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.

Double length chapter this time the story is around 70% posted the next chapters things are going to get interesting.

Chapter 34

I quickly count the pile of coins on the ground, my fingers brushing over the cool metal as I try to keep my focus. “One hundred thirty-eight,” I say finally, leaning back slightly.

Kaida whistles, clearly impressed. “Not bad for a night’s work. We might not even have to do a mission at this rate.”

Veyron smirks, tossing his pouch back into his hand with a flourish. “Told you I’d pull my weight. A few risks, a little charm, and voilà.”

Hrothgar crosses his arms, his tone flat. “Nothing risky about moving crates, but it pays steady. Better than stealing from the wrong person.”

Kaida rolls her eyes, her grin unshakable. “Come on, this is more than enough to resupply and maybe even get us a room each for once.”

Lorien glances at the pile, then his calm gaze flicks to me. His voice is soft but steady. “Seeing the contributions, you and Kaida probably worked the hardest tonight.”

I shrug, brushing it off. “It’s not a competition. We’re all here to help each other.”

Kaida, never one to let things go, nudges me with her elbow and smirks. “Still, your outfit probably bumped up those tips by a good thirty percent.”

“Kaida,” I hiss through gritted teeth, my face burning for what feels like the hundredth time tonight.

Shade hums smugly in the back of my mind. “She’s not wrong, you know. But hey, look how well it worked out. All this gold, and you didn’t even have to face a single monster.”

I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Can we just focus on what we’re spending this on?”

Kaida holds up her hands, waving me off with a grin. “Fine, fine. For tonight, we can find an inn. Somewhere decent. And in the morning, we’ll figure out what we’re spending this on.”

Hrothgar nods, his voice thoughtful. “Not bad for our first try. No injuries, no missions—just a night’s work.”

Lorien stands, his usual calm presence grounding me. “Let’s find that inn. We’ve all earned some rest.”

The streets are quieter now, but the unfamiliar twists and turns of this part of the city stretch out like a maze.

“We’ve never been in this part of the city before,” I say, glancing down the nearest street. “And without a map that’s not just an arrow, finding an inn might be harder than expected.”

Kaida groans, throwing her hands up dramatically. “Great. Just what we need—another adventure, but this time it’s ‘The Quest for a Bed.’”

Hrothgar grunts, his sharp eyes scanning the streets. “We’ll figure it out. This city’s full of places to stay. Just a matter of walking until we find one.”

Veyron smirks, flipping his pouch of coins in the air before catching it. “And here I thought you guys were good with directions.”

I narrow my eyes at him but don’t take the bait. “Let’s just pick a direction and start walking. Splitting up would take longer.”

Lorien steps closer to me, his steady presence grounding. “We’ll find one. The city doesn’t seem too dangerous at night, but we should stay together just in case.”

Shade hums softly in the back of my mind. “Oh, this will be fun. Wandering aimlessly, tired, and lost. What’s next? A band of late-night pickpockets?”

“Not helping, Shade,” I think, gripping my bow strap tightly as we start down one of the quieter streets. Let’s just hope the city has at least one inn nearby.

Preferably cheap, I think as we walk, glancing at the dwindling stack of coins in my pouch. We need to save as much as we can for better gear, rations, and potions.

The others chatter quietly as we move, but I’m too focused on scanning the darkened streets for any sign of an inn. Lanterns flicker in the occasional window, and the faint hum of distant voices drifts through the air, but this part of the city feels strangely unfamiliar.

Kaida stops, twirling a strand of her hair. “We could always ask someone. I mean, there are still people awake, right?”

“Yeah, because stopping random strangers at night is a great idea,” Veyron mutters, smirking. “Let’s just keep walking. We’ll find something eventually.”

Lorien walks beside me, his calm presence steadying as always. “If we don’t see anything soon, maybe we should head back toward the busier parts of the city. There’s bound to be more inns near the markets.”

Shade hums softly in my mind, his voice light and teasing. “You know, Artemis, if you really wanted to save money, you could always suggest sleeping outside. Free of charge, and full of adventure.”

“No thanks,” I think back sharply. “I’d rather not get ambushed in my sleep or deal with Kaida complaining all night.”

“Practical and considerate,” Shade replies with mock admiration.

I ignore him, my eyes catching sight of a faded sign swinging gently in the breeze up ahead. It’s hard to make out, but the faint outline of a bed is etched into the wood.

“There,” I say, pointing. “That might be an inn.”

The group picks up their pace, and as we approach, the warm glow of lantern light spills out from the windows. It’s not much to look at—worn shutters, peeling paint—but it might be exactly what we need.

“Looks… cozy,” Kaida says, wrinkling her nose.

“At this point, I’m willing to pay a stranger to use their floor,” Hrothgar grumbles, his tone heavy with exhaustion as we approach the worn-down inn.

Kaida smirks, nudging him playfully. “Come on, big guy, you could probably sleep standing up if you wanted to.”

Veyron steps forward, peering at the peeling sign above the inn’s door. “Well, it’s either this or we keep wandering until sunrise. Who’s going in first?”

“I’ll go,” Lorien offers, his calm voice breaking through the banter.

“Great,” Kaida says with a grin, leaning against the doorframe. “Ask if they’ve got rooms for all of us. Preferably ones without fleas.”

I sigh, my own exhaustion creeping in as I glance at the worn inn. “At this point, I don’t care if we’re sleeping in a broom closet. As long as it’s inside.”

Shade hums softly in the back of my mind. “Adventuring life at its finest. Truly luxurious.”

“Quiet, Shade,” I think, following Lorien as he pushes the door open and steps inside, hoping this place has room—and that we can afford it.

The door creaks as we step into the dimly lit common room. It smells faintly of wood smoke and something sour—probably ale that’s seeped into the floorboards over years of neglect. A handful of patrons sit scattered at mismatched tables, nursing drinks or murmuring quietly.

Behind the counter stands a woman with a stern face and wild gray hair. She glances up from cleaning a mug, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly as she sizes us up.

Lorien steps forward, his usual calm demeanor unfazed. “Evening,” he says politely. “Do you have any rooms available for the night?”

The woman sets the mug down with a thunk, leaning on the counter. “Depends. How many rooms you lookin’ for?”

Kaida pipes up, her voice far too cheerful. “One for each of us, if it’s cheap enough!”

I wince, barely resisting the urge to smack my forehead. Kaida, seriously?

The woman snorts, shaking her head. “One for each, huh? You lot must be doin’ well if you can afford that. Five rooms’ll run you… let’s see…” She squints, counting on her fingers. “Fifty gold.”

Hrothgar whistles low, folding his arms. “Fifty? That’s… a bit steep.”

Lorien glances back at me briefly before turning to the woman again. “What about fewer rooms? Maybe two or three?”

The woman considers this for a moment, tapping her chin. “Three rooms,” she says finally. “Twenty five gold. Take it or leave it.”

Before anyone else can argue, Kaida jumps in. “We’ll take the three rooms!”

The woman nods, pulling out a set of rusted keys and sliding them across the counter. “Smart choice. Rooms are upstairs. Try not to break anything.”

I scoop up the keys, handing them out to the group. “Let’s split up and get some sleep. We’ll figure out the rest in the morning.”

Kaida snatches one of the keys with a grin, immediately grabbing Veyron’s wrist and pulling him along. “Come on!” she says, her enthusiasm almost contagious—if it weren’t for how tired I feel.

Veyron raises an eyebrow but doesn’t protest, letting her drag him toward the stairs. “Guess I don’t have a choice, huh?”

“Nope!” Kaida chirps, practically bouncing up the steps.

I sigh, clutching the remaining key. Why do I feel like I’m going to regret this?

I glance at the key in my hand and then at Lorien, who’s already heading for the stairs. I guess I’m going with Lorien, I realize, my heart skipping slightly at the thought.

Why am I even nervous? I think, shaking my head as I follow him. After the castle bed we shared, after… well, after sleeping together in it, you’d think I’d be past this by now.

Shade hums softly in the back of my mind, clearly picking up on my thoughts. “Nervous? Artemis, I thought you two had crossed this bridge already. What’s a little shared inn room after that?”

“I’m fine,” I think sharply, though the warmth rising to my cheeks says otherwise. It’s just a room. We’re just sleeping.

“Oh, of course. Just sleeping,” Shade replies, his tone dripping with mock understanding. “Still, I can’t wait to see how this goes. I’m sure Lorien’s just as calm and unflappable as ever.”

I don’t respond, trying to push Shade’s commentary out of my mind as I reach the top of the stairs. Lorien is already standing at the door to the room, waiting patiently for me with that same steady smile.

“You ready?” he asks softly, holding the door open.

I nod quickly, stepping inside and forcing myself to keep it together. It’s just a room. No big deal.

“Yeah, I’m exhausted,” I say as I step past him into the room, my voice a little sharper than I intended.

Lorien raises an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe for a moment before following me in. “You’ve had worse days,” he says, his tone casual but not overly warm. “You handled it fine.”

I glance at him, surprised by the bluntness, but I can’t argue with him. He’s right. Compared to dungeons, fights, and near-death experiences, today was nothing—but still, I’m drained.

“Doesn’t mean it wasn’t exhausting,” I reply, kicking off my boots and dropping my pouch of coins onto the small, rickety table by the bed.

He shrugs, closing the door behind him and tossing his own bag of gear into the corner. “True. But at least we got something out of it. Three rooms, some extra gold to spare. Could’ve been worse.”

I nod, sinking onto the edge of the bed with a sigh. “Yeah, I guess.”

For a moment, the room is quiet except for the faint creak of the floorboards as Lorien moves to check the window. He pulls it open slightly, letting in a faint breeze, then turns back to me.

“You okay?” he asks, his tone more neutral than usual. “You’ve been pretty quiet since we left the pub.”

I hesitate, not sure how to answer. Am I okay? Or just tired? Or embarrassed from earlier? I shake my head slightly, brushing it off. “I’m fine. Just need some sleep.”

He studies me for a second longer before nodding. “Fair enough.” He starts unbuckling his gear, his movements methodical and unhurried, like he’s not worried about much at all.

Meanwhile, I sit there, trying to figure out why I suddenly feel so awkward. Why does he have to be so… calm all the time?

“It’s the same as always,” Shade’s voice cuts into my thoughts, smooth and maddeningly smug. “He’s with a pretty girl while you are the girl. It’s going to be hard until you finally let yourself fully embrace that.”

How much more can I do before it’s considered me embracing it? I think bitterly. I already said I love him. I’ve already slept with him. What else is there?

Shade hums softly, his voice quieter now but no less pointed. “It’s not about embracing him, Artemis. It’s about embracing you.”

I freeze, my hands gripping the edge of the bed. “What do you mean by that?”

“It’s not about whether you love him or not,” he replies, his tone surprisingly gentle. “You already know the answer to that. It’s about you still holding on to who you were. You’re trying to be Artemis, but part of you is still clinging to Alex. And until you let go of that, you’ll keep tripping over moments like this.”

I swallow hard, my chest tightening as his words sink in. “I’m not clinging to anything,” I think back, though the defensiveness in my own thoughts makes the words feel hollow. “I’ve accepted this. I’ve adapted.”

“Have you?” Shade asks softly, no mocking edge this time. “Or are you just going through the motions, trying to avoid looking too closely at yourself?”

I don’t respond. I can’t.

Across the room, Lorien turns from the window, his steady gaze landing on me. He doesn’t say anything, but the faint tilt of his head, the way his expression softens ever so slightly—it’s like he can sense the storm inside me, even if he doesn’t know the full extent of it.

I force a small smile, trying to shake off the weight of Shade’s words. “I’ve already done so much,” I think again, as if repeating it will make it feel true. But deep down, I know Shade’s not entirely wrong. There’s still a part of me stuck in between, and I don’t know if I’ll ever fully close the gap.

“You really are beautiful,” Lorien says, his voice soft but firm, like he’s been holding the thought for a while.

I blink, caught completely off guard. My face immediately heats up, and I struggle to come up with anything coherent to say. “You’re… not too shabby either,” I blurt out, my voice awkward and a little too fast.

He smiles faintly, his usual calm presence now tinged with something warmer. “Thanks,” he says, leaning back against the wall. “But I wasn’t fishing for a compliment. Just wanted you to know.”

Shade hums in the back of my mind, his tone laced with satisfaction. “See? Even he sees it. Now when are you going to believe it?”

His gaze lingers, steady but not overwhelming, and I can’t help but feel the corners of my lips twitch into a small, genuine smile. “Thanks,” I mumble, still avoiding his eyes.

The room falls quiet for a moment, the faint sounds of the city outside filtering in through the open window. It’s peaceful, but my heart’s still racing, and I can’t tell if it’s because of his words—or because part of me is starting to believe them.

Why are we just standing here? I think, the silence stretching out between us. My heart’s still racing, my cheeks still warm from his words, and yet neither of us seems to know what to do next.

Lorien leans casually against the wall, his arms crossed, watching me with that same calm, steady expression. He looks perfectly at ease, like standing in a room with me is the most natural thing in the world.

Meanwhile, I feel like my brain is short-circuiting. Say something, do something—anything, I tell myself. But all I can do is fidget with the hem of my shirt, avoiding his gaze.

Lorien pushes off the wall, walking toward the small, rickety bed. “If you’re tired, you should get some rest,” he says simply, pulling back the blanket. “Long day, after all.”

I nod, stepping toward the other side of the bed and sitting down awkwardly. Why does this feel so much harder than it should?

“You’re overthinking,” Shade hums. “Relax, Artemis. He’s not going anywhere.”

I sigh softly, lying down and trying to settle my nerves. Maybe Shade is right, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

We both slide into the small, creaky bed, and the proximity hits me immediately. The mattress dips slightly under Lorien’s weight as he settles in beside me, and the space is just close enough that I can feel his warmth without even touching him.

I lie stiffly on my side, staring at the far wall and trying to ignore how my heart refuses to slow down. Why does this feel so awkward? I think, clenching the blanket in my hands. We’ve done this before—this shouldn’t feel new.

Lorien shifts slightly, the faint rustle of fabric breaking the silence. “You’re tense,” he says quietly, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity.

“I’m fine,” I reply too quickly, still staring at the wall.

He chuckles softly, the sound warm and familiar. “You don’t sound fine.”

Shade, of course, can’t resist chiming in. “He’s got you pegged, Artemis. You’re about as ‘fine’ as a cornered rabbit.”

“Shade, shut up,” I think furiously, squeezing my eyes shut.

Lorien shifts again, this time turning onto his side to face me. I can feel his gaze, steady and patient. “You don’t have to be nervous, you know,” he says softly, his voice closer now.

I swallow hard, finally turning my head to glance at him. His face is calm, his expression free of judgment, and the faint smile tugging at his lips is so natural it makes my chest ache.

“I know,” I mumble, my voice barely audible.

He reaches out, his hand brushing lightly against mine. “Then don’t be.”

For a moment, the world feels smaller—quieter. The awkwardness fades just a little, replaced by the steady warmth of his presence. I take a deep breath, letting it steady me, and slowly relax against the pillow.

“Okay,” I whisper, and this time, I mean it.

I take a deep breath, closing my eyes and willing myself to stop overthinking. Just stop being scared, I tell myself, forcing my body to relax.

Slowly, I shift closer to Lorien, curling up against him like I’ve done before. His warmth is immediate, soothing, and the steady rise and fall of his chest is calming in a way I didn’t realize I needed.

For a moment, I hesitate, wondering if he’ll say anything, but he doesn’t. Instead, his arm drapes around me naturally, pulling me just a little closer.

“You’re okay,” he says quietly, his voice soft and steady, like it’s the easiest thing in the world to say.

I nod against him, my hands clutching lightly at his shirt. I am okay, I think, letting the tension in my body slowly fade away.

Shade hums faintly in the back of my mind, but for once, he says nothing.

The silence between us feels different now—not awkward or heavy, but warm. Safe. I let myself breathe deeply, sinking into the comfort of being this close to him, of letting the fear go for just a little while.

Stop being scared, I remind myself again. And this time, it feels a little easier.

“I love you,” I whisper, the words coming out soft but certain as I curl closer into his warmth.

Lorien doesn’t hesitate, his voice just as steady as always. “I love you too.”

Hearing it, feeling the way he says it like it’s the simplest truth in the world, makes my chest tighten in the best way. I press my face against his shoulder, my fingers lightly clutching his shirt, and let the words settle between us.

Despite all my hesitation, being close to him feels natural—and, honestly, really nice. The warmth of his body against mine, the steady rhythm of his breathing, the way his arm rests so easily around me… it all feels so right, like this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

The doubts and awkwardness I’d been wrestling with earlier start to melt away, replaced by a calm I haven’t felt in what feels like forever. Maybe this doesn’t have to be so complicated, I think, letting my eyes close as I rest my head against his chest.

The steady rhythm of Lorien’s breathing, the warmth of his arm around me, and the quiet calm of the room all lull me into a sense of peace I haven’t felt in days. Despite everything—the noise in my head, the lingering doubts, the exhaustion—I feel safe here.

Before I know it, my eyes grow heavier, and the tension in my body fades completely. I curl closer to him, my breathing slowing to match his, and let the comfort of the moment carry me away.

Sleep comes quickly, and it’s peaceful.

I yawn, blinking sleepily as the world comes back into focus. I’m still curled up against Lorien, his warmth and steady presence grounding me as I stir.

“Morning,” he says softly, pressing a light kiss to my forehead.

“Or afternoon, maybe,” he adds with a faint chuckle, his voice low and calm.

I groan slightly, rolling over to glance at the window. The light streaming through is brighter and warmer than usual. It’s clear we’ve slept later than normal, the day already well underway.

“Guess we overdid it,” I mumble, rubbing at my eyes and sitting up slowly. My muscles feel looser, more rested than they have in weeks, and I stretch out carefully.

Lorien leans back against the headboard, watching me with his usual steady gaze. “We needed it,” he says simply, his voice soft but certain.

I nod, letting myself relax a little. “Yeah… guess we did.”

“There hasn’t been a day where we haven’t walked for what feels like forever,” I mutter, stretching out my arms. “And hardly any where we didn’t fight something.”

“Like I said,” Lorien replies, his voice steady but with a hint of a smile, “we definitely needed it.”

I glance back at him, his calm presence as reassuring as ever. He leans casually against the headboard, his hair slightly tousled from sleep, and I can’t help but think how effortlessly composed he always seems to be—even after days of chaos.

“Yeah, you’re right,” I admit, running a hand through my own hair as I glance toward the window again. “A day like this… it feels weird, though. Quiet.”

“Quiet’s not a bad thing,” he says, watching me closely. “It gives us time to breathe.”

I nod, my shoulders relaxing just a little. “Maybe we’ve earned that.”

“Think the others are already up?” I ask, glancing toward the door, half-expecting Kaida to burst in with some loud remark about how late we slept.

Lorien shrugs, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Kaida’s probably up. Whether she’s dragged Veyron out of bed is another story.”

I chuckle softly, imagining Kaida’s usual boundless energy clashing with Veyron’s tendency to do things at his own pace. “Fair point. Hrothgar’s probably already had breakfast, done some heavy lifting, and gone for a walk by now.”

Lorien nods. “Most likely. The man doesn’t know how to sit still for long.”

I stretch again, shaking off the last remnants of sleep. “Guess we should go find them. Don’t want to get an earful from Kaida for sleeping in.”

“She’ll give you an earful either way,” Lorien says, standing and offering me his hand with an easy smile. “Might as well face it now.”

I roll my eyes but take his hand, letting him pull me to my feet. “Let’s get this over with.”

Lorien gives my hand a light squeeze before letting go, grabbing his gear from the corner of the room. I do the same, slinging my bow over my shoulder and adjusting my quiver. My muscles feel better after the rare, uninterrupted sleep, but I can already hear Kaida’s teasing voice in my head.

As we step into the hallway, the quiet of the inn feels almost strange. A few muffled voices drift from below, probably from the common room, but there’s no sign of the others just yet.

“I’ll bet ten gold Kaida’s already plotting some new scheme,” I mutter as we make our way down the creaky stairs.

“Probably involving Veyron, whether he likes it or not,” Lorien replies with a faint smirk.

When we reach the bottom of the stairs, my guess proves half correct. Kaida is perched on one of the mismatched chairs in the corner of the common room, happily munching on what looks like a piece of bread and jam. Veyron, slouched in a chair next to her, looks less than thrilled, his hair sticking out in every direction like he just woke up.

“Oh, look who finally decided to join us!” Kaida says, her grin wide and teasing as she waves a piece of bread in our direction. “Thought you two were gonna sleep the whole day away.”

“Good morning to you, too,” I reply dryly, rolling my eyes.

Hrothgar appears from the other side of the room, holding a steaming mug. “You’re lucky this inn has breakfast included. Kaida’s already eaten half the table,” he says with a chuckle, nodding toward the nearly empty platter.

Kaida shrugs, completely unapologetic. “You snooze, you lose.”

Lorien pulls out a chair for me at the table before sitting himself, calm as ever. “So, what’s the plan for the day?” he asks, cutting straight to business.

Kaida leans forward, her grin turning mischievous. “Oh, I’ve got a few ideas…”

Why does that sound like trouble? I think, bracing myself for whatever she’s about to suggest.

“So,” Kaida begins, leaning forward with a grin so wide it practically glows, “with what we got yesterday, I’m thinking today we just relax.” She pauses for dramatic effect before clapping her hands together. “And tonight… double date time!”

I freeze, my eyes narrowing at her. “Kaida…”

“Oh, come on, it’ll be fun!” she says, waving off my hesitation. “We deserve it after last night.”

“I’m not sure we’re exactly in double date mode,” I reply, glancing at Lorien, who raises an eyebrow but says nothing.

“You’ll love it!” Kaida insists, cutting me off before I can argue. “And then tomorrow…” Her grin dims slightly, her tone becoming less enthusiastic. “…we can do a mission or something to get supplies or whatever. But tonight is for fun.”

Veyron groans, rubbing his temples like he’s already regretting this. “You’re not giving me a choice, are you?”

Kaida smirks, elbowing him lightly. “Nope! You’re stuck with me, remember?”

Hrothgar chuckles into his mug, shaking his head. “Good luck,” he mutters to Veyron, who shoots him a glare.

I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. “And what exactly does this double date involve?”

Kaida’s grin returns full force. “Oh, you’ll see. Just trust me. It’s going to be perfect.”

I catch the faint smirk Lorien gives Kaida, and my stomach twists. It’s subtle, but it’s clear—Veyron was right. They’ve been planning this. Whatever “double date” experience Kaida has cooked up, Lorien’s been in on it.

I narrow my eyes at him. “You two have been scheming, haven’t you?”

Kaida gasps dramatically, placing a hand on her chest like I’ve accused her of something scandalous. “Scheming? Artemis, how could you think such a thing?”

“Because it’s you,” I reply flatly, crossing my arms.

Veyron leans back in his chair, rubbing his temples again. “Yeah, I called it. I knew you two were up to something.”

Kaida grins, her energy practically bouncing off the walls. “Okay, fine! Maybe we did talk about it a little. But come on, it’s going to be great.”

Hrothgar chuckles, shaking his head. “As long as it doesn’t involve me, you kids do whatever you want.”

I glance at Lorien, raising an eyebrow. “And you just went along with this?”

He shrugs, his smirk turning into something softer. “I didn’t see the harm. You might actually enjoy it.”

I groan, leaning back in my chair.

Kaida claps her hands again, her excitement unwavering. “Perfect! Then it’s settled. Everyone relax for now, but tonight… double date time!”

I glance at Lorien again, narrowing my eyes slightly. “This better not be as bad as I think it’s going to be.”

His calm smile doesn’t waver. “You’ll survive.”

Shade, of course, picks now to chime in. “Oh, this is going to be fantastic. Can’t wait to see what they’ve cooked up for you.”

“Not now, Shade,” I think, already bracing myself for whatever’s coming.

After Lorien and I finish eating, Kaida practically leaps out of her seat, her energy barely contained.

“Okay, Lorien, you know what to do. I’ve got Artemis!” she says, grinning like a kid about to open a pile of presents.

I freeze, already feeling the worry settle in my chest. “What does that mean?” I ask, my voice cautious, though I already know I’m not going to like the answer.

“Divide and conquer,” Kaida chirps, her grin widening.

“Okay, you’re with me, Veyron,” Lorien says smoothly, standing and gesturing toward the door.

Veyron raises an eyebrow but doesn’t argue, standing up with a sigh. “Guess I’m coming along for the ride.”

Lorien glances at Hrothgar, who’s still seated, his massive frame slouched comfortably as he sips from his mug. “You want to come, big guy?”

Hrothgar chuckles, shaking his head. “Think I’ll just rest for today. This double date is your problem, not mine,” he says with a faint smile.

“Oh god,” I mutter, standing slowly as Kaida grabs my arm. “What do you have planned?”

Kaida pulls me toward the door with the kind of enthusiasm that makes my stomach drop. “You’ll see! Trust me, it’s going to be perfect!”

I glance back at Lorien, my expression pleading, but he just gives me a faint, reassuring smile as he heads out the door with Veyron.

Shade’s amused voice hums in my mind. “Oh, Artemis, this is going to be good.”

“Why do I feel like I’m walking into a trap?” I think, already regretting my life choices as Kaida drags me outside.

“So, we’ve got some places to go before tonight,” Kaida says, practically bouncing as she pulls me along the street.

“What do you mean?” I ask warily, narrowing my eyes at her.

She glances back at me with a grin so wide it’s almost unsettling. “Well, you can’t go on your first date looking like that,” she says, gesturing vaguely at my usual outfit.

I stop dead in my tracks, yanking my arm free from her grip. “Excuse me? What’s wrong with the way I look?”

Kaida rolls her eyes, stepping closer and giving me an exaggerated once-over. “You look fine, but fine isn’t going to cut it for a date. Especially not a double date. We’ve got to make you look, y’know… stunning.”

I groan, already regretting letting her take charge of this. “Kaida, I’m not wearing anything ridiculous.”

“Oh, relax! I’m not going to make you wear a ballgown or something. Just trust me, Artemis. I’ve got this all figured out.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I mutter, but she ignores me, grabbing my arm again and dragging me further down the street.

Shade’s laughter echoes in the back of my mind. “Oh, this is going to be fantastic. Kaida’s got a vision, and you? You’re her canvas.”

"I’m going to kill her," I think, though the slight blush rising to my cheeks makes me wonder just how far Kaida’s planning to take this.

“It’s not a big deal,” Kaida says casually, though her grin tells me it’s anything but. “We’re just going to get our hair done and pick out some dresses.”

“Say what?” I stop in my tracks, staring at her like she’s lost her mind.

She turns around, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Oh, come on, it’s not a big deal! You’ll look amazing, and Lorien will love it,” she adds, her tone turning sing-songy as she bounces slightly on her heels.

I feel my face heat instantly. “Kaida, this isn’t necessary! I don’t need a dress or—” I gesture vaguely at my hair. “—anything done. I’m fine the way I am!”

“Fine isn’t enough for tonight!” she insists, grabbing my arm again and pulling me along. “Trust me, Artemis. You’ll thank me later.”

Shade hums in my mind, his tone far too amused. “Oh, I love this. Let her do it, Artemis. I mean, Lorien will love it.”

“Seriously, Kaida, this isn’t necessary!” I protest, though it’s clear my words aren’t getting through to her.

“Necessary or not, we’re doing it!” she says brightly, practically dragging me toward a small shop with colorful dresses displayed in the window. “Now stop fighting me and just enjoy this!”

I groan, already bracing myself for the chaos she’s about to unleash. Why did I let her take charge of this again?

“Come on!” Kaida says, her tone entirely too cheerful as she drags me closer to the shop.

“You are the worst,” I mutter, glaring at the back of her head.

“No, I’m not,” she replies confidently, glancing over her shoulder with a grin. “You love me.”

I groan, letting her pull me inside the shop. “Debatable,” I grumble, though her laughter makes it clear she doesn’t take me seriously.

The moment we step in, I’m hit with the overwhelming sight of racks upon racks of colorful, flowing dresses, their fabrics shimmering in the soft glow of the lanterns hanging above. A few women bustle around, chattering as they sort through the clothing.

Kaida spins around to face me, her eyes practically sparkling with excitement. “Alright! Let’s find something perfect for you!”

I cross my arms, narrowing my eyes at her. “I swear, Kaida, if you make me try on something ridiculous—”

“Relax!” she interrupts, grabbing a random dress from the nearest rack and holding it up in front of me. “This is going to be so much fun!”

Shade hums in the back of my mind, his voice dripping with amusement. “Oh, Artemis, you’re going to hate this—and I’m going to enjoy every second of it.”

“I already hate this,” I think, sighing as Kaida shoves another dress into my hands.

“Isn’t this a bit of a waste of money anyway?” I ask, hoping maybe some logic will get through to her.

Kaida waves me off, barely listening as she thumbs through a rack of dresses. “It’s not a waste—it’s to make a memorable and amazing night! Totally worth it.”

She pauses, grinning slyly as she turns back to me. “Oh, and we’ll also need to get you and me some nice ‘undergarments,’ just in case the night goes well.”

“What?” I practically choke, staring at her in disbelief.

Kaida’s grin widens, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Don’t act so innocent. We both know you’ve already gone that far.”

My mind immediately flashes back to that mortifying morning, when Kaida had barged into the room unannounced.

I feel my face burn at the memory, and I glare at her. “Kaida…”

She smirks, clearly delighted by my reaction. “What? I’m just saying, if it’s going to be a special night, you might as well be prepared.”

I groan, covering my face with one hand. “You’re impossible.”

“That’s why you love me,” she chirps, already pulling another dress off the rack.

This world is my own personal hell of awkward and embarrassing, I think bitterly, glaring at the growing pile of dresses Kaida is shoving into my arms.

Shade hums in amusement, his voice dripping with delight. “Oh, come on, Artemis. Don’t act like you’re not used to it by now. This is just another layer of your charmingly awkward life.”

“You’re not helping,” I snap internally, though I know he’s enjoying this far too much to stop.

Kaida glances over at me, raising an eyebrow as I stand there stiffly, my arms full of fabric. “Don’t look so miserable,” she says, grinning. “You’re going to look amazing. And, for the record, you’re welcome in advance.”

I sigh, shifting the dresses in my arms. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Of course I am,” she says, her grin turning mischievous. “But you’ll thank me later when Lorien can’t take his eyes off you.”

My face heats immediately, and I groan, turning away to hide the blush creeping up my neck. This world really is out to get me.

“Plus, he’s dressing up for you, so you have to return the favor,” Kaida says, grinning as she holds up yet another dress to compare against me.

“He is?” I ask, blinking in surprise. Then it hits me. “Oh, that’s what they’re doing.”

Kaida smirks, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Not everything,” she says, throwing in a wink that immediately sets me on edge.

“Oh great,” I mutter, shifting the pile of dresses in my arms. “More surprises.”

As Kaida pulls another dress from the rack, I frown at it. “Some of these don’t even look like they fit this world,” I say, gesturing to the sleek, modern design of the fabric. “They’re way too… I don’t know, modern.”

Kaida shrugs, clearly unbothered. “So what? They’re cute, and they’ll make an impression. Who cares if they’re not medieval enough? It’s not like the NPCs are going to complain about your fashion sense.”

“I’m not saying it’s bad,” I mutter, adjusting the dresses in my arms, “I’m just saying it’s weird. All the outfits we’ve seen so far in this world seem so… I don’t know, researched and realistic. Like they fit the medieval vibe.”

Kaida tilts her head, holding up a dress with a high slit and glittering fabric that practically screams modern. “Yeah, but maybe that’s the point? Like, you’re not dressing to blend in. You’re dressing to stand out. Besides, who cares about realism when you’ve got a cute dress?”

I frown, glancing at the garment in her hands. “But it just feels… off. Why would this even be here?”

Shade hums thoughtfully. “A fair question. Maybe it’s the game’s way of throwing you off balance. Or maybe some dev just really wanted to sneak their favorite designs in. Either way, you’re overthinking it, Artemis. Just roll with it.”

“Not everything has to make sense in this world, Artemis,” Kaida adds, shrugging. “I mean, look at us. Pretty sure we’re the definition of out-of-place.”

I sigh, reluctantly conceding the point. She’s not wrong. Still, it’s hard to shake the strange sense of disconnect these dresses give me—like they’re a reminder that this game world isn’t as cohesive as it seems.

“Okay, I think we’ve got enough,” Kaida says suddenly, her grin returning full force. She grabs my arm and starts steering me toward the dressing area. “Let’s try some on!”

“Oh great,” I mutter under my breath, clutching the dresses tightly as she drags me along. “It’s finally time.”

Shade’s laugh echoes in my mind, low and full of amusement. “Oh, this is going to be fantastic. Don’t hold back, Artemis—let’s see what you’ve got.”

“Why me?” I think bitterly, but I know there’s no escaping this now.

Kaida practically shoves me into the small, curtained-off dressing area, the pile of dresses in my arms nearly toppling over. The space is cramped, with only a slightly warped mirror propped up on the wall, but Kaida seems entirely too excited as she waits just outside.

“Come on!” she calls, her voice muffled through the curtain. “Start with the green one—it’ll bring out your eyes!”

I sigh heavily, staring at the dresses like they’re some kind of enemy I need to face in battle. This is ridiculous, I think as I hold up the green dress she mentioned. It’s made of flowing fabric that shimmers faintly in the light, with a cut far too elegant for someone like me.

Shade, ever the opportunist, hums in my mind. “You know, she’s not wrong about the green. It would bring out your eyes. Imagine the look on Lorien’s face—bet he’d be speechless.”

“Not helping, Shade,” I snap mentally, pulling the dress over my head and fumbling with the straps. It fits a little too well, hugging my figure in a way that immediately makes me self-conscious.

“Everything okay in there?” Kaida asks, her voice far too cheerful.

“No,” I mutter under my breath, adjusting the fabric and smoothing it down before glancing in the mirror.

Kaida doesn’t wait for an invitation—she yanks the curtain open without warning, her grin widening as she looks me up and down. “Artemis! You look amazing!”

I glare at her, my cheeks already burning. “Would you knock first?”

“No time for modesty!” she says, waving me off. “You have got to show this to Lorien later. He’s gonna lose it.”

“Kaida,” I groan, turning back to the mirror and trying not to think about what Lorien might actually say.

“Relax,” she says, already holding up another dress for me to try. “You’re going to thank me for this. Trust me.”

I sigh again, pulling the green dress off carefully. This is going to be a long day.

Kaida is relentless. The moment I step out of one dress, she’s shoving another one into my hands, each one more extravagant—or embarrassing—than the last.

“Try this one!” she says, holding up a deep red dress with a plunging neckline that makes me cringe just looking at it.

“No,” I say flatly, folding my arms.

“Yes,” she counters, thrusting it at me anyway.

“Kaida…” I glare at her, but she’s completely immune.

“Don’t overthink it! Just try it on. What’s the worst that could happen?”

The worst? I think as I grab the dress reluctantly. The worst is me stepping out in this thing and giving everyone more reasons to tease me for the rest of my life.

Shade chimes in, his voice practically purring. “Oh, come on, Artemis. Live a little. You might actually like it.”

“Not likely,” I mutter, ducking back into the dressing room.

As I pull the dress on, I can’t help but notice how it clings to me in ways I’m not used to. It’s bold, far bolder than anything I’d ever choose for myself, and I’m already bracing for Kaida’s reaction when I step out.

“Well?” she says the moment the curtain opens, her eyes lighting up. “Oh. My. God. Artemis, you look… incredible!”

I cross my arms, feeling my cheeks heat up as I glance at the mirror again. The red fabric shimmers faintly in the light, and while I hate to admit it, it does look… striking.

Kaida practically bounces on her heels. “Lorien is going to die.”

I roll my eyes, but Shade’s voice slips into my mind before I can respond. “She’s right, you know. You look stunning. Admit it—you’re starting to enjoy this.”

“I’m just surviving this,” I think, though a small part of me wonders if maybe, just maybe, he has a point.

Kaida claps her hands together. “Okay, last one, I promise! Then we’ll pick the dress.”

I groan, stepping back into the dressing room. This better be worth it.

“Here, it’s another green one, with a cut similar to the red one,” Kaida says, shoving yet another dress into my hands. Her grin is as persistent as ever, and I can tell she’s not taking no for an answer.

I sigh, holding up the dress to get a better look. It’s deep emerald, with a flowing skirt and a neckline that’s… definitely lower than the red one. The material glimmers faintly, giving it an elegant yet striking vibe.

“You’re relentless, you know that?” I mutter, stepping back into the dressing room.

“And you love me for it,” Kaida chirps from outside, completely unbothered by my grumbling.

Shade hums in amusement. “Try it on—you’re almost at the finish line.”

“More like the edge of a cliff,” I think bitterly, though I pull the dress on anyway.

It fits just as snugly as the red one, hugging my figure in a way that feels bold, but I’m starting to get used to it. The green fabric falls elegantly, the color rich and vibrant against my skin. I glance at the mirror and hesitate. Woah…

“Well? Don’t keep me waiting!” Kaida calls impatiently, and I can already hear her trying to yank the curtain open.

“Alright, alright!” I say, stepping out before she can barge in.

Her reaction is immediate—a gasp, followed by a beaming smile. “Artemis, that’s the one. That’s the dress.”

I shift uncomfortably, glancing at the mirror again. “Seriously?”

“Absolutely,” she says, practically spinning me around to get a better look. “It’s perfect. It’s classy, it’s sexy, and Lorien is going to lose his mind.”

My face heats instantly, and I glare at her. “Would you stop bringing him up every two seconds?”

“Never,” she says with a grin, completely unapologetic. “Now, it’s my turn!”

I turn back to the mirror, smoothing the fabric of the dress one more time. The emerald green catches the light perfectly, the shimmer subtle but enough to make it feel… special. Kaida might actually be onto something this time, I think reluctantly. But Kaida’s words linger in my mind.

“Lorien is going to lose his mind.”

Shade hums, his voice tinged with amusement. “She’s not just onto something—she’s completely right. You’re stunning, and you know it.”

“I’m not here to stun anyone,” I shoot back mentally, though my reflection suggests otherwise. This is just for the double date… nothing more.

Kaida’s voice breaks through my thoughts as she calls out from her dressing room. “How’s it holding up, Artemis? You’re not backing out, are you?”

“Still wearing it, aren’t I?” I reply flatly, though I can’t entirely keep the heat out of my voice.

“Well, good,” she says cheerfully.

As I keep fussing with the dress, I hear the rustle of fabric from Kaida’s dressing room, followed by a dramatic gasp. “Artemis, you have to see this one! I think I just found the one for me!”

“Of course you did,” I mutter under my breath, stepping back to look at the dress one last time.

Kaida bursts out of her dressing room a moment later, twirling dramatically in a deep purple gown that’s almost as bold as her personality. “Well? What do you think?”

I can’t help but smile a little. “It’s very… you.”

“Right?!” she says, striking a pose before darting back to adjust something in front of the nearest mirror. “Okay, now we’re both going to knock them dead tonight.”

I shake my head, sighing softly as I glance at my own reflection one last time. This is going to be a long night.

“Alright, hair time!” Kaida announces, her grin wide and determined as she pulls me along.

I groan, already dragging my feet. “Isn’t this enough? The dress is already… a lot.”

“Absolutely not,” she says, shaking her head with mock seriousness. “The dress is just the beginning. Hair is essential.”

“Well,” I counter, narrowing my eyes, “they’re not gonna have a salon here in this medieval city.”

Kaida smirks, clearly unbothered by my logic. “Oh, ye of little faith. If they have modern dresses, they’ll have a salon. Watch.”

I roll my eyes, but sure enough, Kaida practically drags me down a winding street until we stop in front of a small but surprisingly polished shop with “Gilded Locks” painted neatly above the door.

“See?” she says triumphantly, gesturing at the sign. “Told you.”

Shade hums in my mind, his voice smug. “She’s good. You’ve got to give her credit for that.”

“I’m not giving her anything,” I think, sighing as Kaida pulls me through the door.

The interior is unexpectedly charming, with neatly arranged chairs, mirrors polished to a shine, and stylists bustling about. The scent of herbs and lavender fills the air, blending with the soft chatter of patrons.

Kaida turns to me with a gleam in her eye. “Alright, Artemis. Let’s get you looking absolutely stunning. Something elegant, something unforgettable.”

I cross my arms, my face already heating. “Kaida…”

“No arguing!” she says, pointing to a nearby chair. “Sit.”

I sigh, sinking into the chair as one of the stylists approaches.

Shade chuckles softly in the back of my mind. “She’s right, you know. This is going to be fun. For me.”

“I hate all of you,” I think, glaring at my reflection as the stylist starts to work on my hair.

“You always have your hair in this ponytail,” Kaida says, leaning against her chair and watching me with an appraising look. “I’m thinking we put it down and make it really beautiful. You know, let it flow. Something soft and elegant.”

I frown, reaching up to touch the familiar tie holding my hair back. “What’s wrong with the ponytail?”

“Nothing’s wrong with it,” she says, waving her hand dismissively. “It’s just… practical. You’re not battling monsters tonight, Artemis. You’re going on a date. Big difference.”

I glance at my reflection, suddenly self-conscious. “It’s not like Lorien cares what my hair looks like,” I mumble.

Kaida smirks, folding her arms. “Oh, he cares. Trust me.”

Shade, naturally, decides to add his two cents. “She’s not wrong. He may not say it outright, but Lorien notices everything about you. You might as well make it count.”

“I’m not doing this for him,” I think stubbornly, though the faint blush rising to my cheeks betrays me.

“Relax,” Kaida says, catching the look on my face. “You’re going to look amazing, and you’ll feel amazing too. Now, let the professionals work their magic.”

The stylist beside me gives a small nod, already loosening the tie in my hair. As my hair falls around my shoulders, I glance at my reflection again. It’s strange seeing it down, but… maybe Kaida’s right. Maybe it’s time to try something new.

“See?” Kaida says, grinning as she watches. “You’re going to look incredible.”

I sigh, resigning myself to whatever this transformation is going to be. “This better be worth it.”

“Oh, it will be,” she says with a wink. “Just wait.”

After what feels like forever, with Kaida humming excitedly in the background and the stylist working silently but quickly, it’s finally done—or so I’m told.

“There we go,” the stylist says, stepping back with a satisfied smile. “All finished.”

Kaida jumps out of her chair before I even have time to look, spinning me toward the mirror. “Okay, Artemis, prepare to be blown away.”

I hesitate for a moment, not sure what to expect. But when I finally look at my reflection, my breath catches.

My hair, usually tied back in a practical ponytail, now flows freely over my shoulders, soft waves framing my face. The stylist added small, delicate braids that weave into the loose strands, giving it an elegant yet natural look. It’s simple but beautiful, and it almost doesn’t feel like it’s me.

Kaida practically squeals. “Oh. My. God. You look amazing!”

I touch my hair tentatively, my fingers brushing over the braids. “It’s… different,” I say quietly, not quite sure how to feel.

“Different in the best way,” Kaida insists, grinning from ear to ear. “Lorien is going to die.”

“Kaida, please,” I mutter, my face heating up.

Shade hums approvingly in my mind. “You have to admit, Artemis, they did a fantastic job. Even you can’t deny it.”

“It’s just hair,” I think, though the way I can’t stop staring at my reflection says otherwise.

Kaida claps her hands together. “Alright, now it’s my turn! But seriously, Artemis—you’re going to steal the show tonight.”

I sigh, sitting back in the chair as she settles in for her own styling session. This is so far out of my comfort zone, I think, but deep down, I can’t help but feel a little… excited. Just a little.

After a bit, Kaida’s hair is done, and of course, she’s already striking a dramatic pose in front of the mirror.

Her usual chaotic energy is perfectly matched by the new style: a voluminous, asymmetrical bob with layers that add texture and movement. A part framing her face, while the tousled finish gives it that effortless, “I woke up like this” vibe that took way more effort than it looks.

She grins at her reflection, tilting her head slightly to admire the way the longer side falls just so. “Okay, this is incredible,” she says, fluffing the layers with her fingers. “I look hot, right?”

“Not bad,” I admit, smirking a little. “Very… you.”

“Very me,” she agrees, flashing me a wink. “And don’t think I didn’t notice you checking yourself out earlier. You’re loving your hair more than you’ll admit.”

I roll my eyes, though the faint blush creeping up my cheeks gives me away. “Let’s just get out of here before you start trying to add accessories or something.”

Kaida gasps, grabbing my arm. “Wait, accessories! That’s a great idea—”

“No,” I cut in, dragging her toward the door. “We’re done here.”

Shade chuckles softly in the back of my mind. “You’re going to look fantastic tonight, Artemis. You can’t run from that.”

“I’m not running,” I think. I just don’t need Kaida pushing it even further.

“Fine, fine,” Kaida says with a laugh as we step outside. “But don’t blame me when you look like the most stunning person in the room tonight.”

I shake my head, but her words linger as we make our way back. This is definitely going to be a night to remember.

“Okay,” Kaida says, her grin a little too enthusiastic as she claps her hands together. “Time for the undergarments!”

I stop dead in my tracks, feeling the heat rise to my face instantly. “Kaida…”

Her grin widens as she watches my reaction, clearly enjoying this way too much. “What? You’ve got the dress, the hair, now we need the finishing touches! You want to make this night perfect, right?”

I groan, running a hand over my face.

Kaida grabs my arm, snapping me back to the present. “Come on, don’t act like this is a big deal. It’s just, you know, preparation. And let’s be honest, Lorien won’t mind if you’re a little extra prepared.”

“Kaida, stop!” I hiss, feeling like my face is about to burst into flames.

She just laughs, dragging me toward the next shop like this is the most normal thing in the world. “Relax, Artemis. Trust me, you’ll one hundred percent thank me later.”

Shade’s laughter echoes faintly in the back of my mind. “Oh, this is golden. You might as well give in—there’s no escaping her now.”

“This is my personal nightmare,” I think, groaning as Kaida pulls me through the door.

“Fine,” I grumble, letting out a defeated sigh. “Let’s just get it over with.”

Kaida practically beams, dragging me further into the shop as if this is the highlight of her day. “That’s the spirit!” she says cheerfully, already scanning the displays like she’s on a mission.

The shop itself is small but cozy, lined with racks of delicate fabrics in every shade and style imaginable. I barely have time to take it all in before Kaida pulls a silky piece off the nearest rack and holds it up with a smirk.

“What about this one?” she teases, dangling the garment in front of me.

My face heats instantly as I snatch it out of her hand and shove it back onto the rack. “Kaida, stop.”

She laughs, completely unfazed. “Come on, Artemis, don’t be shy. This is all part of the fun!”

“It’s not fun,” I mutter, folding my arms and staring at the floor to avoid making eye contact with anything in the store. “It’s awkward and unnecessary.”

Kaida tilts her head, her grin turning slightly softer but no less mischievous. “It’s not unnecessary. Look, you’ve already done the hard part—you’re wearing the dress, you’ve got your hair done. This is just the icing on the cake.”

“Cake I didn’t ask for,” I mutter, though I can tell she’s not going to let this go.

Shade hums in the back of my mind, his tone smug. “Oh, I don’t know. I think you’ll appreciate this later. And let’s be honest—so will Lorien.”

“Shade, not now,” I snap mentally, trying to block out the commentary.

Kaida holds up another set, this one in a soft green that matches my dress perfectly. “Okay, seriously though—this one’s gorgeous. And it’s practical! Well… mostly.”

I sigh, reluctantly taking it from her. “Fine. This one. Happy?”

Kaida grins like she’s just won a prize. “Very.”

“Great,” I mutter. “Let’s pay for it and go.”

“Not so fast,” Kaida says, already browsing for herself. “You’re not the only one who needs to be ‘prepared,’ you know.”

I groan, burying my face in my hands. This is never going to end.

“Come on, let’s try them on,” Kaida says, grabbing a set off the rack with way too much enthusiasm.

I groan, holding my ground. “Kaida, we’re buying them anyway. Why does this need to happen?”

“It just does,” she insists, shoving me toward the fitting area.

After several minutes of bickering and me trying to wriggle my way out of it, I finally give in, grumbling the entire time as I step into the tiny changing room. Why do I let her talk me into these things?

The set she picked out for me is… certainly interesting. It’s soft and delicate, with intricate lace details that manage to feel equal parts elegant and revealing. This is way too much—or maybe not enough, I think, staring at myself in the mirror. Ugh.

Before I can even think about whether I’m stepping out, I hear Kaida’s voice right outside. “Let me see!”

“Kaida, no!” I protest, but it’s too late—the curtain suddenly whips open, and she’s standing there with the biggest grin imaginable.

“Wow,” she says, clearly delighted. “That is… incredible. You look amazing, Artemis.”

I cover myself instinctively, my face burning. “Kaida! Close the curtain!”

“Oh, relax,” she says, waving me off. “It’s just me, and I’ve already seen, you know, everything.”

My brain immediately flashes back to that mortifying morning, and I groan. “You are the worst.”

“And you’re stunning,” she counters, her grin unwavering. “Seriously, Lorien’s going to lose his mind.”

“Kaida! Stop saying that!” I hiss, trying to shove the curtain closed.

Shade’s laughter hums in the back of my mind. “Oh, she’s not wrong. You look incredible, and you know it. Admit it, Artemis—it’s starting to grow on you.”

“This is torture,” I think furiously, my embarrassment only deepening as Kaida keeps grinning.

“What do you think of mine?” Kaida asks, striking a dramatic pose as I realize she’s already changed into hers.

Her set matches her personality perfectly—bold and confident. It’s deep purple, just like her dress, with delicate lace and intricate patterns that manage to be both elegant and daring. The way it fits her petite frame is undeniably flattering, and she looks completely at ease in it, like she owns the moment.

I blink, my brain still catching up as she twirls slightly, her smirk growing wider. “Well?” she prompts, clearly fishing for compliments.

I sigh, knowing there’s no getting out of this. “You look… good,” I admit reluctantly, crossing my arms.

“Good?” she repeats, raising an eyebrow. “Come on, Artemis. I need glowing praise.”

“Fine,” I mutter, glancing away. “You look amazing. Happy now?”

She grins, nodding triumphantly. “Very.”

I shake my head, my face still burning from earlier. “Can we just agree we’re done here now?”

Kaida taps her chin, pretending to think. “Hmm… I guess we’ve tortured you enough for one day.”

Shade hums in my mind, his tone amused. “I don’t know, Artemis. She might not be wrong—this could be worth the extra effort.”

“You’re lucky I can’t throttle you,” I think bitterly, giving Kaida a flat look as she drags me toward the counter to finally pay for everything.

“You’re welcome,” Kaida says with a smug grin as we finally step out of the shop, bags in hand. “Now we both look hot—both in and under the dresses.”

I groan, my face heating yet again. “Kaida, do you have to say things like that?”

“Yes,” she replies without missing a beat, her grin only widening. “Because it’s true. Admit it—you’re going to knock Lorien off his feet tonight.”

I roll my eyes, muttering, “You’re impossible.”

“And you love me for it,” she chirps, walking with a bounce in her step. “You’re welcome, by the way, for taking you from ‘functional adventurer’ to ‘absolute goddess.’”

Shade hums in agreement. “She’s not wrong. You both look… well, ‘hot’ is an understatement.”

“Not helping, Shade,” I think, glaring at nothing in particular.

Kaida spins around to face me, walking backward as she flashes another grin. “Tonight’s going to be amazing. You’re going to thank me later—just wait and see.”

I sigh, clutching the bag in my hand as I follow her. “If I survive this, it’ll be a miracle.”

“Oh, you’ll survive,” she says, winking. “And you’ll look stunning while doing it.”

“You know I’ll get you back for this,” I mutter, glaring at Kaida as she strolls ahead, completely unfazed.

“Uh huh, sure you will,” she replies, her tone so casual it makes my frustration bubble over. She glances back with a smirk, flipping her hair like she’s already won whatever battle this is.

“I’m serious, Kaida,” I insist, my voice low and threatening—not that it fazes her. “This isn’t over.”

She laughs, throwing an arm around my shoulders as we walk. “Oh, Artemis, you’re adorable when you’re trying to be intimidating.”

Shade hums in my mind, thoroughly entertained. “She’s got your number, Artemis. You’d better come up with something good if you’re planning revenge.”

“Oh, I will,” I think, glaring at the back of Kaida’s head as she grins to herself. Just you wait.

“Anyway,” Kaida says, breaking into my thoughts, “you’ll be too busy tonight being swept off your feet by Lorien to worry about revenge. So, you’re welcome again.”

I groan, resisting the urge to bury my face in my hands. How did I let her talk me into this?

I glance at Kaida, who’s radiating smug satisfaction, and sigh. “So, now what? Are we done running around, or do you have more surprises waiting for me?”

Kaida taps her chin dramatically, as if considering. “Hmm… nope, I think we’re good. For now,” she adds with a wicked grin.

I groan. “You’ve already maxed out my embarrassment quota for the day, Kaida. Can we just go back and wait for the guys?”

“Fine, fine,” she says, waving me off. “We’ll head back to the inn and chill for a bit. But I’m not letting you chicken out of tonight, okay? No last-minute excuses.”

“I’m not going to chicken out,” I mutter, clutching the bags a little tighter.

“Good.” She flashes me another grin as we start heading toward the inn. “Because tonight, we’re going to look amazing, eat amazing food, and have an amazing time. No complaints allowed.”

Shade hums softly in the back of my mind. “She’s got a point, you know. You’ve already come this far. Might as well enjoy it.”

“Enjoy it,” I think sarcastically. Sure, that’ll be easy.

As we approach the inn, my nerves start creeping in again. What are Lorien and Kaida even planning for tonight? I wonder, glancing at Kaida, who’s practically bouncing with excitement. Whatever it is, it’s bound to be something… memorable.

End of chapter