Iron Resolve

Chapter 18: The Rage after the Calming storm

Elara moved through the resort with Kimi walking alongside her, a grumbling expression on her face. Draped over Kimi's back was an older man—tattered clothing, reeking of booze, and possibly even something stronger. His unkempt hair stuck out wildly, and his arms dangled lazily at his sides.

"What could this old man have possibly been up to?" Kimi muttered, scrunching her nose. "Seriously, he smells like he spent the last decade marinating in a brewery."

Elara's attention, however, was drawn to the small creature resting on the unconscious man's back. At first glance, it looked like a block of gold, but as her eyes adjusted, she noticed the soft fur that adorned its body, giving it an almost plush-like appearance. Something about it was oddly captivating—precious, yet oddly out of place.