Hours later, we're sitting in a balcony box dressed in our best. Rach stands by the velvet drapes, dressed in black silk, her hands clamped on the railing.

I grin, inhaling the citrus-scented breeze that eternally blows through Skathagrat. An attack by glitter-spewing slimes provided a welcome diversion along the road

Scorched and bloodied, Erd twists his head sideways and flashes his brightest smile. “Ladies! We can work this out, yes?” He grunts as Rach’s foot stomps down on his back.

We all move at once, knives, lightning, and magic projectiles exploding outward, seeking targets. I’m laser-focused on Erd’s furious face

The nun slams the tip of her sword into the tiled floor, pale lightning weakly crackling away from it to either side. “Akheron! You are hereby charged with public indecency in five realms!”

My feet have barely touched the ceiling before I hear a loud pop. We fall, gravity abruptly restored, but Vera somehow casts a protection bubble.

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Shock is my first reaction, followed by a rush of weightless glee. “Damn it, Felicia!” Rach grabs my elbow.