Edrin had decided something important.
Cities were worse than monsters.
"Too many people," he muttered as they approached the massive gates. "At least monsters don't stare this much."
"They stare plenty," Ronan said.
"Yes, but with less judgment."
Lyra walked ahead without slowing. "Stay close."
"I am staying close," Edrin replied, nearly bumping into her again.
"You're doing it again."
"I feel safer."
"You're making it obvious."
"I am obvious."
Ronan chuckled as they reached the gates.
Two armored guards stepped forward, their expressions neutral—but their eyes sharp.
"Halt," one of them said. "State your business."
Edrin immediately stepped behind Lyra.
"…We're travelers," Lyra said calmly.
"Passing through," Ronan added.
The guard's gaze shifted past them—landing directly on Edrin, who was only partially hidden.
"…And him?" the guard asked.
Edrin gave a small, awkward wave. "I'm also… present."
Ronan grinned. "He's with us."
The guard studied them for a moment longer.
Then stepped aside.
"Keep it that way," he said.
Edrin exhaled. "…That went better than expected."
"You expected worse?" Ronan asked.
"Yes."
"That's fair."
They passed through the gates.
And immediately—
Edrin stopped.
"…Oh."
The city was alive.
Crowded streets filled with people moving in every direction, merchants shouting from stalls, the smell of food drifting through the air, the constant hum of voices blending into something overwhelming.
Edrin blinked rapidly. "…This is too much."
"You'll adjust," Lyra said.
"I don't want to adjust."
"You don't have a choice."
Edrin sighed. "That sentence again."
Ronan stretched his arms. "Welcome to civilization."
"I'm not convinced this is better," Edrin replied.
They moved through the streets, weaving between people.
Or rather—
Lyra and Ronan moved smoothly.
Edrin nearly collided with at least four different individuals within the first minute.
"Sorry—sorry—I didn't see you—I was looking at that—what is that?" he said, pointing at a food stall.
"Focus," Lyra said.
"I am focusing! There's just too much to focus on!"
Ronan laughed. "You'll get used to it."
"I don't think I will!"
They finally stopped near a quieter street, away from the busiest part of the market.
Edrin leaned against a wall.
"…I survived," he said.
"Barely," Lyra replied.
"Still counts."
Ronan looked around. "We'll need supplies. Information. And a place to stay."
Edrin nodded. "…And maybe fewer people."
"No," Lyra said.
"I tried."
As they stood there, catching their breath—
A figure approached.
Calm.
Quiet.
Deliberate.
Edrin noticed them immediately.
"…That person's walking like they know exactly what they're doing," he whispered.
Lyra turned slightly.
Ronan's expression sharpened.
The figure stopped a short distance away.
A woman.
Dressed simply—but with an unmistakable presence.
Her gaze moved over the three of them—
Then settled on Edrin.
Of course it did.
Edrin pointed at himself. "It's always me."
The woman spoke, her voice calm but direct.
"You're the one they're talking about."
Edrin blinked. "…I was hoping that wouldn't follow me here."
"It has," she said.
Ronan crossed his arms. "And you are?"
The woman didn't look at him.
Her eyes remained on Edrin.
"My name is Seris," she said. "And if the rumors are true—"
She paused.
Studying him more closely.
"…Then you're in more danger than you realize."
Edrin sighed.
"…I was afraid of that."
Lyra stepped forward slightly. "What do you know?"
Seris didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she looked around—at the city, the people, the movement.
Then back at them.
"Not here," she said.
Edrin groaned. "It's always 'not here.'"
Ronan smirked. "That means it's important."
"I figured that."
Seris turned and began walking. "If you want answers, follow me."
Edrin looked at Lyra.
Then at Ronan.
Then back at Seris.
"…This feels like the start of something complicated," he said.
"Yes," Lyra replied.
Ronan grinned. "Definitely."
Edrin sighed.
"…Alright."
And once again—
He followed.