Chapter 9

Larkin let out a heavy sigh, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as he searched for any sign of Xain or Zee. "Where the hell did the two of 'em go?" he muttered, his voice laced with mild irritation. His fingers idly scratched at his beard as he continued scanning the bustling square. "Told 'em to meet back up at the spot… What the hell are they doin'?"

He exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. There wasn't much else he could do but wait. "Guess I'll just stay here," he said, mostly to himself, shifting his weight before leaning back against the wall. He only hoped the woman at the ticket stall wouldn't suddenly change her mind before the two got back.

Meanwhile

Xain's brain completely stalled, his gaze snapping between Zee and the identical stranger standing beside her, struggling to process what he was looking at. His thoughts spun in slow, jagged circles, his mind refusing to catch up with reality.

Clara, completely unfazed, brightened with her oblivious cheer. "Ah! Is that your name? I was just about to ask," she said, looking at Xain before her attention shifted to Zee and the newcomer. Her eyes lit up even more. "Are you two friends of theirs? And—wow! You two are twins!" Her excitement was genuine, the kind that only someone like Clara could muster in a situation this strange.

Mae leaned in close to Zee, her emerald eyes gleaming with mischief as she whispered, "Wonder if she'd be as excited to see us if she knew what we were. Also… looks like I broke your boyfriend's brain."

Zee's reaction was immediate—her head snapped toward Mae, her face flushing a deep shade of pink as she whisper-yelled back, "Don't reveal what we are! Also, he's not my boyfriend!"

Xain blinked hard, shaking off the mental fog, and finally managed to string words together. "Um, Zee… could you explain who she is?" He pointed at Mae, his finger slightly trembling—not from fear, but sheer confusion.

Mae's gaze slid to him, her smile pleasant but just a little too polished, like someone wearing a mask they'd rather not. "I'm Mae," she said smoothly, her tone dripping with a forced politeness that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Zee's older twin sister. Nice to meet you."

Xain's instincts prickled. There was something off—not in her words, but buried under them, like a wolf pretending to be tame.

*Careful, ape,* Ercale's voice echoed suddenly in his mind, cutting through the noise with a serious edge. *If she's an elf raised in elven society, it's more than likely she sees you—and all humans—as lesser.*

Xain didn't react outwardly, but he acknowledged the warning. *Duly noted.*

"Yeah, nice to meet you. Uh… never knew you existed," Xain said awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.

Mae chuckled softly, a sly grin curling at the corners of her lips. "Aw, do you not talk about me, little sister?" she teased, leaning in to bump her shoulder playfully against Zee's.

Zee's face twisted in mild annoyance as she shrugged Mae off. "Anyway," she huffed, clearly trying to change the subject, "now that you've met my sister—" her sharp gaze shifted to Clara and Elsa "—who are these two?"

Clara, as bubbly as ever, wasted no time jumping in. "Oh! I'm Clara, and this is Elsa. Nice to meet you, Zee and Mae!" she chirped, her grin wide and sincere.

"Wow, just ignore me, why don't you? Everyone." Roland muttered, slumping his shoulders dramatically.

Big mistake.

A sharp crack sounded from his back as he shifted, and he froze mid-slump, his face contorting in silent agony.

"There, there," Xain said, patting Roland's back with the lightest touch, trying to being whatever comfort he could to the poor man. Roland didn't even respond, too focused on not breathing wrong.

The women, meanwhile, had continued their conversation uninterrupted. "We just met these two," Elsa explained smoothly, her voice composed. "They helped us recover Clara's purse from a snatcher, and we were inviting them to lunch as thanks."

Mae leaned slightly toward Zee, her voice dropping to a sly whisper. "That's practically a date. Looks like he's going to get stolen from you, Zee."

Zee's face flared pink again, her eyes narrowing as she hissed back, "Could you please stop?"

Mae's only response was a soft, amused chuckle, clearly enjoying every second of her sister's discomfort.

Clara clasped her hands together with bright enthusiasm. "Maybe the two of you will join us as well?" she asked, her hopeful gaze bouncing between Mae and Zee.

But Mae held up a hand, offering an apologetic—if not entirely sincere—smile. "Sorry, but I'd like to rest after the long journey here."

She then turned to Zee, her tone shifting slightly as she asked, "Where are you staying?"

Zee answered quietly, giving her the details. Clara, looking increasingly disappointed, parted her lips to plead the same way she had with Xain and Roland, but Elsa was quicker. She placed a gentle hand on Clara's shoulder. "Don't force her, Clara," she said, her calm tone carrying just enough firmness to keep the blonde from pushing further.

Clara's shoulders slumped as she pouted. "Okay," she mumbled, clearly not thrilled but too polite to argue.

Mae gave a small wave, her expression neutral again. "We'll talk at the inn. Bye for now," she said before turning on her heel and strolling off toward the participation stalls—likely to find Drack.

As Mae's figure disappeared into the crowd, Clara's hopeful eyes flicked back to Zee. "Will you join us?" she asked sweetly.

Zee hesitated, her eyes narrowing slightly as if weighing the offer. "Sure," she finally replied.

Clara lit up instantly, her entire face brightening. "That's great!"

Xain blinked, clearly surprised. "I didn't think you'd agree."

Zee folded her arms, her voice casual. "I'm feeling a bit hungry, is all."

That was a lie.

The real reason she'd agreed was to keep an eye on Xain—and the two women, making sure no more woman fell for him! (There's like two, maybe three if you count Pip.)

"Okay then, let's go!" Clara said, practically bouncing with excitement as Elsa gave a polite nod and began leading the way.

Roland, limping slightly but managing to keep pace, sidled up beside Zee. "Hey, I know you didn't ask, but I'm Roland," he said, trying to sound casual despite the wince in his voice. "I got my back broken saving the kid before he got flattened."

Zee blinked, turning her head toward him with a confused expression. "Eh?"

"Oh yeah, probably should tell you about that," Xain added, scratching the back of his neck again.