The ancient house breathed with a faint, lingering mana. Noctis surveyed the antique furniture cloaked in undisturbed dust.

“I’m surprised,” he said, his voice echoing slightly in the stillness. “I genuinely thought it would be in far worse condition.”

The quiet hum of magic underscored his words, a subtle witness to the house’s enduring nature. Untold stories felt woven into the ancient walls. Adrix plopped onto a nearby chair, a visible cloud erupting around him. The immediate, dusty inhale triggered a fit of coughs.

“I think the house is going to need some cleaning,” Finnian observed dryly, wiping a finger across a nearby table and then onto his trousers, leaving a clean streak in its wake.

Liora, thoughtfully scanning the room, said, “I agree. How about we tackle some of it here while you three go meet that woman at the Sunset Inn?”

“That sounds good, thank you for offering,” Noctis replied gratefully. “The bedrooms are on the second floor if you’d like to pick one out and get changed.” He added, after a moment, “Meet back down here when you’re ready, and we’ll head out.”

We left the sitting room, walking into the grand hall where a magnificent staircase swept upwards, its wide, polished steps branching into two elegant curves halfway to the second floor. I chose the leftward ascent, my hand gliding along the smooth, carved railing. Pushing open a tall, white door, I stepped into a breathtaking room. A massive bed commanded the space, accompanied by a large writing desk and a plush seating area. Drawn by the soft light filtering through, I opened a glass door to a private balcony. It offered a view of a sprawling, weed-choked expanse that must have once been a beautiful garden.

Leaning against the cool stone railing, I took in the cityscape. Beyond the overgrown garden fence, the buildings of Tirilla glittered like scattered jewels against the darkening sky. A pang of unexpected nostalgia struck me. I never thought I’d be back here, the thought whispered through me. My hands trembled; I pressed them against my legs to steady myself.

Just then, a distinct creaking sound came from the adjacent balcony.

“Well, fancy meeting you here,” Adrix’s voice drawled playfully. Of all the rooms in this sprawling house, he’d chosen the one right next to mine.

“Aren’t you supposed to be getting ready?” he teased.

“I was just about to,” I replied, my attention drifting back to the distant city lights. “The view drew me in.”

His eyes followed mine, a familiar smirk playing on his lips. “I didn’t realize you enjoyed such… romantic scenery of concrete and lights,” he said, a chuckle escaping him.

I rolled my eyes, a faint smile betraying my feigned irritation. “Very funny.”

Adrix stepped closer, leaning against the stone railing, his focus fixed on the glittering cityscape. “Being up this high, staring out at the buildings… it is beautiful,” he murmured, a hint of wistfulness in his voice before he faced me, his expression softening with concern. “How are you holding up, by the way? With… everything?”

A soft sigh escaped my lips. “You know…” I began, my gaze returning to the city. “I’d like to tell you it doesn’t faze me. If it were anyone else, I’d just say I’m fine…” My pulse quickened, and I could feel a tremor in my voice as I continued, “But I’ll be honest… I’m not sure what to feel besides unease.”

“It’s okay to admit that. After everything that happened… it would be strange if you didn’t feel uneasy.”

“I know,” I said, pausing for a moment, a new resolve firming within me, my expression hardening. “But I’m ready for answers.”

A subtle shift seemed to occur, the weight of unease lifting slightly, replaced by a flicker of determination. A faint, almost unconscious smile touched his lips. He hesitantly reached out, his fingers wrapping gently around my hand. His thumb traced soft circles on the back of my hand, and in that moment, the sounds of the city, the quiet magical hum of the house – everything faded into a profound silence. All I was aware of was the frantic rhythm of my own heart and the shallow quickening of my breath. His eyes, filled with a tender care, searched mine.

“Answers are what we need,” he murmured, his voice softer than before. “And we’ll get them,” he added, his gaze holding mine with an intensity that seemed to peer directly into my soul, tracing the contours of every secret I held hidden.

An undeniable pull drew me forward, and I found myself leaning in almost gradually… only for him to release my hand. A sudden coolness rushed over me where his touch had been. I pulled my hand back to my chest, my attention dropping to the worn stone of the balcony floor. A knot of confusion and disappointment tightened in my chest.

“I know we will,” I mumbled, the words feeling strangely flat. “I, uh… I’m going to go get ready.”

I turned abruptly, leaving him standing alone on the balcony, the city lights now a blurred backdrop to my sudden retreat. The image of Adrix’s hand on mine still flickered in my thoughts as I dressed. I needed a distraction, something to anchor me to the present. The anticipation of meeting this mysterious woman at the Sunset Inn provided just that.

Joining the others downstairs, I found them already waiting.

“Ready to go?” Noctis asked, already moving towards the front door.

“Ready,” I replied, following him.

Adrix leaned against the wall, a neutral expression on his face. “All set,” he said.

Noctis opened the door, gesturing outwards with a smile. “After you.”

The streets were strangely subdued. Most people moved with their heads down, and the few conversations I overheard were hushed whispers. Armored knights patrolled, their presence adding to the oppressive atmosphere. A missing person’s poster snagged my attention. I spotted the bold lettering.

“Is that Billy?” I asked, a knot forming in my stomach.

Noctis and Adrix both leaned over my shoulders to see the faded sketch.

“Yes, that’s Billy,” Noctis confirmed, a subtle sadness coloring his voice.

“I really hope we find him,” I murmured, my eyes lingering on Billy’s face, etching each detail into my memory.

“It’ll be hard,” Adrix added, his gaze sweeping the wall covered in similar posters, a grim reality in his tone. “The number of missing people keeps growing.”

“We need to keep moving, though; we’re going to be late, and our time is limited,” Noctis urged, gently guiding us along.

“Right… sorry, let’s go,” I said, tearing my eyes away from Billy’s hopeful face and falling into step behind Noctis, the image of the boy lingering in my mind.

We finally arrived at the Sunset Inn. It was a cozy establishment, with sturdy wooden tables scattered throughout. A few patrons sat at these tables, their conversations low and private, punctuated by the clinking of cutlery. A large stone fireplace sat against the back wall, casting a warm glow and comforting heat. The air was filled with the aroma of roasting meat and fresh bread. A young woman sitting alone at a table near the window raised a hand in greeting.

That must be her.

My mind reeled. Now that she was clean, her face free of mud and grime, the resemblance was uncanny. She looked exactly like the girl from my dream. My brain struggled to reconcile the image with reality, a chaotic jumble of impressions. I forced the unsettling thoughts aside as we joined her and settled into the offered chairs.

“My name is Amelia. I don’t think I ever properly introduced myself. Thank you again for helping me,” she offered, a genuine smile warming her features.

“I’m Noctis,” he replied, gesturing towards me. His green eyes met mine for a fleeting, unreadable moment. “And this… is Lyra.”

I offered Amelia a warm smile.

“Next to her is Adrix. Nice to meet you again,” he added with his familiar smirk.

“I hope it’s okay; I already ordered food for us. It’ll be here shortly,” she gestured towards the bustling kitchen. Turning her attention back to our group, she paused, her eyes moving over us. “So, what brought you all to Tirilla?”

My eyes instinctively flickered to Noctis, knowing he would take the lead. He spoke with an easy confidence.

“I came to look at an old family house. I didn’t even realize it was still here until recently.”

Believable, I thought, nodding slightly.

“Hmmm, very interesting. I’m shocked you were even willing to come and look at it.” Her words were cut short as a waitress arrived, laden with a feast: a whole roasted chicken, a basket of crusty bread, and a platter of vibrant roasted carrots were placed before us.

“Well, I was curious,” Noctis replied, his tone deliberately neutral. “I wondered if my family left anything of importance.”

Adrix and I remained quiet as Noctis and Amelia continued their exchange. My attention shifted to Adrix, who seemed lost in his own thoughts, his focus far from the present conversation. My own mind began to wander, the lingering strangeness of Amelia’s resemblance pulling at the edges of my awareness, until the subtle shift in her tone drew me back.

Her voice now hushed, she leaned slightly forward. “If you are willing…” she paused, her eyes alight with a hopeful intensity, “…would you follow me to my room so we can talk more privately?”

Before Noctis could offer a reply, I spoke up, a strange certainty guiding my words. “Yes, we can.”

An inexplicable trust bloomed within me, an undeniable pull towards this woman. The image of her from my dream flashed vividly in my mind.

Noctis and Adrix both looked at me, their expressions mirroring surprise.

“Great,” Amelia beamed, relief evident. “Since we’re done eating, why don’t you follow me?” She stood up gracefully. “It’s just upstairs and down to the end of the hall on the left.”

We all rose and followed her up a creaking staircase. Her room was modest but comfortable, furnished with a neatly made bed, a simple wardrobe, and a small round table with two chairs.

“I’m sorry there isn’t enough seating,” she said apologetically, swiftly grabbing the two chairs from the table and placing them near the foot of the bed. “You two take the chairs, and Lyra, the bed. I’ll sit on the floor,” she added, settling comfortably on the wooden floor directly in front of them.

Noctis and Adrix exchanged a brief glance before taking the offered chairs, leaving me to sit on the edge of the bed between them, a strange sense of anticipation filling the compact room.

“My first question is, have any of you ever heard of a seer?” Amelia inquired, her look direct and unwavering.

My eyes widened, and we all exchanged surprised nods.

“Great, that will make things easier,” she murmured, a faint smile on her lips. She took a breath. “I’ll introduce myself one more time. My name is Amelia, and I am a seer.”

A real seer, I thought, a sense of awe mixed with apprehension washing over me.

We remained silent, waiting.

“The truth is, I brought you all here for a reason.” She paused again, as if carefully choosing her words.

“And that reason is?” Adrix queried, curiosity in his tone.

“Well, there is something of great importance to you all that you need to retrieve.”

“Why couldn’t you just give it to us?” Adrix pressed, annoyance tingeing his voice.

Amelia shook her head gently. “I’m sorry, but that’s not how it works.” Her eyes locked onto mine. “It needs to be Lyra who goes. Only she will know what you need.”

Both Adrix and Noctis focused on me, a silent question in their eyes.

“Why me?” I asked, my brows furrowing.

“Because you will know when you get there. That’s all I can tell you.”

Cryptic as ever, I thought dryly.

“How can we even trust you?” Adrix snapped, his suspicion palpable. “You seem rather suspicious.”

Amelia tapped her finger lightly against her leg, her attention returning to mine. “Lyra, you received a special silver coin at one point,” she stated, then shifted her focus to Adrix, “and you have one too.”

My eyes darted to Adrix, surprised. He had one as well?

“Only three were made. It’s not yet time for you all to meet the last person.”

“How do you… how do you know that?” Adrix stammered, his usual confidence faltering, his gaze flickering away. He was definitely hiding something. “You aren’t the seer that…” His words trailed off.

“No, I am not her,” Amelia replied, a slight emphasis on the word. “But I am a seer, so that should answer your question. You both are very important, I can promise you that. I just ask for your trust on this.”

Noctis finally broke the silence, his gaze steady on Amelia. “I don’t sense any falsehood in your words. We will do as you ask… for now. What is it that you need from us?”

“Thank you!” Amelia exclaimed, relief washing over her features. “I promise you will all understand later. Though I’m not sure how you’ll feel about where you need to go.” She paused, her eyes clouding with worry. “You need to go to the Underground.”

“The Underground?” Noctis asked, his brow furrowed.

“It’s a place where some citizens of Tirilla go to sell ancient artifacts and other goods.”

“Artifacts?” Adrix interjected, intrigue sparking in his voice. “What kinds?”

“All kinds,” Amelia responded, a knowing half-smile playing on her lips. “It’s where a select number of people can escape the oppression of Tirilla.”

“Are you sure this is safe?” Noctis asked, his concern evident.

“It’s safe… to an extent. You will need to be careful to avoid being noticed,” Amelia cautioned. “And remember,” she added, her voice serious, “not everyone down there is good.”

“Okay, so how do we get there?” Noctis asked, his practical mind already focusing on the logistics.

“Go to Gloria Street, the fourth house on the right. You will enter,” she said, producing a tarnished brass key from her sleeve. “This is to enter the house. Lock it behind you.” She hesitated, her attention settling on Adrix. “On the first floor, you will enter the study. On the wall opposite the bookshelf, you will have to cast a disillusionment spell. It’s not one a normal mage can sense.” She gestured vaguely. “You will then enter through there, travel down the stairs, and make your way through the halls to the underground market. Do you have all that?”

We all nodded.

“Good. Your other companions can join if you’d like. You need to go tomorrow at five.” She then pulled out a small, intricately carved crystal ball. “Also, if you ever need to get hold of me, you can use this. Be careful; no one should know you have it. They are… frowned upon by the authorities now.”

At least we can contact her, even if it’s risky, I thought.

“You all must be on your way; we are nearing curfew. Thank you again for everything,” she said, her expression softening. “Lyra, can you stay for a moment?”

Adrix and Noctis exchanged concerned glances before reluctantly standing.

“We’ll meet you downstairs,” Adrix murmured, a subtle worry in his eyes.

“Okay, see you soon,” I replied with a reassuring smile.

“It’ll only be a moment, Lyra. Summon me a mana potion, please.”

Why a mana potion? I wondered, but Amelia’s expression was earnest.

“It’s okay, trust me.”

I focused my intent and summoned a vial of shimmering blue liquid from my bracelet, handing it to her.

“What grade is this?” she asked, holding the glowing potion up to the dim light.

“It’s a five, the highest grade,” I replied quietly.

“Great,” she said, handing it back to me. “Make sure you bring this with you tomorrow. Now hurry along so you aren’t late. Goodbye for now.”

“Goodbye,” I said, a sense of unease mixing with curiosity as I left her room.