The trio slowly made their way back toward the tavern, with Elina happily chatting with Lina.
Kai pushed open the door and motioned for the girls.
"That's enough for today."
Lina yawned dramatically. "Finally," she said, dragging a still-buzzing Elina toward the stairs.
Kai watched them disappear into their room.
He waited until he heard Elina's small giggle echo down the hallway.
Then, quietly, he turned and entered his own room.
Shadows still moved outside.
But for now, he ignored them. The stalkers weren't ready to make their move yet.
After settling in, Kai reached into his pouch and pulled out the supplies he had bought earlier and sat cross-legged.
"Vex. Veal. Drakelet," he called softly.
The three beasts appeared from his soul space with flickers of light—Vex blinking at him with curiosity, while the small electric-scaled Drakelet stretched.
And Vael, just perched on his head.
