hope she comes back? Or do we wonder around and hope we don’t all get ‘chosen’ too?”

I take a deep breath, steadying myself as I look at the others. “Let’s get back to the inn,” I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel. “If we check the party menu, it might show Lyra’s status… maybe even give us a hint about what just happened to her.”

Veyron scoffs, sheathing one of his daggers. “Or,” he says, leaning casually against a pillar, “we skip the guessing game and go straight to that very clearly not NPC map seller. He sent us here, after all. If anyone knows what’s going on, it’s him.”

Hrothgar grunts, hefting his axe onto his shoulder. “Yeah, but he’s also the one who keeps dodging our questions. And we have no idea where he went after he disappeared like some damned shadow.”

Kaida brushes some dust off her robes, her staff still faintly glowing. “I think the inn is our best bet,” she says, her voice soft but determined. “We don’t know where the map seller is, and if we’re wrong, we’ll just be wasting more time. The party menu might give us something concrete.”

Lorien nods in agreement, his expression calm but serious. “Let’s head back to the inn first. If the menu doesn’t help, then we can go after the seller.”

I glance at the others, then back at the faintly glowing runes on the walls. My chest tightens as I think about Lyra and the heart, but I know staying here won’t help her—or us.

“Alright,” I say firmly. “We’ll head back to the inn and check the menu. But we need to move quickly. This place isn’t exactly for—“

Before I can finish my sentence, a clank echoes through the chamber. I look up, startled, as a hatch seemingly appears out of nowhere in the ceiling. It swings open with an eerie precision, and a mechanical ladder drops down, the rungs gleaming faintly in the dim light.

The air is heavy with unease as I step back, my eyes fixed on the hatch. “That wasn’t there before,” I say slowly, my heart pounding.

Kaida grips her staff, glancing nervously at the others. “What now? Another convenient ‘coincidence’? This feels like a trap.”

Veyron smirks, though his dagger is already in hand. “Oh, definitely a trap,” he says casually. “But it’s also our fastest way out of here. Unless someone wants to try and go back through those monsters and collapsing tunnels? Assuming we can even find a way to open the door.”

Hrothgar narrows his eyes at the ladder, his hand tightening on his axe. “It’s too clean. Too deliberate. Whoever—or whatever—put it here wants us to use it.”

Lorien steps forward cautiously, his spear raised as he examines the hatch. “But why?” he asks. “If the heart’s gone, and Lyra’s… changed, then what else is there for them to gain by keeping us here?”

I take a deep breath, glancing at the glowing runes around the room. They’ve dimmed significantly, as if whatever power they had has been drained. My mind races as I weigh the options.

“We don’t have time to argue,” I say firmly, stepping toward the ladder. “If this is a way out, we need to take it. But stay on guard—we don’t know what’s waiting up there.”

The others exchange uneasy glances but nod in agreement.

“I’ll go first,” Lorien offers, gripping the ladder tightly. “If something’s waiting up there, I’ll deal with it.”

The climb up the ladder feels endless, the faint echoes of the chamber below growing quieter with each step. My arms ache from the effort, but I push through, focusing on Lorien as he leads the way.

Finally, he reaches the top, pulling himself up and pausing for a moment. His gasp cuts through the silence, and his voice trembles with disbelief.

“Uhh… guys?”

Kaida stops on the rung below me, glancing up. “What is it?” she calls out, her voice wary.

“It’s… it’s the city,” Lorien says, his tone shocked. “We’re back in the city.”

I climb faster, my heart pounding. “What?!” I call out, reaching the top and pulling myself through the hatch.

When I stand, the familiar sights of the city unfold before me. The same towering buildings, bustling streets, and faint hum of life. But the streets are eerily empty, and the usual warmth of the city is replaced with an unsettling stillness.

Kaida, Hrothgar, and Veyron follow close behind, their expressions a mix of confusion and wariness as they take in the scene.

“This doesn’t make sense,” Kaida says, her staff glowing faintly as she glances around. “How are we back here? We didn’t travel that far underground.”

“It’s like the ladder bypassed everything,” Lorien mutters, his spear still in hand as he scans the deserted streets. “But why bring us here?”

Veyron snorts, though there’s unease in his eyes. “Because this game loves messing with us. First, the heart, then Lyra, and now this? It’s playing some twisted game, and we’re just the pawns.”

Hrothgar narrows his eyes, gripping his axe. “Whatever’s going on, we need answers—and fast. Let’s head to the inn and check that menu. If Lyra’s status has changed, it might tell us where she went and if she’s ok.”

I nod, though the unease in my chest doesn’t fade. “Agreed. Stay on guard, though. The city might not be as safe as it seems. Not after Selric.”

We rush through the eerily silent streets, the oppressive stillness making every step feel heavier. By the time we reach the inn, my chest is tight with unease, but I push the feeling aside as we charge into the nearest room—the boys’ room.

I don’t waste a second. Heading straight for the nightstand, I tap the small glowing button on its surface. The faint hum of the menu fills the air as it materializes in front of me, the familiar tabs lighting up.

“Party,” I mutter, selecting the tab with a trembling hand. The screen shifts, displaying the names and statuses of everyone in our group.

Kaida leans over my shoulder, her eyes wide with worry. “Is she…?”

Lorien steps closer, his spear still in hand, though his expression softens slightly. “What does it say?”

My eyes scan the screen, locking onto Lyra’s name. It’s still there—but next to it, instead of “Active,” it now reads “Ascended.”

“What the hell does that mean?” Hrothgar growls, stepping closer to the menu. “Ascended to what?”

I tap her name, hoping for more information. A new screen pops up, showing her status and a brief description:

Name: Lyra
• Class: Unknown
• Abilities: Unknown
• Status: Ascended
• Condition: Healthy
• Location:

Underneath it is a single note, faintly glowing:
• Notes
“The Chosen: Bound to the Heart of this World.”

Kaida gasps softly, her face pale. “Bound to the heart? Does that mean she’s… part of it now?”

Veyron lets out a low whistle, leaning against the wall. “Looks like Lyra’s playing a whole new game now. Whatever that ‘ascended’ thing means, it’s bigger than any of us.”

I close the menu, my hands trembling as I step back. My chest feels tight, the weight of everything crashing down on me. “She’s not gone,” I say softly, trying to convince myself. “She’s still… something. But I don’t know what this means for her—or for us.”

Kaida places a hand on my shoulder, her expression filled with worry. “We’ll figure it out. We just… need more answers.”

Lorien nods, his voice steady. “The map seller knew what this was. He set this in motion. If anyone knows what ‘ascended’ means, it’s him.”

I glance at Veyron, his tone casual despite the weight of the situation. “I guess this means she wasn’t replaced,” he says, leaning back against the wall.

For a moment, annoyance flares in me. How can he be so dismissive? But then it hits me—what if he’s right, in a way? My expression softens as I think it over.

“She was… different,” I say slowly, more to myself than anyone else. “Not in a bad way, but… maybe that’s why it chose her. Maybe the heart saw something in her that it didn’t see in the rest of us.”

Kaida frowns, her brow furrowed. “But what else was different that we didn’t already notice.” she asks, stepping closer.

I pause, trying to piece it together. “I don’t know. Maybe it was something deeper, something… about who she is, or what she’s capable of.”

Hrothgar crosses his arms, his voice gruff. “Whatever it was, it wasn’t random. That thing—the heart—it knew exactly what it was doing when it chose her.”

Veyron shrugs, though there’s a flicker of thoughtfulness in his smirk. “Could be. Or maybe it’s just this messed-up world throwing another curveball at us for fun. Either way, she’s not here, and we’re still stuck.”

Kaida looks at me, her eyes filled with worry. “If she’s bound to the heart now… does that mean she’s still herself? Or did it change her completely?”

The question sends a chill through me, and I clench my fists, my mind racing. “I don’t know,” I admit. “But if she’s still out there, we’re going to find her—and figure out what’s really going on.”

Lorien nods, his voice calm but firm. “Then we start with the map seller. He’s the only one who knows more than he’s letting on.”

The group moves quickly through the silent streets, determination and unease driving us forward. When we reach the map seller’s shop, I step ahead, ready to demand answers.

But I stop dead in my tracks.

“Where is it?” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the pounding in my chest.

The building is gone. In its place is an empty wall, its surface smooth and seamless, as if the shop never existed.

“What the hell?” Veyron mutters, stepping forward to inspect the wall. He runs his fingers along the stone, his expression turning sour. “This isn’t just weird. It’s like it was never here to begin with.”

Kaida grips her staff tightly, her eyes wide with confusion. “How is this possible? We were just here. He… he was real. We talked to him!”

Hrothgar growls, his frustration boiling over as he slams his axe into the wall. The impact sends a faint echo through the empty street, but the wall doesn’t budge. “Damn it! That bastard played us!”

Lorien steps closer to me, his voice low and calm despite the tension in his eyes. “He’s hiding. This has to be part of whatever game he’s playing with us.”

I stare at the wall, my mind racing. “No,” I say softly. “He wasn’t just hiding. He knew this was going to happen. He’s always been one step ahead.”

Kaida glances at me, her voice trembling. “Then what do we do now? If he’s gone, how do we figure out what happened to Lyra?”

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to think clearly. “We don’t stop. If he’s hiding, then we keep pushing forward. Lyra’s bound to the heart—whatever that means—and we’re not going to figure this out by standing still.”

Veyron chuckles dryly, though there’s little humor in it. “Guess that means more wandering around this cursed city until the game decides to drop us another clue.”

Hrothgar grits his teeth, stepping back from the wall. “Whatever we do, we’d better do it fast. If that seller could vanish this easily, there’s no telling what else is coming.”

Before I can answer, a glowing pop-up appears in front of all of us, the words hovering in the air like an uninvited ghost:

“Quest Complete: Find the Map Seller’s Treasure Vault”

I blink, confused, as the screen shifts and flashes again. Beneath the word “Reward,” the text is scrambled, a jumbled mess of characters that seem almost impossible to read.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Hrothgar growls, glaring at the pop-up.

Kaida squints at it, frustration clear in her voice. “Even the rewards are cryptic now? Great. Just great.”

Before we can process further, the pop-up vanishes, replaced by another.

“New Quest: Investigate the City.”

The words pulse faintly, like a heartbeat, as if urging us forward.

Veyron chuckles darkly, brushing dust off his cloak. “So now even the game doesn’t want to tell us what we earned. Figures.”

Lorien steps closer, his expression calm but focused. “This has to be connected to Lyra,” he says quietly. “The city was already strange, but now… it feels like it’s trying to tell us something.”

I stare at the empty pop-up for a moment longer, Loren’s words fading into the back of my mind. My chest tightens as a chilling thought creeps in.

“Wait,” I say softly, more to myself than anyone else. “Was the reward… whatever happened to Lyra?”

Kaida looks at me sharply, her eyes wide. “You think her… ‘ascension’ was the reward for completing the quest?”

I nod slowly, the pieces falling into place in my mind. “It would make sense. The menu said she was ‘bound to the heart.’ If the heart was tied to the vault, then maybe the ‘reward’ wasn’t for us—it was for her.”

Hrothgar growls, his frustration boiling over. “So what? She gets turned into some glowing ghost thing, and that’s supposed to be a prize? That’s not a reward—it’s a curse!”

Veyron snickers dryly, though his smirk doesn’t reach his eyes. “Well, if that’s the case, I’m glad I didn’t get picked. ‘Ascension’ sounds way too expensive for my tastes.”

Lorien steps closer, his voice calm but firm. “We need more answers. If Lyra’s transformation was the ‘reward,’ then there has to be a reason behind it. Something about her made her the heart’s choice.”

I swallow hard, my thoughts racing. “Whatever it means, it’s not over. If the game wants us to ‘investigate the city,’ then maybe we’ll find the answers here. Maybe we’ll find her.”

Lorien steps forward, his spear resting against his shoulder as his sharp gaze scans the empty street. “What about the gate guard?” he says suddenly, his voice thoughtful but firm.

I glance at him, confused for a moment. “The guard? What about him?”

He tightens his grip on the spear. “We already suspected he wasn’t acting like an NPC. And now, with the map seller pulling this vanishing act, it’s pretty clear that there are people posing as NPCs.”

Kaida’s eyes widen slightly as the realization hits her. “You think he’s… like the map seller? That he knows something?”

“Exactly,” Lorien says, his tone serious. “If anyone knows what’s going on in this city—or with Lyra—it’s him.”

Hrothgar nods, his expression grim. “It’s a lead, and that’s more than we’ve got right now. Let’s go see him. If he’s not on our side, we’ll make him talk.”

Veyron smirks, twirling a dagger idly in his hand. “I like the sound of that. Creepy guard guy’s been rubbing me the wrong way from the start.”

I nod, gripping my bow tightly as I turn toward the gate. “Alright. Let’s see what he knows. But stay on guard—if he’s like the map seller, he might not give us straight answers.”

The group sets off through the quiet streets, the silence of the city weighing heavily on us. My mind races as we move, each step bringing us closer to the gate—and to another potential piece of this puzzle.

The dim light from the street lamps reflects softly off the dark, polished bricks beneath our feet. The glow creates an oddly serene atmosphere, the kind of calm that would feel safe—if the city itself didn’t feel so wrong.

I glance around, taking in the empty streets and the flickering glow of the lights. For a moment, I allow myself to imagine this place under different conditions.

“I mean,” I murmur quietly, almost to myself, “if we weren’t trapped in some kind of twisted nightmare game, this place would actually be… kind of nice. Peaceful, even.”

Kaida slows for a moment, looking around as well. “You’re right,” she says softly, her tone distant. “It’s beautiful in a strange way. The architecture, the lights… under better circumstances, I’d love to visit a place like this.”

Hrothgar grunts, his tone gruff. “Yeah, well, under better circumstances, we wouldn’t have to deal with glowing hearts and disappearing freinds.”

Veyron chuckles dryly, flipping one of his daggers idly. “I’ll admit, it’s got its charm. Creepy charm, but charm. Not enough to forget everything trying to kill us, though.”

Lorien glances back at me, his expression thoughtful. “Maybe that’s the point,” he says quietly. “This place… it’s like it’s designed to make you want to stay. The lights, the quiet—it’s all a distraction. Trying to make feel safe in the city.”

His words send a chill through me, and I grip my bow a little tighter as we continue toward the gate. “Well, I’m not about to be distracted,” I say firmly. “We’re going to figure this out—and get out of here.”

“Let’s hurry up,” I say, quickening my pace as the glow of the gate comes into view. “For all we know, this guy doesn’t always stay at the gate. If he’s not there when we arrive, we could lose our chance to question him.”

Kaida nods, gripping her staff tightly as she matches my stride. “Good point. If he’s like the map seller, he might vanish just as easily.”

Lorien tightens his hold on his spear, his eyes scanning the darkened alleys and quiet storefronts as we move. “Agreed. Let’s not waste time.”

Hrothgar hefts his axe over his shoulder, his expression grim. “And if he’s not there… then what? We’ve already run into enough dead ends today.”

“Then we find him,” I say firmly, my determination rising as we approach the gate. “If he knows something about Lyra—or this city—we can’t afford to let him slip away.”

The group pushes forward, the sound of our footsteps echoing faintly against the polished bricks. The gate looms ahead, its towering structure casting long shadows under the flickering streetlights. My grip tightens on my bow as the figure of the guard steps out from the shadows. His polished armor catches the faint light of the streetlamps, and that ever-present smile spreads across his face as he walks toward us.

“Hello, adventurers,” he says cheerfully, his tone smooth and unnervingly casual. “Out late, I see. What brings you to my gate at this hour?”

I glance at the others, their tension mirroring my own. My chest tightens as I meet his gaze, his smile too knowing, too deliberate.

“We’ve got questions,” I say firmly, stepping forward. My voice is steady, but the unease in my chest is hard to ignore. “About this city. And about you.”

The guard tilts his head slightly, his smile never wavering. “Me? What a curious thing to ask. I’m just a humble gatekeeper, here to watch over the comings and goings of travelers like yourselves.”

Kaida narrows her eyes, stepping closer. “You’re not just a gatekeeper,” she says, her voice sharp. “You knew something about Lyra when we came through. And now the map seller’s gone, too. Who are you really?”

The guard chuckles softly, folding his arms as he regards us. “Such bold accusations,” he says lightly. “I assure you, I am who I appear to be. But tell me, adventurers—what exactly is it that you’re looking for?”

Veyron scoffs, flipping his dagger in his hand. “Oh, you know, the usual. Cryptic answers, glowing hearts, missing party members. Care to shed some light on any of that?”

The guard’s smile widens, his eyes glinting faintly in the dim light. “Ah, I see. You’ve been busy. Tell me… what did you think of the heart?”

My breath catches, and I feel the others tense beside me.

“How do you know about the heart?” I ask, my voice low and sharp.

The guard’s smile never fades as he steps closer, his calm demeanor sending a chill down my spine. “I know many things,” he says softly. “But whether I share them… depends on you.”

I narrow my eyes, taking a small step forward. His smile is still there, but now that I’m looking closer, it feels… different. Less fake, less rehearsed. There’s a hint of something beneath it—something real.

“We know you’re not an NPC,” I say firmly, my voice cutting through the quiet.

The guard tilts his head slightly, the glint in his eyes growing sharper. “Oh?” he says, his tone light but carrying an edge. “And what makes you so certain of that, adventurer?”

Kaida steps beside me, gripping her staff tightly. “You’re too aware,” she says, her voice steady but accusing. “The way you smiled at us before, the way you’re talking to us now—it’s not like the other NPCs. You know more than you’re letting on.”

The guard chuckles softly, clasping his hands behind his back as he regards us. “And if I am not what I seem?” he asks, his tone almost playful. “What then? What is it you want from me?”

Hrothgar growls, stepping forward with his axe resting on his shoulder. “We want answers,” he says bluntly. “About this city, the heart, and Lyra. And we’re done playing games.”

The guard’s smile widens, but now it feels more genuine, more unsettling. “Ah, the heart,” he murmurs, his gaze flicking briefly toward me. “A truly fascinating thing, isn’t it? So much power, so much… potential.”

I clench my fists, my heart pounding. “What did it do to Lyra?” I demand. “Why was she ‘chosen’? What does that even mean?”

The guard’s smile fades slightly, replaced by a look of calm contemplation. “She was chosen because she could endure,” he says simply. “Because she had what was required.”

“What does that mean?” Kaida snaps, her voice trembling. “Endure what? Required for what?”

The guard’s gaze shifts to her, his expression unreadable. “To become more. To transcend the limitations of this world.” He pauses, his tone softening. “But such gifts come with burdens. Surely you’ve realized that by now.”

I grit my teeth, my bow trembling slightly in my hand. “If you know so much, then help us. Tell us where she went.”

The guard lets out a low chuckle, his smile returning. “Oh, I’m afraid that’s not something I can do. But rest assured—your friend’s journey is far from over. And neither is yours.”

I stare at him, my grip on my bow tightening. “I knew it,” I mutter under my breath. “You’re not just some random NPC, you’re not one at all.”

He chuckles softly, his smile still unnervingly calm. “Oh, I am what you’d call an NPC,” he says smoothly, “but not the type you may be familiar with. I’m something… quite different. More advanced. More real, you might say.”

Kaida steps closer, her staff glowing faintly. “More real?” she asks, her voice sharp. “What does that even mean?”

The guard tilts his head, his expression thoughtful. “Certain NPCs—important ones—are created differently. You’ve likely already encountered a few of us, by now. We’re here to guide, to challenge, to… shape your journey.”

I narrow my eyes at him, his words twisting uneasily in my mind. “Like the map seller by the market…” I say carefully, watching his reaction.

He raises an eyebrow, his smile taking on a curious edge. “Map seller?” he repeats, his tone light but inquisitive. “By the market, you said?”

“Yes,” I say, my voice firmer now. “The map seller in the market. The one who sent us to the heart.”

The guard’s smile fades slightly, his eyes narrowing just enough to make me uncomfortable. “Ah,” he says slowly, “there is no map seller in the market.”

I blink, taken aback. “What?”

“The only map seller,” he continues, his tone growing sharper, “is in the castle courtyard. If you encountered someone in the market, then I’m afraid… you weren’t speaking to one of us.”

Kaida gasps softly, her face pale. “Not one of you? Then who—or what—was he?”

The guard shrugs, though there’s a faint flicker of unease in his expression. “Something… outside the design, perhaps,” he says vaguely. “But if that’s the case, you should tread carefully. Anything—or anyone—not bound to this world’s rules is far more dangerous than you can imagine.”

Hrothgar growls, gripping his axe tighter. “You’re saying we got sent into that nightmare by someone who’s not even part of the game? And you just expect us to ‘tread carefully’?”

The guard’s smile returns, though it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Expect what you like,” he says lightly. “But if you seek answers, I’d suggest starting in the castle courtyard. The real map seller may have insights you’ll find… enlightening.”

I take a deep breath, my chest tightening as his words sink in. “The courtyard,” I say slowly, glancing back at the others. “Then that’s where we’re going.”

The guard steps aside, motioning toward the city. “The choice is yours, adventurers. But remember—choices always come with consequences.”

Lorien steps forward, his spear still at the ready, his sharp eyes locked on the guard. “How do we know we can trust you?” he says, his voice low but steady.

The guard chuckles softly, his smile calm but slightly amused. “I suppose you don’t,” he says, meeting Lorien’s gaze. “But tell me, have I steered you wrong so far?”

Veyron narrows his eyes, his grip tightening on his dagger. “You’ve been cryptic at best,” he snaps. “That’s hardly the same as steering us in the right direction.”

The guard shrugs lightly, his expression unbothered. “Fair enough,” he admits. “But I assure you, I’m quite interested in this matter myself. Someone impersonating a merchant? It’s unheard of. If what you say is true, then something—or someone—has breached the design of this world.”

I glance at the others, the weight of his words settling heavily in the quiet. “And if we find out what’s going on?” I ask carefully.

The guard’s smile returns, a faint glint of curiosity in his eyes. “Then come back to me,” he says simply. “I’d very much like to know what you uncover. After all, this isn’t just your story—it’s mine as well.”

Hrothgar growls, his axe resting heavily on his shoulder. “Convenient for you to just stand back while we do the digging.”

The guard inclines his head slightly. “Perhaps,” he says lightly. “But isn’t that what you adventurers are meant to do? Face challenges, uncover mysteries, shape the world around you?”

Veyron chuckles dryly his face relaxing. “He’s got a point. As much as I hate it, we’re kind of stuck doing the grunt work anyway.”

I let out a slow breath, my mind racing. The guard’s answers are vague, but there’s something genuine beneath his cryptic demeanor. Whether or not we can trust him, we don’t have many options.

“Fine,” I say finally, glancing back at the others. “We’ll head to the castle courtyard and find the real map seller. But if this leads us into another trap…”

The guard raises a hand, his expression calm. “Then you’re welcome to hold me accountable,” he says smoothly. “Though I suspect you’ll have far more pressing concerns.”

With that, he steps back into the shadows near the gate, his figure blending seamlessly into the dim light.

Kaida sighs heavily, gripping her staff as she looks at me. “Well, I guess we’re off to the castle courtyard.”

The already barren streets grow quieter the closer we get to the castle, the faint sound of our footsteps echoing against the polished bricks. The once sparse streets are nearly empty now, save for a few figures moving in the distance—too few for a city of this size.

I keep my bow at the ready, scanning the shadows for anything unusual. “It’s too quiet,” I mutter, glancing at Kaida.

She nods, her staff glowing faintly as she stays close. “Yeah… this isn’t normal. Even for this place.”

As we approach the castle, the silence is broken only by the sound of armor clinking. The guards become more frequent, patrolling the streets in pairs. Their movements are steady, their expressions blank, almost mechanical.

Hrothgar tightens his grip on his axe, his eyes narrowing. “Lot of guards,” he mutters. “Too many. What are they protecting?”

Lorien glances at them warily, his spear resting at his side. “I’d presume the castle.” says glancing up at its peaks. “They don’t seem hostile, but let’s not give them a reason to notice us.”

Veyron smirks, his tone low but playful. “Relax. If they wanted to stop us, they’d have done it by now. Just keep moving like we belong here.”

The castle looms ahead, its towering glass like spires cutting into the dark sky. The closer we get, the more guards we see, their presence growing thicker with every step.

As we round a corner, the courtyard comes into view. It’s a wide, open space surrounded by tall stone walls, faintly lit by torches lining the perimeter. At its center, a small stall sits under a canopy, its surface cluttered with scrolls, maps, and various trinkets.

“That must be it,” Kaida says, pointing toward the stall.

We stop short as a gate blocks our path to the courtyard. A single guard stands in front of it, his armor polished and his spear resting against the ground. He straightens up as we approach, his voice firm and unwavering.

“Halt,” he commands, his gaze locking onto me.

I raise a hand slowly, motioning for the others to stay back as I step forward. “We’re here to see the map seller,” I say firmly, keeping my tone calm but assertive.

The guard doesn’t move, his expression unreadable beneath his helmet. “Access to the courtyard is restricted at this hour,” he says flatly. “State your business.”

Kaida steps up beside me, gripping her staff tightly. “We need answers about something important,” she says. “The map seller might be able to help us.”

The guard remains silent for a moment, his head tilting slightly as if weighing our words. “The map seller is an official of the castle,” he says. “Not just anyone is permitted to meet with him, let alone at this hour.”

“Please it’s really important we see him right away.” I say pleasing with the guard.

Hrothgar growls from behind us, his voice low. “Let us through, or we’ll make this your problem.”

The guard’s grip tightens slightly on his spear, though his tone remains calm. “Threats will get you nowhere. If you have legitimate business, prove it—or leave.”

I glance back at the others, frustration boiling in my chest. “We don’t have time for this,” I mutter under my breath.

Suddenly a dark blur leaps past me as the sound of Veyron’s fist connecting with the guard’s helmet echoes sharply through the still courtyard. The guard crumples to the ground in a heap, completely unconscious.

We all freeze, staring at Veyron as he casually shakes out his hand, a smug grin spreading across his face.

“What?” he says, his tone light and nonchalant. “We need to find Lyra.”

Kaida’s jaw drops, her staff trembling in her hand. “Veyron!” she hisses, her voice a mix of disbelief and panic. “You just… punched him!”

Hrothgar stares at the unconscious guard, then lets out a low chuckle, crossing his arms. “Well, that’s one way to handle it.”

Lorien steps forward, his brow furrowed. “You realize we’re going to have a lot more trouble now, right?” he says, glancing toward the other guards patrolling nearby.

Veyron shrugs, smirking as he leans down to grab the keys off the unconscious guard’s belt. “Trouble or not, we’ve got to move. Unless you want to waste more time convincing a guy who wasn’t going to budge?”

I glare at him, my chest tightening with frustration. “That wasn’t the plan, Veyron! What if the other guards notice? We can’t afford to get in trouble with them.”

He tosses me the keys with a cocky grin. “Then we don’t get caught. Come on, Artemis—admit it. You were just as sick of waiting as I was.”

Kaida groans, rubbing her temples. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but he’s not wrong. We don’t have time to stand around arguing.”

I glance down at the unconscious guard, my stomach twisting. “Fine,” I mutter, moving toward the gate. “But if this goes sideways, it’s on you, Veyron.”

Sliding the guards key into the lock, I turn it with a soft click, then we push it open and rush into the courtyard, the sound of our hurried footsteps breaking the eerie silence. I keep my bow at the ready, scanning the area for any sign of more guards, but the courtyard is empty.

No guards, no patrols—just the faint glow of the torches lining the walls and the soft hum of the wind.

“There’s no one here,” Kaida whispers, glancing around nervously. “Why aren’t there any guards?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Hrothgar growls, his axe in hand. “Let’s get to the stall and find some answers before they show up.”

The stall is exactly as it looked from the gate—cluttered with scrolls, maps, and strange trinkets. As we approach, I feel my chest tighten with anticipation. Whoever—or whatever—is behind this, I’m ready to demand the truth.

I move closer, but no one is behind the counter. The trinkets shimmer faintly in the dim light, and the maps are carefully arranged, almost too perfectly.

“Where is he?” I ask, my voice tense.

Kaida steps beside me, her staff glowing faintly. “This is the right place, isn’t it? The guard said he’d be here.”

Veyron smirks, leaning casually against the counter. “Maybe he’s hiding. Or maybe this is just another trap.”

Suddenly, a low voice speaks from behind the stall, smooth and measured.

“Adventurers,” the voice says calmly, “what an unexpected visit.”

I whip around, my bow drawn, as a figure steps out of the shadows. It’s an older man with sharp features, dressed in dark robes. His eyes gleam with intelligence and something else—something unsettling.

The man’s voice is calm, almost amused, as he steps fully into the faint light of the courtyard. “Looking for something?” he says smoothly, his sharp eyes scanning each of us.

I lower my bow slightly but don’t let my guard down. “We’re looking for answers,” I say firmly, my voice cutting through the silence. “And we were told you might have them.”

The man raises an eyebrow, his faint smile never fading. “Answers, is it? How curious. What sort of answers do you seek, adventurers?”

Kaida steps up beside me, her grip on her staff tightening. “Don’t play coy,” she snaps. “We know you’re not just some ordinary map seller. We’re looking for information about the heart—and about our friend.”

At the mention of the heart, the man’s smile grows wider. “Ah,” he says softly, his tone carrying a note of intrigue. “The heart. So you’ve encountered it already. And your friend… would this be the one who was chosen?”

My chest tightens, and I take a step forward. “What do you know about that?” I demand. “What happened to her? Why was she chosen?”

The man chuckles, his expression unreadable. “So many questions,” he says. “But I wonder… are you prepared for the answers?”

Hrothgar growls, his axe resting heavily on his shoulder. “Stop stalling and just tell us. What happened to Lyra? Where is she?”

The man’s gaze flicks to Hrothgar briefly before returning to me. “Patience,” he says calmly. “If you wish to know the truth, you’ll have to trust me—or prove yourselves worthy of it.”

I glare at him, my frustration boiling over. “We’re not here to play games,” I snap. “If you know something about Lyra, tell us now.”

The man’s smile fades slightly, and his tone grows colder. “The heart does not choose lightly,” he says. “Your friend has ascended beyond what you understand. But whether that is a gift or a curse… that remains to be seen.”

Kaida takes a shaky step forward. “What does that mean?” she asks, her voice trembling. “Is she still… herself?”

The man tilts his head slightly, as if considering the question. “Perhaps. But the heart has a will of its own, and its touch leaves a mark. If you wish to uncover the full truth, there is much more for you to learn—and much more for you to face.”

The man hands me a map, the parchment cool and smooth in my hands. His faint smile lingers as his sharp eyes meet mine.

“As the leader,” he says, his tone calm but pointed, “you’ll need to be strong. This map will guide you to the next piece of the puzzle. Follow it, and you’ll find some answers.”

I glance down at the map, its ink glowing faintly in the dim light, the route clearly marked. My chest tightens with unease as I look back at him. “Why are you helping us?” I ask warily.

He tilts his head slightly, that faint smile never fading. “Consider it… an investment,” he says cryptically. “The stronger you grow, the closer you’ll come to understanding the truth of this world. And that, adventurer, benefits us all.”

Before I can press him further, he gestures toward the gate, his expression turning more urgent. “Oh, and you might want to leave the district—quickly,” he adds, pointing toward the entrance.

I follow his gaze to see the unconscious guard stirring, his armor clinking softly as he begins to wake up.

Hrothgar snorts, hefting his axe onto his shoulder. “Great. Veyron’s little stunt is about to come back and bite us.”

Kaida glances nervously between the guard and the map seller. “We need to go. If he alerts the others, we’ll have the whole castle after us.”

Veyron smirks, already heading for the gate. “Relax. I’ll just knock him out again.”

“No!” I snap, glaring at him. “We’ve caused enough trouble. Let’s just get out of here before things escalate.”

The map seller steps back into the shadows, his voice carrying a final, calm warning. “Good luck, adventurers. And remember—every choice you make carries weight.”

As the guard stirs more visibly, I clutch the map tightly and motion to the others. “Let’s move!”

We head for the gate, slipping through as quickly and quietly as possible.

We duck into the nearest alley, the dim torchlight from the streets barely reaching us as we move through the narrow passageways. My heart pounds as I clutch the map tightly, glancing back to make sure the others are close.

“This way!” I whisper, motioning for them to follow.

Kaida stays close, her staff clutched tightly in her hands. “Do you think the guards saw us?” she whispers nervously, her eyes darting toward every shadow.

“They will soon enough,” Hrothgar mutters from behind her. “That guy’s waking up, and it won’t take long for them to figure out we were there.”

Veyron chuckles under his breath, keeping pace effortlessly. “Then we better move fast, huh? Artemis, you got us a good route out of here?”

I glance down at the map briefly, the faintly glowing ink showing the route clearly. “Not yet,” I say, my voice steady despite the knot in my stomach. “We need to put some distance between us and the castle first. Then we’ll figure out where this leads.”

Lorien steps ahead of me, scanning the intersecting alleys. “Here,” he says, motioning toward a darker passage. “This one’s clear. Let’s keep moving.”

The alleys grow narrower as we move farther from the castle. The sound of our footsteps echoes softly against the walls, but otherwise, the city is eerily quiet.

After what feels like an eternity, we emerge into a quieter district, the looming silhouette of the castle far behind us. I pause, leaning against a wall to catch my breath, the others doing the same.

“Alright,” I say finally, unfolding the map fully. “Let’s figure out where we’re headed.”

Kaida steps closer, peering over my shoulder. “Do you recognize any of these landmarks?”

I scan the map, the glowing ink marking a clear path to a new area of the city—but the destination is unfamiliar.

“It’s not too far,” I say, pointing to the location. “But it’s outside this district by a good amount.”

Hrothgar grunts, standing up straight. “Good. The farther from the castle, the better.”

“Let’s not waste time,” Lorien adds, his spear resting against his shoulder. “We’ll figure it out as we go.”

A loud, piercing alarm suddenly echoes through the air, shattering the stillness of the quiet district. My stomach drops, the sound so jarring and out of place in this medieval-looking city that it feels almost unreal.

“An alarm?” Kaida blurts out, clutching her staff tighter. “Why is there an alarm? This place is supposed to be medieval!”

Veyron smirks, but his eyes dart around warily. “Guess the guards got a upgrade,” he mutters.

Hrothgar growls, hefting his axe. “Great. Now they’ll be searching everywhere for us. We’re not going to get far with that blaring over our heads.”

Lorien glances at me, his voice calm but urgent. “We need to figure out our next move—fast. Do we keep pushing forward or find somewhere to lay low until the alarm dies down?”

I bite my lip, the alarm making it nearly impossible to think clearly. He’s right—moving around is going to be next to impossible with this alert drawing attention to every corner of the city.

“This map better be worth it,” I mutter, pulling it back out and scanning it quickly.

The glowing ink shows a route leading through several districts before reaching the marked destination. It’s not far, but with the guards actively searching, it might as well be a mile away.

“We don’t have a lot of options,” I say, my voice firm despite the knot in my stomach. “If we stop, they’ll find us. We’ll just have to be careful.”

Kaida frowns, glancing nervously around the alley. “Careful? With guards swarming the city?”

I turn to the group, my voice tense as the blaring alarm echoes through the streets. “What do you suggest?” I ask, my stress spilling into my words. “We can’t keep running forever but we can’t stop, they’re going to be everywhere!”

Lorien steps closer, his spear resting against his shoulder, his expression calm despite the chaos. “Maybe we find an inn,” he suggests. “If we can get a room, we could hide out until the alarm dies down.”

Kaida hesitates, glancing nervously at the faint glow of the streets beyond the alley. “That might work… but what if the guards start checking inns? Wouldn’t they go door to door?”

Hrothgar grunts, leaning against the wall. “It’s still better than running around the streets like targets,” he says. “At least we’d have walls between us and them.”

Veyron crosses his arms, smirking faintly. “An inn could work, sure. But what’s the plan if the guards do come knocking? We can’t exactly talk our way out after knocking one of their guys out cold, they’ll know what we look like.”

I glance back at the map, the glowing ink showing the marked route leading farther away from the castle. The destination feels so close, yet the alarm blaring overhead makes every step dangerous.

“We could risk it,” I say slowly, the weight of the decision pressing down on me. “If we find an inn quickly and stay out of sight, it might buy us some time. But if they find us…”

Kaida’s voice softens. “What other choice do we have?”

Veyron’s voice cuts through the tension as he casually nods toward a nearby storefront. “We could always ‘borrow’ some clothes,” he says, smirking. “Blend in a little better, avoid standing out.”

I follow his gaze to the shop. The sign above it is faded, but the window displays are lined with cloaks, tunics, and various accessories—just enough to help us avoid looking like heavily armed fugitives.

Kaida raises an eyebrow, her tone skeptical. “Borrow? You mean steal.”

“Borrow,” Veyron repeats, the smirk never leaving his face. “We’ll bring them back… Probably. Besides, it’s not like we have many options right now.”

Hrothgar snorts, glancing at the shop. “Might not be a bad idea. The alarm’s already up. If we look like regular citizens, they might not pay us as much attention.”

Lorien frowns, gripping his spear. “And what happens if we get caught inside? Or if the shopkeeper knows it’s us and raises the alarm too?”

Veyron shrugs, clearly unbothered. “Then we deal with it. Quick in, quick out. Trust me, I’ve done this before.”

I glance at the store, my chest tightening as I weigh the risk. Disguises could make it easier to move through the city unnoticed, but breaking into the shop could backfire fast if we’re not careful.

“We could use the disguises,” I admit, my voice uncertain. “But it’s risky. If the guards catch us, it’s game over.”

“Fine, let’s hurry,” I say reluctantly, and we dash toward the store. My heart races as we reach the entrance, only to find it locked and dark inside. “Now what?” I mutter, frustration creeping into my voice.

Suddenly, the sharp sound of shattering glass fills the air, and I spin around to see Hrothgar standing proudly beside the now-broken front window.

“What?” he says with a shrug, his voice gruff but unapologetic. “They’re already after us, and we were gonna steal it anyway. What’s one broken window?”

“Borrowed,” Veyron corrects, his smirk widening as he casually steps forward. “Don’t ruin the narrative, big guy.”

I roll my eyes, frustration boiling over as I step through the now-open window. “Could we at least try not to make this worse?” I snap, my voice low but heated.

Kaida climbs in after me, muttering under her breath. “I can’t believe we’re doing this,” she says, her staff clutched tightly. “We’re going to get caught. I just know it.”

Lorien steps in last, his movements cautious as he scans the street behind us. “We don’t have time to argue. Let’s get what we need and get out of here before someone notices.”

The interior of the shop is cramped but filled with racks of clothing, shelves of accessories, and even a few cloaks hanging by the door. The dim moonlight filtering through the broken window is just enough to see by.

I grab a cloak from a nearby rack, the dark fabric sturdy but lightweight. “Take what you need,” I whisper, my voice sharp. “And make it fast.”

Veyron is already sifting through a rack of cloaks, his movements efficient. “See? Easy,” he says, tossing a dark blue one over his shoulder. “Just grab something that doesn’t scream ‘adventurer.’”

Hrothgar snatches a long coat that barely fits his broad frame, grumbling as he pulls it on. “This better be worth it.”

Kaida finds a simple dress and cloak, her expression conflicted as she puts them on. “I still don’t like this,” she mutters, glancing nervously at the broken window. “What if someone saw us?”

Lorien adjusts a hooded cloak, his spear tucked discreetly beneath it. “If they did, we’ll deal with it. But right now, this is our best shot at staying hidden.”

I fasten the cloak around my shoulders, pulling the hood up over my head. The fabric feels strange, heavy, but it does the job of concealing my gear.

I glance at the others, my eyes narrowing as I take in their choices. Hrothgar’s long coat barely fits his massive frame, the seams stretching dangerously every time he moves.

“Subtle,” I mutter, raising an eyebrow. “You look like a blacksmith trying to sneak out of work early.”

Veyron smirks, adjusting the new robe and a tunic he grabbed. It hangs loosely on him, but he’s already managed to tuck away his daggers, making him look like any other opportunistic city dweller. “I make anything look good,” he says with a wink.

Kaida pulls the hood of a cloak low over her face, her hands fiddling nervously with the fabric. The simple dress on underneath it blends well enough, but the awkward way she stands makes it obvious she’s uncomfortable.

“It’s not my style,” she mutters defensively when she notices my look.

Lorien stands calmly in his hooded cloak, the spear hidden just enough to make him appear like a traveler. He adjusts the hood slightly, glancing at me with a faint smirk. “What? Do I not pass inspection?”

I glance down at my own cloak, feeling the coarse fabric weigh on my shoulders. The dark color is practical enough, but I can’t shake how strange it feels to try to blend in this way.

“Alright,” I say finally, pulling my hood lower. “We’re not going to win any fashion awards, but this will do. Just… try not to act suspicious.”

Hrothgar grunts, shifting his shoulders uncomfortably. “I think the broken window already did that for us.”

Kaida sighs, glancing nervously toward the shattered glass. “So, what now? Do we leave now, or wait to make sure no one’s out there?”

“We better leave now,” I say, adjusting my cloak and glancing pointedly at Veyron. “We don’t want to look worse than we already do after someone decided to knock out that guard.”

Veyron raises his hands innocently, though the smirk on his face betrays any attempt at remorse. “Hey, it worked, didn’t it? No need to thank me all at once.”

Hrothgar snorts, stepping toward the broken window. “Let’s just move before the guard wakes up and connects the dots. We’ve wasted enough time.”

Kaida fidgets with her cloak, her nervous glance flicking to the street. “If someone spots us coming out of here, it’s over. Let’s not give them a chance.”

I nod, stepping toward the window and carefully climbing out onto the street. The others follow close behind, their movements as quiet as possible. The alarm still blares in the distance, a constant reminder of the chaos we’re leaving behind.

Once outside, I glance quickly down both ends of the street. It seems clear for now, but the flicker of torchlight in the distance suggests that patrols aren’t far off.

“Alright,” I whisper, turning back to the group. “Stick to the alleys, stay quiet, and keep your hoods up. We’ll figure out where to go once we’re farther from the castle district.”

With that, we slip back into the shadows, moving swiftly through the maze of alleys.

After a bit I glance down at the map, the glowing ink faintly marking a location not far from where we are. Lorien steps closer, pointing to the spot.

“There’s an inn nearby,” he says, his tone calm but firm. “With these disguises, we should be able to hide out there until the guards give up. We need rest anyway.”

Kaida exhales in relief, lowering her staff slightly. “An inn sounds better than running around in circles all night,” she says softly. “We’re no good to Lyra if we’re too exhausted to think.”

Hrothgar grunts, his expression skeptical. “And if the guards check the inns?”

Veyron adjusts his tunic, smirking. “That’s what the disguises are for, genius. Besides, we can always slip out the back if things get messy.”

I nod slowly, my mind racing. “Alright,” I say finally. “This inn is our best chance to rest and regroup. But we need to keep our heads down and act like we belong there. No drawing attention.”

I glance at Veyron pointedly. “That means no extra attention, got it?”

He raises his hands in mock innocence, grinning. “I’m always subtle.”

I roll my eyes and adjust my cloak again, pulling the hood lower. “Let’s move. The faster we get there, the better.”

The group sets off quietly, sticking to the alleys and moving cautiously toward the inn marked on the map.

The alarm continues to echo faintly in the distance as we slip through the alleys, narrowly avoiding a few patrols. It becomes clear pretty quickly that the guards aren’t exactly experts at searching—their detection skills are laughably bad, but that doesn’t make the situation any less tense.

By the time we reach the inn, I can feel the exhaustion weighing on me. The warm glow of the lanterns outside the door feels almost inviting, but I keep my hood pulled low as we step inside.

The interior is cozy but simple—wooden beams, a roaring fire in the hearth, and a handful of tables scattered about the common area. A few tired travelers sit nursing drinks, paying us no mind as we head straight to the counter.

I glance at the innkeeper, an older woman with sharp eyes and a stern expression. Her gaze flicks over us briefly, but she doesn’t seem suspicious—yet.

“We need rooms,” I say quickly, keeping my tone calm but firm. “For five people.”

The innkeeper raises an eyebrow, glancing at our cloaks. “Busy night, is it?” she says, her voice dry. “Five rooms or fewer?”

Lorien steps up beside me, lowering his hood slightly. “Two rooms will do,” he says smoothly, his tone polite but authoritative. “We don’t plan to stay long.”

The woman considers us for a moment before nodding. “That’ll be twenty gold,” she says.

I glance back at the group, hesitating. We don’t have much left after resupplying before, but there’s no time to argue. We pull out the coins placing them on the counter.

“Rooms 3 and 4,” the innkeeper says, sliding two keys across the counter. “Upstairs, second door on the left and right.”

I nod, grabbing the keys and motioning for the others to follow.

As we head upstairs, Kaida whispers, “Do you think she recognized us?”

“Let’s hope not,” I mutter, glancing over my shoulder. “For now, just act normal. We can figure out our next move once we’re inside.”

We reach the rooms and split up quickly, slipping inside and locking the doors behind us. The alarm outside is still faintly audible, but for the moment, it feels like we’re safe.

I lean back against the door, the cool wood pressing against my shoulders as I slide down to the floor. The weight of the day crashes over me, and I take a deep, shaky breath, letting it out slowly.

“You okay, Artemis?” Kaida asks softly, her voice full of concern as she sits on the edge of the bed, her staff resting beside her.

I force a small, tired smile, though I know it doesn’t reach my eyes. “I guess,” I say, my voice quiet. “Today just… sucked. Everything about it. I’m more confused than ever about why the game pulled us in.”

Kaida leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she watches me carefully. “You’re not the only one,” she says gently. “Nothing about this makes sense. The heart, Lyra, the NPCs who aren’t completely NPCs… it’s like the rules keep shifting the moment we start to figure things out.”

I nod, staring at the floor as I fiddle with the edge of my cloak. “And then there’s what happened with Lyra,” I mutter. “Why her? Why not any of us? I keep thinking maybe there’s some bigger plan, but… what if there’s not? What if it’s all just random?”

Kaida’s expression softens, and she moves to sit beside me, her shoulder brushing mine. “I don’t think it’s random,” she says firmly. “The heart chose her for a reason—even if we don’t understand it yet. And we’ll figure it out, Together.”

Her words bring a small flicker of comfort, but the weight in my chest doesn’t entirely lift. I glance at her, meeting her gaze. “Do you ever think about… the real world? About what we left behind?”

Kaida’s expression falters slightly, and she looks away, her voice soft. “All the time. But… being here, it’s like everything back there feels so far away. Almost like it wasn’t real.”

I nod slowly, letting her words sink in. “Yeah,” I murmur. “And now, being stuck here… this feels more real than anything else.”

The room falls into a comfortable silence, the faint sound of the alarm outside fading into the background. For the first time all day, I feel a moment of quiet—fragile, but welcome.

“You were 18 before, right?” I ask softly, glancing at Kaida.

She nods, tucking a strand of her fiery red hair behind her ear. “Yeah,” she says, her voice quiet but steady. “Just barely on my own, I guess.”

“And you were in college too right?” I press, curiosity stirring despite the exhaustion.

Kaida leans back against the wall, her gaze distant as if remembering something far away. “I was,” she says finally. “First year. Nothing special—just trying to figure things out, like everyone else, I guess. It feels so… strange thinking about it now.”

“What were you studying?” I ask, the question slipping out almost instinctively.

She smiles faintly, though there’s a hint of sadness in her expression. “Psychology. I wanted to understand people better, you know? Maybe help them. But now… being here, all of that feels so far away.”

I nod slowly, fiddling with the edge of my cloak. “I get that,” I murmur. “Everything about the real world feels like a dream now. I was in my last year of high school before this… and I had no idea what I was going to do next.”

Kaida looks at me, her expression softening. “Guess none of that matters now, huh?”

“Not really I guess,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “But it’s still part of who we are. I just… I wonder why us. Why were we the ones pulled in? Others had to have played as well are we the only ones here?”

She sighs, her gaze drifting toward the floor. “I wish I had an answer. But maybe we’re not supposed to understand it yet. Maybe that’s part of the game, too.”

Her words hang in the air, and I find myself staring at the faint glow of the lantern on the wall. The questions in my mind swirl endlessly, but for now, there are no answers—only the quiet company of someone who understands.

I laugh softly at first, then harder as a thought settles in my mind. Kaida blinks, startled by my sudden outburst.

“What?” she asks, tilting her head slightly, a curious smile tugging at her lips.

I lean back against the door, trying to catch my breath between chuckles. “Suddenly,” I say, grinning, “all these late-night therapy sessions make sense. The psychology major, Kaida. It’s like you were made for this!”

She stares at me for a moment, then lets out a small laugh of her own, shaking her head. “Oh, come on,” she says, though her cheeks flush faintly. “It’s not like I was planning to use my degree on people stuck in a… magical death game.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” I tease, my grin widening. “Clearly, the universe had a plan. You’re our therapist now. Hope you’re ready to add that to your job description.”

Kaida rolls her eyes, but the warmth in her smile is undeniable. “Fine,” she says with mock exasperation. “But don’t expect me to write notes or charge hourly. This is strictly pro bono.”

The laughter fades slowly, leaving behind a faint, comforting lightness in the room. I glance at her, the grin lingering on my face. “Thanks, though. For… y’know, listening always.”

She nods, her expression softening. “Anytime, Artemis.”

For the first time in what feels like days, the weight on my chest feels just a little lighter. Maybe things will never make sense here, but at least I’m not facing it alone.

“What about you?” she asks. “What were you doing? You were 20 did you go to college too?“

I pause, the question catching me a little off guard. Kaida looks at me curiously, her expression open and inviting, like she’s genuinely interested.

“Yeah, I was 20,” I say slowly, fiddling with the edge of my cloak. “But, uh… i was in college but it want really for me.”

Kaida tilts her head slightly, her curiosity only growing. “Why not? Where you more work minded?”

I let out a small, awkward laugh, scratching the back of my neck. “Sort of. I was working, yeah. Part-time jobs mostly. I didn’t really have a plan, though. I was just… drifting. I didn’t really have anything I wanted to do with life.”

She nods, her gaze softening. “That makes sense. It’s not like everyone knows exactly what they want to do at 20.”

I shrug, staring at the floor. “I guess. But it felt like everyone else had their lives figured out, y’know? Like… I was the only one still stuck, trying to figure out what the hell I wanted to do. And now…” I gesture vaguely at the room. “Here I am. Stuck in a different way.”

Kaida offers me a small, understanding smile. “Maybe this is the universe’s way of giving you a… weird, dangerous restart?” she says gently.

I chuckle at that, though there’s a weight to her words that lingers. “Yeah. A restart where failure means actual death. Great deal, huh?”

She nudges me playfully with her shoulder. “Hey, you’ve been handling it better than most people would. You’re leading a whole group now, Artemis. That’s not nothing.”

I glance at her, her words catching me off guard. “Leading, huh?” I murmur. “Feels more like… stumbling forward and hoping I don’t trip.”

Kaida smiles. “Sometimes that’s all it takes.”

For a moment, the room is quiet again, her words settling over me like a small, warm comfort.

I sigh, leaning my head back against the door, staring up at the ceiling. “I really wish I wasn’t the ‘leader,’” I say quietly, my voice tinged with frustration. “Anyone else would be a better pick. But since I spoke up first when we arrived—to get everyone moving—now it’s like everyone just expects me to keep doing it.”

Kaida tilts her head, watching me carefully. “But… you’re doing a good job,” she says gently.

I let out a dry laugh, shaking my head. “Am I? Half the time I feel like I’m just winging it. Like I don’t have a clue what I’m doing.”

She leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “Nobody really knows what they’re doing,” she says with a faint smile.

I glance at her, my chest tightening. “Maybe,” I murmur. “But it doesn’t stop me from feeling like I’m going to mess everything up. Like… what if one wrong call gets someone killed? Or worse, what if it’s my fault that Lyra…”

I trail off, the words catching in my throat.

Kaida reaches out, resting a hand lightly on my arm. “Hey,” she says softly. “Lyra’s situation isn’t your fault. None of us could’ve predicted what happened with the heart. And if you hadn’t stepped up when we all got here? Who knows where we’d be right now?”

I look at her, her words sinking in slowly. “I don’t know,” I admit. “It just feels like… too much. Like I’m not the person who should be doing this.”

She smiles faintly, squeezing my arm gently. “Maybe you don’t feel like the right person. But we trust you, Artemis. All of us do. And that counts for a lot.”

Her words bring a flicker of warmth, though the weight on my shoulders doesn’t entirely lift. “Thanks,” I say softly, offering a small, tired smile.

“Can I tell you a secret?” She says nervously. “A secret? What is it?”

As she says it she trails off getting quieter with each word. “Today I sorta maybe totally kissed Veyron…”

My thoughts come to a screeching halt, and I blink at Kaida, her face flushed as she fidgets with the hem of her cloak.

“Wait, what?” I ask, sitting up straighter. “You… kissed Veyron?”

Kaida groans, burying her face in her hands. “Only sorta maybe totally kissed him,” she mumbles prodding the tips of her fingers.

I stare at her, trying to process this sudden bombshell. “Kaida!” I whisper-shout, the exhaustion giving way to disbelief. “What—how—when did this happen?”

She peeks at me through her hands, her cheeks bright red. “Back at the store,” she mutters. “When we were finding disguises.”

I shake my head, still trying to wrap my mind around it. “But why? I mean, not that it’s… bad or anything, but what—what led to that?”

Kaida lets out a long sigh, finally dropping her hands. “I don’t know!” she says, her voice rising slightly. “It just… happened! We were arguing over a stupid cloak, and then he said something really snarky, and I got mad, and then he smiled at me like that, and… I kissed him.”

I can’t help but laugh, the tension of the day breaking for just a moment. “So, what? He snarked his way into your heart?”

Kaida groans again, covering her face. “Don’t make it sound worse than it already is!”

“Did he kiss you back?” I ask, still grinning.

She hesitates, her blush deepening. “Yeah,” she mutters. “He did.”

For a moment, the room is silent, and I just stare at her, trying not to laugh again. “Kaida, you’ve had a day, huh?”

She sighs, giving me a sheepish smile. “Yeah, I guess I have. But… please don’t tell anyone, okay? Especially not him. He’ll never let me live it down.”

I nod, my grin softening. “Your secret’s safe with me. But for the record? I think it’s kinda cute.”

Kaida groans dramatically, pulling her hood over her face. “Ugh, why did I tell you this?”

I raise an eyebrow, leaning back against the door with a sly grin. “Oh, no. If you get to tease me about Lorien, I absolutely get to tease you about your little crush on Veyron—and the fact that you kissed him.”

Kaida groans, flopping back onto the bed dramatically. “I knew this was going to backfire,” she mumbles, pulling her cloak over her face.

“Backfire?” I say, laughing. “Kaida, you kissed him! That’s not a backfire; that’s, like, skipping straight to the credits!”

She peeks out from under her hood, her face still flushed. “Yeah, well… at least I did something about it,” she fires back, though her voice is more embarrassed than smug.

I blink, momentarily caught off guard. “Ouch. Okay, point for you,” I admit, crossing my arms. “But still—you kissed Veyron. Of all people.”

Kaida sits up, narrowing her eyes at me playfully. “You’re one to talk, Miss ‘Lorien kissed me and I kissed him back. And haven’t talked to him since.’”

My face heats up instantly, and I stammer, “That—that was different!”

“How?” she shoots back, grinning now. “You liked it, didn’t you?”

I groan, covering my face with my hands. “This is not the same thing!”

“Oh, it’s totally the same thing,” Kaida says, laughing softly. “Face it, Artemis. We’re both a little doomed.”

I drop my hands, giving her a mock glare. “Fine. But don’t think this gets you off the hook. I’m not done teasing you yet.”

Kaida laughs, her earlier embarrassment melting away. “Deal. But only if I get to tease you right back.”

“It’s totally the same thing,” I mutter mockingly under my breath, shaking my head.

Kaida laughs, throwing a pillow at me. “What? It is!” she says, her tone teasing.

I catch the pillow, smirking. “Not really,” I counter, leaning forward. “You like a guy who’s kind of a prick and I…” I trail off, feeling my chest tighten as the words slip out. “…maybe like Lorien. And I’m a guy in a girl’s body.”

The playful atmosphere shifts slightly as Kaida’s smile softens. She sits up, her expression thoughtful as she studies me. “Artemis…” she says gently.

I sigh, leaning back against the door again, the weight of the admission settling over me. “It’s just… confusing,” I admit, my voice quieter now. “Lorien kissed me, and for a second, I forgot about everything—about being a guy, about how weird this all is. And then I kissed him back, and it’s like… what does that even mean?”

Kaida leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “It means you’re figuring it out,” she says softly. “And maybe that’s okay. None of us asked for this, and there’s no rulebook for how we’re supposed to feel about it.”

I glance at her, searching her expression for judgment but finding none. “I just… don’t know if I’m ready to deal with it,” I murmur. “With him. With… everything.”

Kaida smiles faintly, tilting her head. “You don’t have to figure it all out right now,” she says. “But if it helps? Lorien likes you. Not just because of what you look like, but because of who you are.”

Her words hang in the air, and for a moment, I don’t know how to respond.

“Thanks,” I say finally, offering her a small smile. “You’re pretty good at this therapist thing, huh?”

Kaida chuckles, leaning back on her hands. “Well, I have to keep you sane somehow, right?”

The tension eases slightly, and I let out a small laugh.

“This was nice,” I say softly, offering Kaida a small, tired smile. “Thanks. Today was… bad. Losing Lyra again sucks.”

Kaida’s expression softens, and she nods, leaning closer. “Yeah,” she says quietly. “It does. I can’t stop thinking about her—how scared she must’ve been, how confused. And now, wherever she is…”

I take a deep breath, the weight in my chest pressing down harder. “I just hope we can find her,” I say, my voice trembling slightly. “And figure out what’s happening. Why all of this is happening.”

Kaida reaches over, placing a comforting hand on my arm. “We will,” she says firmly, her voice filled with quiet determination. “Lyra’s not gone, Artemis. And neither are we. We’ll keep going, one step at a time, and we’ll figure this out together.”

Her words sink in slowly, a small flicker of hope cutting through the exhaustion and doubt. “Together,” I murmur, nodding. “Yeah. We’ll figure it out.”

The room falls into a quiet stillness, the faint sounds of the city outside fading into the background. For the first time all day, it feels like the chaos is just… paused, even if only for a moment.

“Thanks, Kaida,” I say again, looking at her with genuine gratitude. “I don’t think I’ve said it enough, but I’m glad you’re here.”

She smiles warmly, her eyes meeting mine. “Right back at you, Artemis. Now, let’s try to get some rest. We’ve got a lot to deal with tomorrow.”

I nod, letting out a small sigh as I lean back against the door, my mind finally starting to settle. Rest might not solve everything, but for now, it’s what we need most.

I push myself off the floor, exhaustion weighing down every movement, and slump onto the bed. The mattress creaks slightly beneath me, but it’s softer than anything I’ve felt all day.

Laying back, I glance over at Kaida, who’s already settled on the other bed. “Tomorrow, we find Lyra… again,” I say, my voice heavy but laced with determination.

Kaida smiles faintly, her expression a mix of hope and worry. “We will,” she says softly, her voice steady. “We’ll bring her back.”

I nod, reaching over to turn off the mounted lantern beside me. The room falls into darkness, the faint light from the moon slipping through the cracks in the shutters.

“Goodnight, Kaida,” I murmur, my eyes closing.

“Goodnight, Artemis,” she whispers back.

As the quiet of the room settles over me, the events of the day swirl through my mind—Lyra, the heart, the guard, the map sellers. Everything feels like a puzzle with too many missing pieces, but one thing is clear: tomorrow, we move forward.

Sleep takes me slowly, my last thought lingering on Lyra and the hope that we’ll find her before it’s too late.

End of chapter 11

Some more info and more questions to be answered later on…