Duallaheim, the town next to Belcheri, is about a 3 hour horse ride away. Named after the infamous creature, it is known for its pious reputation with its mayor being governed by Father Ishmail of the Immaculate Radiance; the main religion of the country. Because of its pious nature, it supports the largest graveyard in the ducal. Ironically, our knightly ancestor is said to have liberated the town from dullahans, ultimately leading to its town name. Despite its holy reputation, it’s also known to have a contrasting reputation at night. Under the cover of night, when the moon is highest, the Barbosa Cove lights up violet, beckoning the most salacious to engage in debauchery, guilty pleasures, and life gambling.

This is where we’re headed.

On the road, we traveled at a steady pace; there wasn’t a need to rush.

“So do you want to explain your plan, my lady?” Alejandro asked.

“There’s not much I need to provide you except rules. Don’t show our family’s crest and don’t reveal your true identity. Tonight, we are not with House Du’Constantine. It would only cause a scandal if people knew where we went.”

“Where are we headed?” Yvette asked.

“Duallaheim.”

“Duallaheim?” Yvette asked, a little confused.

“I’m assuming the Barbosa Cove.” Alejandro explained.

“Oh.” Now she was catching on. “But my lady . . . That’s . . .”

“-Unbecoming, I know.”

“But why?”

“You shall see.” There was no point in explaining. It would only cause Yevette to worry and I didn’t need a lecture.

Arriving into town, we slowed our pace. By this time, most were in their homes besides the minimal passerby. The idea that the level of degeneracy was even allowed in such a pious town was a bit surprising, but Father Ishmail explained that strict devotion to the Radiant Light led to sin and the need to expel such curiosities was necessary for a healthy soul. It was rather liberal of him to have such ideas for such a conservative religion and traditional society. It was admirable in my eyes.

The town of Duallaheim was a little smaller than Belcheri, while Belcheri took on its charming Iltarisanese architecture, Duallaheim follows the more traditional aesthetic of our Victorina era with steeple pitched roofs, guardian griffon statues, and muted undertones. The city came to life differently under the moon, each firelit street lamp burned with a dull lilac color during certain times of night, and the round ghostly sprites from the cemetery floated curiously and bright down cobblestone streets. White spiderlilies blossomed beautifully in the gardens of the houses that aligned neatly next to each other. As we approached the outskirts of the city, the street took on a deeper violet color, hues of pink meddling in between as the buildings took on a more exaggerated appearance. It was like entering into a dream with the scent of poppy at the nose.

“Sorcery?” Yvette asked quietly.

“I don’t feel any different.” Alejandro said.

“It’s probably how they keep what happens in Barbosa Cove, stays in Barbosa Cove.”

Meandering through the streets were figures dressed in black, face and heads covered by cloaks to not reveal themselves as they went into establishments.. Along the paved roads and against violet street lanterns, there were a few men and women, dressed scandalously with their ankles in full display beneath sheer robes and lace. A few vendors under curtains were visible, with large barrels of alcohol and questionably arcanic drinks on display. 

Arriving a building decorated with a fountain of an angel falling, her body nude besides a cloth barely draped over her waist. Her wings are behind her and her eyes are covered; long hair flowing back and water spewing from the chalice tipped over in her hand. The building was almost foreboding, separated from the rest. A large hill and courtyard up to it like a pedestal mansion. It would be a house of a noble if not for the fact that by day it’s a museum and by night a gambling hall.

Up to the front we left our horses with the valet and moved to enter the building, the doors somehow opening on their own for us. Yvette tucked herself behind me as we moved into the boisterous building. It was flooded with people among the various statues and exhibits. There were multiple tables with different games all run by what looked like spectars; shadowed beings with white masks that smile exaggeratedly like tragedy plays. They wear pure white gloves and their bodies don’t have a distinguishable shape like they’re wearing cloaks.

It was truly like entering into another world.

“Alright. You may do your own thing. Don’t sell your soul or body.” I said before heading to the exchange window.

“Wh-What do you mean by that?! My-I mean - Wait - Wait for me!” Yvette squawked, trotting after me.

Left alone, a bit of a mischievous grin spread onto Alejandro’s face as he tucked his hands in his pockets and headed for one of the tables the opposite direction. “Ladies, you wanna have some fun with me?”

I don’t know who he was speaking to, but I could tell he was right in his element.

At the window, I exchanged all the jewels and coins I had for tokens; little gold coins with our imperial coin symbol on them. The representation of the amount is by the number on the back of the coin.

“Are you looking to exchange anything else with us?” The figure behind the caged window wasn’t visible. The only thing I could see were big innocent violet eyes and white gloved hands.

“Not at the moment.”

“-Not ever!” Yvette squeaked, giving me a look.

I just shrugged, taking the coins and heading towards a table.

“Miss, are you sure this is a good idea?” Yvette asked. I knew she would worry.

“No idea. But I’ve got to try Yvette and I need you to support my decisions. I’m already out of my element here.”

She sighed. “You know I always will. I just . . . Be careful, okay?”

I gave her a nod before passing her some coins. “Go earn yourself some money.”

“But…” I gave her a look. “Okay.”

She filtered off to a table as I sat down at one. She’ll be okay once she relaxes. She’s always been a demon at cards so I imagine she knew the weight gambling could bear, but if I were to get us out of this hole, I needed a lot of money, fast.

And gambling made it simple.

“Welcome to our game hall. How much are you willing to bet?” The spectre with the wide smile looked to me as he laid the cards out on the table; a traditional set for a game of odds and crosses.

Looking down at the cards I was passed, I pushed my coins forward, the smile on the creature turning into a deep frown.

“All of it.”

Place your bets on where your heart will go. Do not linger or falter. Do not faint nor beg. The touch is cursed, but gives wonders of gold. High above, angels hanging by their heads. Mysteries abound, but luck on your side. The angels weep from the sin, but not of the tithe. Gilded and bronze of a holy endeavor, but coveted and treasured if given forever.