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 returns to the city.

Chapter 30 recap

I stumble back, my breath catching in my throat as I take in the figure in front of me. Her. The darker version of myself—twisted, elegant, menacing. She looks like something out of a nightmare, but also like a part of me I’ve tried to bury deep, a part I don’t even want to admit exists.

Her long, loose blonde waves shimmer faintly in the strange light of this shadowy, otherworldly place. Her glowing purple eyes burn into mine, full of power.

A black suit clings to her form, the jagged, glowing purple patterns crawling across it as if alive, as if they’re feeding on the shadows around us.

Her voice cuts through the air, smooth and commanding, echoing in my ears like it’s coming from everywhere at once. “You will be mine, Artemis,” she says, her glowing eyes narrowing as she steps toward me. “Come to me. Come to the Nexus.”

Her words send a chill through my body, and I find myself frozen, unable to move as the shadows around me creep closer. “What… what is this?” I manage to choke out, my voice trembling.

She smiles, a cold, knowing smile that sends a fresh wave of fear through me. “This,” she says, gesturing to herself and the swirling chaos around us, “is the truth. Your truth. The power you’ve been too afraid to embrace. Stop running, Artemis. Stop pretending you’re anything but this.”

The shadows surge forward, wrapping around me as the purple energy flares, and my world explodes into blinding light.

I wake with a start, my heart pounding in my chest. My breaths come fast and shallow, my body slick with cold sweat.

“He’s trying to contact you,” Shade says, his tone unusually serious. “Lure you to him. To free him.”

I feel a chill run down my spine. “What do you mean? Who?”

“A creature like me, but much more powerful. Infinitely so,” Shade answers, his voice dark and weighted with caution. “He was imprisoned long, long ago. He wants you to free him so he can return to his rule… and his destruction.”

“If we’re headed to the Nexus… how do we avoid him?” I finally ask.

“It’s located at the deepest part of the Nexus,” Shade explains, his tone steady but grave. “As long as we don’t go too far, we’ll be safe.”

“Safe,” I repeat bitterly, rolling my eyes. “Sure, because that’s been our experience in this world so far. Just avoid the deepest part of the Nexus while also trying to find Lyra in a place that seems designed to mess with us. Totally fine.”

Shade doesn’t respond to my sarcasm. Instead, I press on, the memory of that twisted version of me burning in my mind. “Why did it look like me, Shade?”

There’s a pause before he answers. “It’s trying to mess with you,” he says simply. “To lure you. It uses what’s in your mind—your fears, your doubts. That’s how it gets its hold on people.”

Chapters 31

I sit up slowly, the stiffness in my body reminding me of the restless night I had. The cloak draped over me smells faintly of Lorien—warm and familiar, a small comfort after everything.

The others are busy packing up the campsite, their movements brisk and efficient. Kaida is fussing over the fire, making sure it’s completely extinguished, while Hrothgar tightens the straps on his pack. Veyron leans against a tree, spinning a dagger between his fingers like he seems to always be doing, and Lorien is crouched near the edge of the clearing, checking the map.

I brush myself off and stand, still feeling groggy. My legs feel like lead, and the memory of the nightmare still lingers in the back of my mind.

“Morning,” Lorien says without looking up, though I can tell he’s aware of every move I make.

“Morning,” I mumble back, my voice raspy from sleep.

Kaida looks over and flashes a quick smile. “We let you sleep in a bit. Figured you needed it after yesterday.”

“Thanks,” I say quietly, not meeting her eyes.

“You okay?” Lorien asks, finally glancing up at me.

I hesitate for a moment before nodding. “Yeah, just… tired.”

He studies me for a second longer, as if he knows there’s more to it, but he doesn’t press.

The others are already shouldering their packs and preparing to move.

As I grab my things Lorien walks over, resting a hand lightly on my shoulder. “We’ll get through this,” he says softly, just for me to hear. “Together.”

I manage a small smile, even though the words from the nightmare—you will be mine—still echo faintly in my head.

I glance at Lorien as he folds up the map, still focused on the next steps of our journey. “I guess that’s our thing now—‘together,’” I mutter under my breath.

He hears me, of course, and looks up with a small smile. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“It’s not,” I admit, tugging my pack over my shoulder. “As basic as it might seem, it’s comforting to hear. Every single time.”

But then, in the back of my mind, that voice from the nightmare whispers again “You will be mine.”

I shake my head, trying to dispel the memory.

“Good,” Shade says, his voice cutting into my thoughts. “Ignore it. The more you worry about it, the less prepared and more distracted you’ll be.”

I take a deep breath, focusing on the moment. “So,” Lorien says, breaking the silence. “We still want to head to the city first, no matter where the map points, right?”

“I think that’s the best plan,” Kaida says, slinging her pack over her shoulder. “We can do a job, resupply, and of course… other things.” Her smirk is unmistakable, and I can tell she’s still thinking about her ridiculous double-date idea.

“Hmm, a double date,” Shade muses in my head, chuckling softly. “How fun.”

I roll my eyes internally. “You didn’t mention that,” he says, his tone teasing.

“Don’t you already know all my memories?” I think back, exasperated.

“Well,” Shade replies smoothly, “I had to do some research while you slept to catch up on what I wasn’t around for, but I’m hurt you wouldn’t tell me about this delightful development.”

“Haha. Very funny, Shade,” I think, my mental tone flat.

“It’s good you finally told them about me,” Shade adds, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “Now I can truly help in fights.”

I sigh. “I think we better take it slow for a bit. They’re definitely wary.”

Shade doesn’t respond though.

“Let’s get moving,” Hrothgar says, his voice cutting through the moment. “The city isn’t gonna get any closer if we just stand around.”

“Agreed,” I say, pulling my bow from where it’s strapped to my pack. It’s comforting to have it in my hands again. The sooner we get to the city, the sooner we can prepare for whatever comes next.

As we start walking, Shade’s voice comes through again, calm, confident. “I told you they would trust you about me. Even if they don’t trust me, they trust you.”

“Yeah, I know,” I mutter, glancing at the others ahead of me. They’re talking quietly amongst themselves, the tension from my earlier confession seemingly fading. “They do trust me.”

I take a deep breath before adding, “But in the future, if you ever need to… rest, or sleep, or whatever it is you do to recover… can you tell me first? Because…”

“You were worried about me,” Shade says, finishing my thought with an almost smug tone.

“Just a little,” I admit, rolling my eyes at his tone.

He’s silent for a moment, as though mulling over my request. “Fair enough. I’ll let you know next time.”

“Good,” I think back. “Because being stuck alone with no idea what was going on wasn’t exactly my favorite thing ever.”

“Noted,” Shade replies simply, but there’s a warmth in his voice that feels almost… reassuring.

I focus on the path ahead, my footsteps crunching softly against the dirt. Despite everything—what I told the group, the creatures, the nightmare—I feel… lighter. Like I’m finally starting to move forward without all the secrets weighing me down.

“Thanks, Shade,” I think quietly.

“You’re welcome,” he says, his voice softer this time. “Now let’s make sure you don’t trip over something while you’re lost in thought.”

I can’t help but smirk at that. “Very funny.”

“So, uh Shade’s talking again,” I say aloud, glancing at the others as we continue walking.

Kaida, who had been fiddling with her staff as we walked, immediately perks up. “Oh? What’s he saying now?”

“Just… checking in,” I reply, shrugging a bit. “Nothing bad.”

“I suppose that’s good,” Hrothgar says from up ahead, his tone gruff but lighter than usual. “We don’t need any more surprises.”

Lorien looks back at me with a small smile. “I’m guessing it’s been helpful to finally tell us about him?”

“Yeah, it has,” I admit. “He was quiet for a while, but now that he’s back, it’s… reassuring, I guess.”

“Reassuring,” Veyron mutters under his breath. “Not exactly the word I’d use for the shadow guy living in your head.”

Kaida elbows him lightly, rolling her eyes. “He’s helped us enough at this point, hasn’t he? Give it a rest, Veyron.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Veyron grumbles. “Just saying—if he starts trying to make us do trust falls, I’m out.”

“Don’t worry,” I say with a small laugh. “I don’t think he’d be interested in that.”

Shade’s voice filters into my mind again, his tone amused. “They’re warming up to me. Not bad, huh?”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” I think back, smirking a bit.

“Too late,” Shade says, and I can almost hear the grin in his voice.

“The nightmare…” I mutter under my breath, glancing at the others as we walk. “I need to tell them.”

“No,” Shade says firmly, his voice cutting through my thoughts like a blade.

“What?” I think back, startled. “Why not? You’re the one always telling me to be honest with them.”

“There’s no point worrying them,” he replies, his tone steady. “We won’t be going anywhere near that place—or it.”

I pause for a moment, considering his words. “I-guess that makes sense,” I admit reluctantly. “But…” I trail off, suspicion creeping in. “I can’t help but feel like you’re hiding something from me.”

“Trust me,” Shade says, his voice softening slightly. “I’m doing this to protect all of you.”

I glance at Lorien ahead of me, then at Kaida and the others as they chat about the city. My stomach twists slightly, but I take a deep breath.

“Okay,” I think back finally. “I do. I will trust you.”

Even so, I can’t shake the image of that twisted version of me and the ominous words she spoke. The fear is still there, clawing at me, but I push it down and force myself to focus. Right now, all that matters is reaching the city—and staying together.

“What do you think they’re saying?” I hear whispered directly behind me.

I whirl around, heart skipping a beat. “Jesus, Veyron! Why would you sneak up on me like that?”

He smirks, clearly amused. “Sorry, I just… I think they’re talking about… the whole date thing.”

“Ohhh,” I say, the realization sinking in. My face flushes slightly as I glance toward Kaida and Lorien, who are walking a little ahead, clearly deep in conversation.

Veyron leans closer, lowering his voice. “You don’t think they’re planning something, do you?”

I sigh, shaking my head. “With Kaida involved? There’s no way they’re not planning something.”

“Great,” Veyron mutters. “This’ll be fun.”

I stifle a laugh. “You’re the rogue here. Shouldn’t sneaking out of things you don’t want to do be your specialty?”

“Hey, I’m only good at sneaking out of trouble, not Kaida’s wild schemes,” he retorts.

It’s odd seeing Veyron so… not Veyron. He’s usually all confidence and swagger, but now, he’s like a real boy, with actual feelings. The thought makes me chuckle softly to myself.

At least his nervousness will help to distract me from my own. I glance toward Lorien again, his confident stride and relaxed posture so natural it’s almost infuriating. How is he so calm about this? About everything?

“You laughing at me now?” Veyron asks, narrowing his eyes.

“Maybe,” I tease.

“Careful, Artemis. I’m still the rogue here. I’ll find a way to get even,” he says, but there’s no bite to his words. I think…

“Sure you will,” I say, smirking. “Right after you survive whatever Kaida’s cooking up for you.”

He groans, rubbing the back of his neck. “I swear, she’s gonna make me do something stupidly romantic, isn’t she?”

I shrug, enjoying his misery just a little. “Probably. Better get ready for it.”

He mutters something under his breath, and I can’t help but grin. Maybe this whole date thing won’t be so bad after all.

After a while, we check the map again. It’s still pointing toward the city. At least we’re headed the right way.

“Maybe we should take a bit in the city,” Hrothgar says, his deep voice breaking the quiet.

I glance at him, raising an eyebrow as he continues. “I’m ready to be home, but if we’re going to this nexus place—which is the heart of this world or whatever—it’s undoubtedly going to be dangerous. Not even counting just getting there.”

He pauses, looking at each of us in turn, his expression serious. “Maybe we take a bit. Do some more jobs or missions and get enough to get some more protection. As many potions as possible, maybe some armor, better weapons… anything we can. We know Lyra’s safe for now, and we can’t help her if we don’t survive.”

He’s got a point.

Kaida nods, folding her arms. “I mean, if we’re already stopping to do a job to get some food and potions… what’s a few more?”

Lorien looks thoughtful, his hand resting on the hilt of his spear. “We don’t know what’s waiting for us in the nexus. Preparing properly might be the difference between all of us making it out… or not.”

I swallow hard, glancing down at the map in my hand. The glowing arrow feels heavier than it should, its light a constant reminder of what lies ahead. “Alright,” I say finally, my voice firm. “We’ll do what we have to. But we can’t lose sight of why we’re doing this. Lyra’s waiting for us.”

The city feels like a lifeline—a place to catch our breath before plunging into the unknown. But it also feels like one last chance to hold onto something familiar before we risk everything. One last time.

“You’re doing the right thing,” Shade murmurs in my mind. “It’s better to be ready than dead.”

As the sun dips below the horizon, the walls of the city finally come into view, illuminated faintly by the moonlight. The massive gates, flanked by towering watchtowers, stand just far enough away to feel both comforting and maddening.

“There it is,” Lorien says, his voice tinged with relief.

Kaida stretches her arms above her head, groaning. “Finally. I swear, my legs are about to give out.”

“We’ll be sleeping in real beds tonight,” Veyron says, rubbing his hands together. “Maybe even getting real food.”

I nod, though my thoughts are distracted. The glow of the city ahead feels oddly surreal, like the light could vanish if I blink too hard. It’s been days of running, fighting, and barely surviving since we left the city. Now, seeing the city again feels like stepping back into a different world—a world that doesn’t feel quite real anymore.

“Almost there,” I say, my voice quieter than I intended.

“Getting anxious already?” Shade teases. “Don’t worry, your romantic evening is still on schedule.”

“Will you just—” I think, cutting myself off as my cheeks burn.

“Relax,” Shade says smoothly. “You’re almost at safety.”

Safety. It doesn’t feel that way, not yet. Not while Lyra’s still out there, not while the map keeps pointing us toward danger. But for tonight, I force myself to focus on the city, on what comes next. Supplies. Rest. Maybe even some kind of plan.

“Let’s move faster. The last thing we want is to be caught out here without a fire,” I say, glancing at the tree line. The shadows seem to stretch farther as the light fades, and even with Shade’s presence, I can’t shake the unease that creeps in whenever the night takes over.

The group picks up the pace, boots crunching against the dirt path as the city walls grow larger with every step. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, we reach the massive gates.

The moment we step inside, it’s like entering another world.

The streets are alive with activity, despite the late hour. Lanterns cast a warm, golden glow over cobblestone streets, and the air is filled with the hum of chatter, the occasional bark of merchants still trying to make last-minute sales, and the savory scent of food wafting from nearby stalls. It’s loud, bright, and overwhelming—but in a good way.

“We made it,” Lorien says softly, his voice cutting through the din.

Kaida stretches her arms above her head, exhaling loudly. “Beds. Food. Civilization. Finally.”

Hrothgar chuckles, adjusting the strap of his pack. “And not a moment too soon. I thought I was going to have to start carrying Kaida if we went much farther.”

“I’m not that fragile,” Kaida snaps, but there’s a grin tugging at her lips.

Veyron, on the other hand, looks like he’s ready to sprint toward the nearest tavern. “Alright, Artemis. What’s the plan? Food first? Sleep first? Or do we have to listen to Kaida’s schemes before anything fun happens?”

“Right,” I say, running a hand through my hair, trying to piece together a plan. “We’ve only got twelve gold between us, and that’s barely enough for one room.” I glance at the group, my stomach sinking at the thought of cramming five people into one tiny space.

“Besides,” Kaida chimes in, crossing her arms, “we need to earn some more money anyway. It’s not like we can do anything serious tonight. The guild tower’s closed.”

“How do you know that?” Veyron asks, raising an eyebrow.

Kaida turns to him, smirking. “Because I know how to read, you dolt. There’s a sign outside the tower that says so. You’d know that if you ever bothered to do anything but play with your daggers.”

“Touché,” Veyron mutters, rolling his eyes.

Lorien steps forward, his spear resting on his shoulder. “Maybe we can offer to work for someone. The NPCs—or whatever they really are—seem smart enough to notice we’re useful. If we split up and each find a quick task, it might be enough to scrape together another ten gold. That should cover a second room, at least.”

The idea makes sense, but it still feels… strange. Offering to work in this world makes everything feel a little too real.

I sigh, glancing at the group. “Alright. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than sleeping outside. Let’s split up and see what we can find. We’ll meet back here.”

“Do we have a plan if we don’t hit the goal?” Hrothgar asks, his tone calm but serious.

I hesitate, glancing at the others. “If we don’t… we’ll make do with one room. It won’t be pretty, but it’s better than nothing.” L

Kaida taps her chin, looking around at the bustling city street. “You know, we could probably make some quick money waitressing at a pub or tavern. People drink, they tip, we walk away with full pockets.”

I wince at the suggestion. “I don’t know about that,” I say hesitantly, already imagining the scene.

The thought of stepping into a crowded pub, surrounded by drunk men in this body, makes my stomach churn. “Being around a bunch of drunk guys as a woman is definitely not my idea of a safe time,” I add, trying to keep my voice even. “Especially in… you know, fake medieval times.”

Kaida raises an eyebrow, smirking. “I think you’re overthinking it. I’d be fine.”

“Good for you,” I mutter, folding my arms.

Hrothgar chuckles, rolling his shoulders. “Don’t worry about me,” he says with a grin, gesturing to his broad chest and thick arms. “I think I’ll have no trouble finding some kind of work. Maybe heavy lifting or security. Folks always need muscle.”

“Lucky you,” Veyron quips. “I’m not exactly ‘muscle,’ so I’ll have to get creative.”

“More like sneaky,” Kaida retorts.

“Call it what you want,” Veyron replies, flashing a cocky grin.

I sigh, glancing between them as the conversation continues. “Alright, well, Hrothgar’s got his plan. The rest of us are still figuring it out, so let’s get moving before we waste any more time.”

“Alright, come on,” I mutter under my breath, glancing up and down the dimly lit street. “There’s gotta be some places open.”

The bustle of the main road fades slightly as I move farther into the side streets. Lanterns still flicker here and there, casting uneven pools of light on the cobblestone, but most of the vendors and shopkeepers are winding down for the night. Doors creak shut, locks click into place, and heavy shutters slam down as the city slowly quiets.

I sigh, tugging my cloak tighter around my shoulders as a cool breeze brushes past. “This is just great,” I think bitterly, scanning for any sign of life. I stop at a small blacksmith shop, but the forge is dark and empty.

Further down, a bakery smells like heaven, but when I ask the shopkeeper about work, he shakes his head without even looking up, muttering something about being done for the day.

“Maybe I should’ve just gone with Kaida’s pub idea,” I think grimly, though the thought of dealing with a bunch of drunk men still twists my stomach.

“Feeling desperate already?” Shade’s voice echoes in my mind, smug and sly. “You’re better than this, Artemis. You don’t need to play the errand girl for these people.”

“Well, unless you’re about to conjure some gold out of thin air, I don’t have much of a choice,” I shoot back mentally. Shade chuckles softly, his amusement irritatingly palpable.

I round a corner, and my eyes land on a small, tucked-away shop nestled between two larger buildings. A faded wooden sign above the door reads Alaric’s Curiosities, and the faint glow of candlelight spills out from the windows. The door is slightly ajar, and the soft sound of shuffling comes from inside.

It’s not much, but it’s something. I hesitate for a moment before stepping toward the shop, pushing the door open gently. A soft chime rings out, and the scent of herbs and something metallic fills the air.

The shop is cramped, with shelves packed full of strange trinkets, bottles, and objects I can’t even begin to identify. It’s the kind of place that feels both magical and vaguely unsettling. Behind the counter stands an older man with a long, graying beard, spectacles perched on the end of his nose. He glances up from the ledger he’s writing in, his eyes narrowing slightly as he takes me in.

“We’re closing soon,” he says curtly.

“Actually,” I say quickly, stepping forward, “I was wondering if you needed any help. Just for an hour or so. I’m good with organizing, running errands, cleaning—whatever you need.”

He looks me over for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he shakes his head. “You’re not going to find much work at this hour. Most of the decent places are already closed, and the ones that aren’t… well, let’s just say they’re not worth your trouble.”

“I can handle it,” I insist. “I just need—”

“You’ve got no business being out here this late, and no shopkeeper with half a brain is going to hire someone after dark,” he interrupts, his voice firm but not unkind. “Take my advice: best to head home, wherever that may be.”

I pause, the words catching in my throat. For a moment, I consider pressing the issue, but the weight of his gaze—and his obvious finality—keeps me silent.

“Fine,” I say finally, stepping back toward the door. “Thanks anyway.”

He nods once, already turning back to his ledger. As I step out into the cool night air, I feel Shade’s presence stirring again.

“See? I told you this was a waste of time,” he says, his tone almost gleeful.

“Not helping,” I think, rubbing my temples as I glance around the quiet street. If I can’t find work soon, we’re all cramming into one room tonight.

“Better keep looking,” Shade murmurs. “Who knows what other dead ends you’ll find.”

“You’re real grouchy tonight,” I think, glancing up at the faint stars peeking through the gaps between rooftops. “Still tuckered out from all the excitement earlier?”

Shade’s voice answers almost instantly, his tone dry and laced with sarcasm. “Clever. No, I’m alright—just bored, watching you scramble around for pocket change. Really riveting stuff, I must say.”

“Glad I can keep you entertained,” I think back sharply. His amusement prickles at me, and I take a deep breath to keep myself steady.

“Don’t take it personally,” Shade says, his voice smooth now, almost teasing. “You’re just… not living up to your potential, Artemis. All this running around like a common laborer? It’s beneath you.”

“I’m not exactly in a position to get picky,” I retort, scanning the next stretch of street for any signs of life. A flickering lantern catches my eye, but it’s just a city guard making his rounds. No opportunity there.

“You don’t get it, do you?” Shade muses, his voice like silk. “You don’t have to lower yourself to this. You’ve got me. You’ve got power. Why not use it?”

I roll my eyes. “And how exactly do I ‘use it,’ Shade? Steal from someone? Intimidate them into giving me money? Real subtle.”

“Not subtle. Effective,” he says, his tone maddeningly calm.

I shake my head, ignoring him as best I can. The last thing I need right now is Shade playing devil on my shoulder while I’m trying to figure out how to keep us from sleeping on the street tonight.

“You know,” Shade says smoothly, his tone brimming with smug satisfaction, “Veyron’s probably already broken into some place by now. He’s not the type to waste time playing by the rules.”

I groan inwardly, but he keeps going. “Remember before? When you stole those cloaks to hide from the guards? What’s different now?”

I feel a jolt of frustration surge through me as the memory flashes unbidden in my mind. “It was different,” I snap back at him in thought, my pace quickening as if I could outrun the memory. “We didn’t have a choice after Veyron knocked out that guard and the whole city was after us.”

“Ah, yes,” Shade muses, his voice rich with mockery. “But it wasn’t entirely Veyron’s doing, was it? You agreed to it.”

“I had to,” I bite back. But even as I try to push it aside, the scene unfolds vividly in my mind:

We were crouched in the shadow of a crumbling stone wall, the sound of boots pounding against cobblestones growing louder as the guards closed in on us. Veyron’s voice cut through the tension, calm and casual, like he wasn’t phased by the chaos at all.

“We could always ‘borrow’ some clothes,” he said, nodding toward a small storefront across the street. That damned smirk of his was firmly in place, like he was enjoying himself.

Kaida’s skeptical tone was sharp as a dagger. “Borrow? You mean steal,” she said, folding her arms.

“Borrow,” Veyron repeated, his smirk widening. “We’ll bring them back… Probably. Besides, it’s not like we have many options right now.”

Hrothgar let out a deep, rumbling snort, his gaze flicking between the shop and the growing commotion down the road. “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.”

I remember hesitating, my hand tightening on my bow as my stomach twisted. The sound of shouting was growing closer, the flicker of torchlight bouncing off nearby walls.

Suddenly, the sharp crash of shattering glass filled the air, and I spun around to see Hrothgar standing proudly beside the now-broken front window.

“What?” he said, his tone gruff but unapologetic as he glanced back at us. “They’re already after us, and we were gonna steal it anyway. What’s one broken window?”

Shade’s voice pulls me back to the present, his tone dripping with amusement. “And yet, you went along with it. You could’ve said no. But you didn’t.”

“There was a literal alarm blaring across the city,” I snap back in thought, my hands clenching into fists. “Guards were looking everywhere. What choice did I have?”

“You had a choice,” Shade insists, his voice smooth and maddeningly calm. “You just didn’t like the consequences of the alternative. And now, here you are, scrambling for coins when you could make life so much easier with just a little push in the right direction.”

I grit my teeth, forcing the memory out of my mind as I shake my head. “This isn’t the same. We’re not in the middle of a city-wide manhunt.”

“Not yet,” Shade murmurs, his laughter faint and mocking.

“You agreed we’d do things my way,” I think sharply, my footsteps echoing softly against the cobblestones as I continue down the vacant street.

Shade doesn’t miss a beat. His tone is calm, smooth, and utterly infuriating. “That doesn’t mean I can’t—or won’t—tell you of better and much smarter alternatives.”

I sigh, the sound heavy as it leaves me. My eyes scan the dimly lit storefronts, most of them already locked up tight for the night. It’s frustrating how empty the streets feel now, and yet my mind is anything but.

“Your ‘alternatives’ involve getting me into even more trouble,” I mutter under my breath.

“Trouble is relative,” Shade replies smoothly, his tone dripping with amusement. “A little risk, a little resourcefulness… and suddenly, you’re not wandering around like some lost beggar. But far be it from me to interfere. I’m just an observer, after all.”

I ignore him, forcing myself to focus on the task at hand. The night air feels cooler now, brushing against my arms and sending a faint shiver down my spine. My boots scuff softly against the uneven stones as I keep moving, my gaze darting between the flickering lanterns and the empty streets ahead.

I just need to find something. Anything to bring back to the group so we’re not stuck cramming into one room for the night. But as the minutes drag on and the streets grow quieter, it’s hard to ignore the nagging sense of defeat creeping in.

“Maybe I’ll run into one of the others,” I think, glancing around the eerily quiet street. The idea is more comforting than I want to admit. “Maybe they’ve had better luck, and I can help with whatever they’ve found.”

The thought keeps me moving forward, my footsteps quicker now. Hrothgar probably already charmed someone into letting him haul crates or guard a door for a few coins. Veyron… well, if Shade’s comments are anything to go by, he’s likely up to something shady. Kaida might’ve sweet-talked her way into a tavern gig by now, and Lorien—

I feel a small tug in my chest at the thought of Lorien, calm and dependable as always. If anyone’s managed to handle this mess without breaking a sweat, it’s probably him.

Shade stirs again, his voice faintly amused. “Ah, yes. Run to the others. Lean on their successes. Very noble of you, Artemis.”

“I’m not leaning on anyone,” I think back irritably, clenching my fists as I keep walking. “I just figure I’m more useful helping them than wandering around empty streets all night.”

“Of course you are,” Shade replies, his tone teasing. “Selfless as always.”

I bite back another sigh, forcing myself to stay focused. The faint hum of activity in the distance catches my attention, and I veer toward it, hoping it might lead me to one of the others—or at least to a better opportunity than I’ve found so far.

The sound grows louder as I approach the main square, where a handful of late-night vendors are packing up their stalls. I scan the small crowd quickly, searching for any familiar faces. If nothing else, this is as good a place as any to start looking for the others.

“Alright… anyone here?” I think, scanning the small square. Lanterns sway gently in the breeze, their soft light flickering over half-packed stalls and tired vendors hauling crates of goods into carts. My eyes dart across the scene, looking for any familiar faces in the sparse crowd.

“You’ll find them,” Shade murmurs, his voice softer this time, almost reassuring. “They’re resourceful, just like you.”

I blink, caught off guard by the lack of his usual smugness. “You’re being… surprisingly supportive,” I think, my steps slowing as I take in the square.

“I can be supportive,” he replies, his tone calm. “I’m not just here to criticize, you know. I do want to see you succeed, Artemis.”

“Even when I’m not doing things your way?” I ask, half-expecting him to change his tone.

A soft chuckle hums in my mind, but it’s not mocking—just amused. “Even then. I’m patient, remember? You’re bound to impress me eventually.”

I can’t help the faint smirk tugging at my lips as I roll my eyes. “Sure. I’ll keep that in mind.”

My gaze shifts again, sweeping over the square. A tall figure moving toward one of the vendors catches my attention, and for a moment, my heart skips—Lorien. He’s standing by a fruit stall, talking calmly with the vendor as he gestures to the small pouch of coins in his hand.

I feel a wave of relief wash over me as I move toward him. “There we go,” I think, my steps quickening. “At least someone’s had better luck tonight.”

As I approach the stall, the worker—a wiry man with a weathered face—looks me up and down with narrowed eyes. His expression is unreadable, but there’s a slight edge to his voice as he speaks. “Don’t need any more help. Got him.” He jerks his thumb toward Lorien without looking away from me.

I blink, thrown off by his curt tone. “I’m his friend. I was just going to help him out.”

“No help. Go away,” the man says firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I glance at Lorien, hoping for some kind of explanation, but he just gives me a faint shrug, shaking his head as if to say, Don’t bother. His expression is calm, but I can tell he’s as confused by the man’s attitude as I am.

“Well, guess I’ll find someone else,” I mutter under my breath, turning on my heel. My cheeks flush slightly with irritation as I step away from the stall.

“That was… odd,” Shade remarks, his voice light but curious. “Not exactly the warmest reception, was it?”

“Yeah, no kidding,” I think back, glancing over my shoulder to see Lorien busying himself with the task the man gave him. At least one of us is being useful.

I take a deep breath, forcing the frustration out of my mind as I turn my focus back to the square. There are still a few vendors here and there, and the faint murmur of voices from nearby alleyways suggests there might be other opportunities if I keep looking.

“Don’t let it get to you,” Shade says, his tone unusually kind. “You’re bound to find something—or someone—willing to take you up on your offer.”

“You’re always full of surprises,” I think, smirking faintly as I wander away from the stall. “One minute, it’s ‘this isn’t worth your time, you should mug people,’ and the next, it’s ‘you’ll find someone, just keep going.’”

Shade chuckles softly in the back of my mind. “I’m a complicated entity, Artemis. Sometimes I like to push you, sometimes I like to support you. Keeps things… interesting.”

“Interesting for you, maybe,” I mutter, glancing toward another vendor packing up their stall. “For me, it’s just exhausting.”

“Exhausting, sure,” he says, his tone tinged with amusement. “But also rewarding. You’ll thank me one day, you know.”

I roll my eyes but don’t bother responding. The faint sound of crates being shuffled catches my attention, and I pivot toward the source, hoping it’s another opportunity waiting to happen—or at least not another closed door.

“You’ll be fine, Artemis,” Shade adds, his voice quieter now, almost thoughtful. “You always are.”

“Well,” I think back, “let’s hope you’re right. Again.”

“I mean, when have I ever been wrong?” Shade says, his tone practically dripping with smug satisfaction. “I told you Lorien would want to stay with you, and he did. I told you to tell the others about me, and they understood—big surprise. I even told you you loved Lorien way before you were willing to admit it to yourself. And that’s just the beginning. You should listen to me more.”

“Don’t get a big head,” I shoot back, rolling my eyes as I scan the street ahead.

Shade’s chuckle echoes faintly in my mind. “I’m in your head. The only ‘big head’ here is yours.”

“Another brilliant joke,” I mutter dryly, shaking my head as I continue my search.

“You know, sarcasm doesn’t make my points any less true,” Shade replies, still amused.

I don’t bother answering this time, letting his words fade into the background as I focus on the task at hand.

Shade’s voice lingers, softer now. “You’ll see. I’ve been right about a lot, Artemis. And I’ll be right again.”

“We’ll see,” I think, a faint smirk tugging at my lips. “For now, let’s focus on not spending the night in the streets.”

“Maybe you can help Hrothgar,” Shade muses, his tone light but deliberate. “Since your boy’s unavailable, you clearly aren’t interested in Kaida’s idea, and we both know what Veyron’s doing.”

I sigh, shaking my head as I step further into the square. “You mean probably doing,” I correct, though my tone lacks conviction.

Shade chuckles softly. “Oh, please. We both know Veyron’s not out there stacking crates or sweeping floors. He’s probably already slipped into some locked storeroom and is counting coins right now. Not that I’m judging, of course.”

I roll my eyes, ignoring the faint pang of agreement his words stir in me. Veyron’s always had his own way of handling things, but that doesn’t mean I want to think about it right now.

“Hrothgar, though…” Shade continues, his voice almost thoughtful now. “He’s probably doing something boringly noble, but at least it’s honest work. You could do worse than lending him a hand.”

I pause, considering it. Shade has a point—if Hrothgar found something, he’d be grateful for the help, and it’s bound to be better than wandering aimlessly.

“Alright,” I think, glancing around the square. “Let’s see if we can find him.”

After what feels like an eternity of wandering through winding alleys and deserted streets, I still haven’t spotted any of the others. The occasional flicker of a lantern or the distant hum of voices keeps me moving, but my hope of finding someone familiar is starting to wane.

That is, until I step onto a slightly busier street and hear the unmistakable din of a rowdy pub nearby. The sound of raucous laughter, clinking mugs, and muffled music spills out into the night air, drawing my attention to a building with a flickering sign swinging above its door.

“It’s like fate,” Shade says, his voice dripping with jest as the noise reaches my ears.

I roll my eyes, muttering under my breath, “Yeah, I’m not doing that.”

Still, I hesitate, glancing at the pub again. The idea of walking into a packed room full of drunk strangers makes my skin crawl, but there’s a chance Kaida’s already inside, following through on her brilliant plan to waitress for tips.

“Maybe I’ll just… check on Kaida,” I think aloud, my voice low as I step closer to the building. The breeze brushes against my arms, a not-so-gentle reminder that I’ve been without a cloak for a while now. The thought of standing out even more in a place like this doesn’t sit right, but I can’t shake the possibility that Kaida might actually be pulling this off somehow.

“Aw, you’re such a good friend,” Shade teases, his tone light but pointed. “Braving the big, scary pub just to check on her. How noble.”

“Don’t start,” I mutter, stepping up to the window and peeking inside. The warm glow of lantern light fills the room, and I can make out groups of people packed tightly around tables, some laughing, some shouting over one another.

End of chapter 31