Chapter 39: Tensions Rise

**Back in Nothra**

After a long day of travel, Alex and his group finally made it back to Nothra. The cold air nipped at their faces, and they were eager to get inside and warm up. Igor turned to them as they entered the city.

"Why don't you all come to my place for a drinking party with some other people?" Igor suggested.

Alex, Thrain, and Yuki agreed. "We'll be there," Alex replied with a nod.

They headed to the tavern and inn to freshen up. Yuki excused herself to go upstairs and get dressed, while Alex and Thrain took seats at the bar. As they sat down, they noticed Lila sitting across from them, her expression stormy.

**Lila's Outburst**

"So, you've been gone for two days. Am I actually invited to the party?" Lila snapped, her voice filled with frustration. "You all keep leaving me behind. I should have just stayed back."

Her voice grew louder, and she started throwing drinks, tears streaming down her face. "Why? Just why? You treat me like I have no feelings! And you, Alex! I trained you for five years just so you could throw me away like trash?"

Alex was in shock, trying to calm her down, but Lila stormed off, running to her room at the inn. Thrain sighed heavily. "Well, shit. I will handle it."

Alex shook his head. "No, I think I need to handle this for once."

Thrain smiled and patted Alex on the back. "Alright, my boy. Go get them."

**Confrontation and Reconciliation**

Alex walked up to Lila's room and knocked on the door. "Are you alright?"

"Leave me alone!" Lila yelled, throwing something at the door.

"I'm coming in," Alex said firmly. He opened the door and stepped inside, seeing Lila sitting on the bed, her face buried in her hands.

"Listen, it's not you," Alex began, his voice gentle. "We have so many people in the party now, it's hard to remember everyone. See, when I was younger, I was called slow a lot. I'm just not good at remembering stuff and, of course, people. But I will try. You did train me and were one of the people that helped me out the most. I always thought you were the strong one in the group besides Thrain. Just tell me and Thrain how you feel more."

Lila looked up, her eyes red from crying. "I'm sorry I got mad downstairs. I'm just tired."

Alex took a deep breath. "Listen, to be honest, when we go to the new world, I might have to go get Lyra. So I might leave you and Yuki here, but she can't know. So you won't be alone, okay? But please come to this party with us and meet our friend Igor."

Lila sighed and wiped her eyes. "Alright, I'll get ready."

This concludes Chapter Thirty-Nine.