Returning to the matter at hand, Ilídia and Doze teleport to one of the streets of the capital, Alter. However, to her surprise—and relief—her friend is no longer a large, furry creature walking around on his spindly legs. Perhaps the oracle had the sense to realize that a Thirteen wouldn’t go unnoticed. So, he must’ve turned him into some kind of horse—still a bit too sturdy and shaggy, almost like a buffalo. Still flashy, yes, but better than before and obviously shorter.

The two walk down the street, looking around, trying not to seem too foreign. Her clothes and the sheer size of the animal accompanying her, however, don’t help much.

“Now what, Doze…” she whispers, riding bareback on the new Thirteen. “I think it’s best we rest somewhere, let them forget about us for a while. I’m sure my parents will come looking, and everything will have been for nothing if they find us.”

When she sees the first sign that says “Inn,” she heads toward it, dismounts from Doze, and walks inside.

A bit poor by her standards and maybe a little dirty, but perfect to hide out and spend a few nights. She wouldn’t complain as long as it met her basic needs. A bearded young man, wrapped in a blanket, is sitting behind the counter. Judging by the color of his face and the tip of his nose, he’s probably got a cold.

The girl reaches into the side pocket of her bag and tosses some money onto the counter.

“Good morning… I’d like to know how many days this money covers.”

He observes Ilídia closely, suspicious.

“Three,” the bearded man replies with some difficulty due to his stuffy nose. “Just sign here.” He places a heavily scribbled book in front of her, pointing to the bottom of the page.

“Is it really necessary?”

“Why, kid? Shouldn’t you be—” a sneeze “—somewhere else?”

His following coughs give Ilídia time to think. It’s a magical signature; it can’t be faked for long. Besides, it’s a crime to sign with a false name. She would only have about a day and a half before the magic faded, the receptionist realized the fraud, and called the guard.

“All right.”

When she places her hand on the indicated space and casts a spell, “Rose Cycon” appears, glowing with a faint gray light. The bearded man stares at her again, deep into her eyes, as if not buying the bluff. But to her relief, he simply closes the book and stores it under the counter.

“Okay then, second floor, room A6. The stables are behind the house, you can take your weird horse through the side corridor. We don’t serve any meals… I mean, we do, but not enough to fully satisfy anyone,” he says, handing her the key. “I suggest eating at the restaurant next door. Much better. By the way, I own that one too.”

“And Doze… my horse, who feeds him?”

“Figure it out!” he replies sharply, settling back into his chair and wrapping himself in the blanket again. After sneezing, he speaks once more. “I’ve worked here for years, I know when someone’s trying to fool me. I don’t care about your name or why you did it, as long as you pay me. I won’t take care of any horse unless you’ve got extra money in that torn-up pocket of yours. Be out of here in two days, tops. You know fraud magic stinks—I’ll have to report it soon.”

Ilídia lets out a relieved sigh.

“Don’t thank me. If they come looking for you here, I’ll be the first to want to settle accounts with you. Kid or not, business is business.”

“I promise I’ll be gone in a day and a half.”

Before Ilídia goes upstairs, he adds: “Just in case—no bringing men or women… companions of any kind. If you do, you’ll pay an extra fee and clean the room yourself.”

“What?! No! I’m not planning on—” she blurts out, quickly leaving, her cheeks burning with shame.

After settling Doze in the stable, Ilídia returns inside and heads upstairs.

On the second floor, the doors are labeled with letters and numbers. The space is literally a cubicle—just a bed, a little cupboard, and a ceiling light. The bathroom is down the hall on the ground floor. With not much to do, she locks the door and lies on the bed. Sleep already calls to her; the journey through the pack leader’s “Well of Souls” portal had exhausted them both.

Before her eyes close, she remembers something.

Her family once mentioned a place—or something—located in Alter, somewhere they should go if they ever needed more power. It had sounded odd at the time, but she chose to ignore it. Now, with the name clear in her mind, she considers asking the receptionist where it was or what exactly it meant. It’s her first and only clue about what the oracle wants her to do.

Maybe things will finally come together now… right?

Okay… yeah, of course not.