“A-oo, A-oo,,, A-oooooooooo”; was that freaking a wolf?

The moment we stepped into the town, I felt as if I had crossed into a storybook. The air was thick with magic, a mystical energy that stirred through me like a whisper from the spine of the earth. My hair shimmering under the warm glow of enchanted lanterns, danced in the gentle breeze as I took in the medieval architecture that stretched majestically into the distance. Massive castles loomed, their turrets piercing the clouds, and every door was flanked by swirling tendrils of vivid light.

"This is incredible!" I exclaimed, my eyes wide with wonder. Somewhere in the depths of my heart, I felt a kinship to this place. It was as if every stone and spell woven in the air recognized my presence.

"It's a completely different world, isn't it?" Dehya replied, her vibrant purple eyes sparkling with nostalgia and youthful excitement. Her montane purple hair flowed like a waterfall, framing her youthful face. Despite being over a century old, she possessed an ageless beauty that matched her energy. "I bet this would be wonderful to experience all over again. I kind of wish I lost my memory too"

I chuckled, glancing over to a nearby tavern, its large glass windows revealing a group of boisterous men seated together, their arms around one another's shoulders, singing loudly and raising their wooden beer mugs. The sign above read "Del's Tavern, drink and eats," and the merry atmosphere sang to me like a long-forgotten tune.

"Yeah, this is pretty cool," I sighed, taking it all in. The town was alive with peace and joy, where laughter flowed as freely as the ale.

Perched atop my head was Orion, my black and gold spirit cat. In his resting position, he was an unassuming companion, but I knew he had one eye open, observing our surroundings with the keen instincts of a guardian. In one swift motion, he could transform into the golden earring dangling from my left ear, yet he didn't. The memory of our battle to save Dehya's life still fresh in my mind.

We walked further, passing under the warm radiance of the magical lamps illuminating the marbled path. Our destination stood before us: a larger stone building with a massive wolf's head mounted above its entrance. The sign read "The Wolf Den hotel," a welcome sign for weary travelers.

"We're here!" Dehya announced, her pride glowing.

Orion shifted, and in a flash of shimmering light, he became the golden earring that dangled from my ear. To my surprise, a deep voice boomed beside us.

"Hey, Dehya. Welcome back!" The muscular man standing by the door greeted her with a grin that revealed a comforting familiarity.

"Hi, Viscoff! I gotta get this freeloader a room for the night," Dehya teased playfully, gesturing toward me.

"No, no! I saved this lady's life!" I interjected, my cheeks burning. "Her payment was getting me a room. Who doesn't like to save money?"

Laughter erupted from both Dehya and Viscoff, the sound warm and rich.

"I'm just messing with you," Dehya finally managed to choke out, her eyes glinting with mirth.

"Well, we're going to get along just fine, then," I said, reflecting her enthusiasm.

Dehya led the way to the front desk, where a slender man in a luxurious hotel uniform awaited us, looking like he had just stepped out of a dream with his meticulously pressed attire.

"How may I help you, Dehya?" he inquired, his tone laced with respect.

"You're pretty famous around here, aren't you?" I asked, my curiosity piqued as I watched her command the attention of the staff.

She smirked, her playful side bubbling over. "Aren't ya just using aren't ya a lot ? Should I buy you a dictionary?"

The hotel employee chuckled, and I found myself grinning at her wit. "One room for the night, please," Dehya continued, her tone shifting back to business.

"Should I put it on your grand mother's tab, Dehya?" the clerk asked, his brow raising slightly.

"Yes," she affirmed, and he swiftly produced a magic card, handing it to me.

"Your room is 39," he announced, and I nodded, stuffing the card into my pocket.

Turning to Dehya, I felt a mixture of gratitude and a strange flutter of connection. "Thanks for this."

"I'll be out by the fountain at 10:00 AM. Head out front, walk right, and keep going until you hit a large open space bustling with people. There'll be a fountain you can't miss it," she instructed, her smile turning mischievous. "Goodnight, my hero."

With scripted gallantry, she walked out the door, laughter trailing behind her like a comet's tail.

As I climbed the spiraling staircase to my room, the magic of that exchange lingered in the air, echoing the promise of new adventures drenched in camaraderie. Laying down in the simple yet cozy room, I felt a mix of exhaustion and excitement overshadow my fatigue.

Tomorrow promised discoveries more wondrous than a hundred memories.

*This life seems to be a good upgrade from my last*

and as I drifted into slumber, the rhythm of Dehya's laughter echoed — a harmonious blend of joy, challenge, and spirit that would light the path on which we were destined to walk.

*Oh how I couldn't be more wrong.*