"What's gonna happen now?" was my question when I felt this whole situation was… off.

Mr. Snuch stared at her, then at me. Not a word. She jumped to her feet, and I quickly noticed the old Kira was back—cold, pissed off… but this time, I don't think it was just anger. When I looked into her eyes, it was something else. Fear, maybe. She immediately called María out of the water, and they went inside.

Me? I had no fucking clue what to say or do. Everything felt awkward as hell. I glanced around, avoiding the dwarf's piercing stare. When he finally spoke, he barked:
"Your little request is done. Someone's waiting for your trip. They're ready. Finish up whatever you're doing and get your ass over there." Firm. No room for arguing. He left before I could reply.
"Y-yes… sir," I muttered.

I stood up, scanning the area like an idiot. My brain was scrambling for… something. No idea what. I just stood there, zoning out at the lake. After a while, I wondered: What the hell was that?

Unwanted memories flooded in. I pressed a hand to my head, trying to shut out what happened five minutes ago… Those lips… her breath, those goddamn beautiful eyes… My heart pounded from fear. Didn't wanna admit it, but… what if I'd touched her, just a little? And I wondered: What could she even do beyond her powers? Her words echoed: "An ability to absorb, manipulate, and feel whatever the person she touches experiences." She's way more dangerous than she looks. No wonder it's such a rare skill. But…

Gotta get the fuck outta here. Time to tackle the list. But where do I even start?

When I walked inside, besides the dwarf waiting, there was a hooded woman at the back of the room, distracted, twirling a tiny 7-centimeter knife. Looked like she knew her shit. She stood, walked over, and introduced herself with a handshake, pulling back her hood.

And there she was—a real, live elf. Her presence alone screamed authority, from her glare to her posture. The silence thickened, and I felt the clear gap in our levels. It made me even more curious about what lay beyond this shithole village. Her features blew me away: sleek silver hair tied up, fancy clothes—like high-society shit—adventurer vibes. Hypnotic sapphire-blue eyes. And of course, sharp ears decked with circular earrings. She looked young, teenaged. The books weren't lying—elves are physically flawless… Damn.

"You must be Don! Pleasure! Heard about your exploits. Impressive stuff," she said, way too chirpy up close.

Weirdo. Straight-up bizarre. I backed the hell up—she was in my face. Forced a polite, confused smile:
"Nice to meet you…"
"Miriel. Miriel Rockstone, at your service. I guide people."

The dwarf slammed the ring on the table in front of me, still glaring:
"Here's your basic ring, smart-ass kid," he sneered, but no one laughed. "Added some engravings based on what you showed me last night. Deciphered a few runes, so this thing can handle more applications—three max. Runes were a bitch; couldn't do more. But I know you lied. I recognize the Owl's work. Called you a guide 'cause only you'd know what the fuck to do with a null-influence ring. She'll help you find whatever you need. Now pay up."

"Not paying for that crap," I shot back.

"Just pay for the ring upgrades. Miriel's services are a gift for two days. Heard what you did for them. Consider it payback for helping my stepdaughters…" His glare sharpened. "But if I ever catch you laying a finger on them again, you're dead. Clear?"

I ignored him, but Kira and María flashed in my mind. With this asshole around, I couldn't even say goodbye. Unsettling, but I'd rather dodge the drama.

I showed Miriel the list and asked where to find the items.
"Looking at this, it'll be a long trip. Interesting, though," she said. "Molten obsidian crystal? Easy. Red leaf from a royal tree? Nah. Doesn't exist. Myth. Whoever gave you this is wasting your time."

The dwarf butted in—uninvited, as usual—flexing his anger issues:
"Let me see that list." He skimmed it and nodded. "Ah! Azulis's tear vials, a transformation scroll… What's this for?"

Why the fuck do you care?

He went on:
"Back in my bounty-hunting days, I snagged a map pointing to a hidden city. Giant trees—ents. Powerful guardians of nature's balance. Their kings and queens hold power over the future. Infinite wisdom on magic, seals, universe-level shit… Place called Luminalia." Paused for dramatic effect. [1) Alternative world, connected with Earth 0.
2) It is the light that maintains the positive flow of the eter].

"Where's this going? Luminalia's fake. Kids' tales," Miriel argued.

The dwarf smirked:
"Really? Think. They say the Underworld exists—genderless king, violent sociopath, kidnaps royal kids every millennium, lives in hell—that sound believable? Why not a paradise? Plus, I've got a map of its ether flow. Natural."

"A map's impossible," she repeated.

"Just 'cause magic's banned here doesn't mean you, an elf, play dumb."

Tension crackled. I started tuning the dwarf out—dude loved stirring shit. Cut in:
"You got that map here?"

"Yep. But favors are over. Thirty gold coins."

"Nobody's buying your fairy tales. If it was valuable, you'd have sold it already. Five coins. Take it or we're done."

Oddly, he laughed:
"You're the Owl's kid, huh?"

"He's my master. Why?"

"Too much like him. Annoying. I hate you, but doing this for a friend."

This guy has friends? Shocking.

"Listen, kid: be careful with that thing of yours. People'd kill for it. For the map… seven coins."

"Obsessed with cash, like every damn merchant. Fine—deal."

'Don's Funds: 148 M. Gold'

"Alright. Now get the hell out!" he kicked us out, no remorse.

No choice—got tossed like stray dogs. Last time I'll hire him. Crossing Duncaster's border after 60 years here, I felt something—someone—didn't want me leaving. Turned… Holy shit. Kira was sprinting, screaming "Wait!" like a maniac. Me? Clueless, too scared about leaving town. She nearly tore my shirt, gasping:

"Thi… this… is yours," she panted. "María was playing with it. Lets you travel, so…"

"But… how? I swore I had it. Thanks, Kira."

No words. She continued:
"So… good luck out there."

"Don!" Miriel yelled. "What're you doing? We're burning daylight!"

"Coming!"

"That your guide?"

"Yeah, and she's a real elf. See her? A real elf!"

"Yeah…" she replied flatly, disappointed. "You should go. She's waiting."

Wanted to say something, but nerves choked me. Blurted:
"Y'know what? Keep it. You know how it works. If you and María need to escape, teleport wherever you've been with it."

"Won't stop, will you?"

"Take it. My master says gifts are blessings from the giver."

She half-smiled:
"Your precious master sounds wise."

"Nah. Just a grumpy old fuck who sees the future," I deflected. "Thought I'd never see you smile again. Got a question… something's missing."

"Need help?"

"Last time, by the lake… you were gonna say something. Didn't catch it."

"By the lake…" She sighed, tense. Suddenly, she cupped my cheek. Fear surged—like she'd exposed a secret I didn't know. I cut in: "Wait… Your grandpa warned me about touching you—"

"Fuck that damn old man!" she snapped. "Here's the truth… I'm a Synapse user. I see you. Your fears, joy, pain, rage… your curiosity about the world, even if your face hides it. And your… love for me. You're not the age you claim. Older. I see your lifespan, abilities, intentions. I know who's under all those layers. But something's blocking me—you're a puzzle. There's… endless rage. Quiet hatred. Scars…"

Silence. A tear rolled down.

"I stayed away 'cause you're drowning in darkness. Terrifying. What you show isn't who you are—that's why I stick around, smiling when I see you. So much pain inside… I'm sorry about your village."

Confused, I mumbled:
"What're you talking about?"

"You're a whole damn universe," she smiled weakly. "Stop hiding. Those red eyes shouldn't be disguised as human. Take advice from someone not your grandpa. Maybe then… women would flock."

"How can you see my eye color?" I gasped.

She smirked, kissed my cheek, and walked off:
"Stay safe, Don. What's out there… might not be what you dreamed."

"Thanks!" she yelled back.

"For what?"

"The gift."

That was it. Miles from Duncaster, Miriel camped by the road after 15 klicks. Settling in, I replayed Kira's words: "Drowning in darkness." My master always warned about something inside me… Whatever. Didn't get it all, but she knows who I am. Always exposed, never realizing. Fell into mental loops and muttered aloud:

"Wish I'd asked her to come. But she's got responsibilities."

"You into the dwarf's granddaughter, huh?" Miriel asked.

"No… dunno. Maybe… nah."

"You're obsessed. Worse than I thought."

"That obvious?"

"Don't wanna crush your fantasies, but forget her," she said, feeding the fire.

"What if I told you… you can't help me anymore?" Kira's words echoed, about her, her grandpa, and little María…

"The woman you love so much… she's sleeping with her grandfather."