Souvenir

As we left The Bloodcurdler and walked back into the bustling market, I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of exhilaration and exhaustion.

Carmen had an arm draped casually over my shoulders, her smirk as smug as ever. Alaric walked a few steps ahead, hands clasped behind his back, though his shoulders shook slightly—he was clearly amused at our recent ordeal.

"I'm not doing another death trap," I said firmly, pointing a finger at Carmen.

She raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Death trap? That was a ride, Elena. A fun one."

"Fun for you," I shot back. "I'm still recovering."

Alaric turned his head slightly, his expression mischievous. "Oh, come now, Elena. You survived one of the most popular attractions in the market. That deserves a bit of pride."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You knew what I was getting into, didn't you?"

"Absolutely," he said with a grin, unapologetic as ever.