Chapter 117: Chapter 117

JONEA

I was just about to drift off to sleep when a soft knock echoed against my bedroom window. My heart pounded as I sat up in bed, cautiously stepping closer to the source of the sound. Outside, a jeveric with silvery feathers stared at me intently. The creature—a messenger often used for secret missions—extended its claw, clutching a tiny rolled-up piece of parchment.

Without a word, I took the roll from its grasp. The jeveric didn’t linger; it spread its wings and disappeared into the night’s darkness. I stared at the parchment, equal parts curious and wary, hoping it was from Aland. But as I unrolled it and read the brief message inside, my eyes widened. It wasn’t from Aland. The sender’s name stunned me.

“This can’t be,” I muttered under my breath. In one swift motion, I crushed the parchment in my hand, destroying it. I couldn’t let Daran know about this.

The next morning, I slipped out of the house as quietly as I could, making sure my steps were light and nearly silent. I didn’t want to wake anyone. But before I could make it far, a familiar deep voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Where are you sneaking off to so early, Jonea?”

I turned around to see Owen standing at the doorway, his brow furrowed in suspicion. His expression screamed, spill it.

“I was just...” I trailed off, searching for an excuse but knowing it was useless. I sighed, switching tactics. “Owen, please keep this a secret,” I pleaded. “I have to go—it’s important.”

He crossed his arms over his chest, clearly unimpressed. “If you don’t tell me why, I’ll let Uncle Daran know what you’re up to.”

I exhaled a long breath, realizing I had no choice. “Fine. You can come with me. But you have to promise to keep your distance and not let anyone see you.”

His expression softened slightly, though worry still lingered in his eyes. “I just want to make sure you’re safe. The city you’re headed to isn’t exactly friendly.”

I didn’t reply, only nodding in acknowledgment. Together, we headed to the station.

The train sped through lush hills and dense forests at an impressive pace. I sat silently, ignoring the curious glances Owen occasionally threw my way. My mind raced with possibilities about this meeting. Why did I have to go there? What did they want?

When we arrived at the city, the atmosphere shifted immediately. Grand buildings towered above us, adorned with red dragon motifs symbolizing the power of their inhabitants. The streets buzzed with a mix of humans and magical creatures rarely seen in our hometown.

Without thinking, I murmured in awe, “This city… it’s so beautiful.”

Owen, standing close by, leaned in slightly. “Stay alert, Jonea. There are plenty of dragons here. I’ll stick to your shadow.”

I gave a brief nod, not wanting to attract attention. Owen, despite his abilities being less impressive than Daran’s, could use shadow magic well enough to make himself nearly invisible.

Walking slowly through the city, I tried to appreciate its beauty while pushing away the nervousness gnawing at me. I had to reach a small restaurant as instructed in the message.

When I arrived at the restaurant’s entrance, someone was already waiting there.

She smiled and waved, her cheerful demeanor starkly contrasting with the unease I’d felt all morning.

“Arabel,” I greeted as I approached her. “Have you been waiting long?”

She shook her head, though her expression carried a hint of guilt. “Sorry, Jonea. I had to call you all the way here.”

I tried to smile, though my curiosity bubbled over. “It’s fine. Honestly, I was glad to get your message. I was hoping to meet Miller.”

Arabel hesitated for a moment before giving me a small smile. “Come inside. We’ll talk there.”

The restaurant was warm and cozy, filled with the smell of freshly baked bread and spices. We picked a table in the corner, away from the crowd. Arabel seemed more relaxed than the last time I saw her.

“When we first met, I know we didn’t get along,” she said suddenly, breaking the silence. “But after I found out you’re Miller’s twin sister, I felt like we should try to fix that.”

I gave her a faint smile. “I’m glad we’re closer now, Arabel. You’re loyal to Miller, and that makes me trust you.”

She nodded, visibly relieved by my words. “Actually, there’s a reason I called you here,” she said softly, avoiding my gaze.

“What is it?” I asked.

Arabel gave me a shy smile. “I’m… trying to figure out what to get Miller for Christmas. I need your help.”

I blinked, stunned. Out of all the scenarios I’d imagined, this was the least expected. But as I saw the sincerity in her eyes, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Arabel, you had me worried for nothing.”

She grinned, clearly relieved I wasn’t upset. “So, will you help me?”

I nodded. “Of course. But after this, you have to answer some of my questions.”

“Deal,” she said with a mischievous smile.

As we talked, I noticed Arabel’s anxious energy, though she tried to mask it with light-hearted conversation. The restaurant was comfortable, but the air between us felt charged with unspoken tension.

When I asked, “Do you have any idea what to get Miller? What have you given him before?” she hesitated before sheepishly replying, “Well… he’s the one who always gives me gifts. That’s why I want to return the favor this time.”

“Oh,” I murmured, turning my cup absentmindedly on the table. I couldn’t help feeling a touch of pride in my twin, who I’d always thought of as a quiet bookworm. Apparently, he had a romantic side.

Arabel studied me curiously before asking, “What about you? What are you planning to get for that furry monster?”

I nearly choked on my drink. “You mean… Daran?” I asked incredulously, wiping my mouth with a napkin. I hadn’t even thought about gifts. And then there was Aland… My heart sank at the thought. I’d been so caught up in my own chaos that I hadn’t considered something special for the people around me.

“Oh no,” I muttered to myself. “I haven’t prepared anything.”

Arabel’s grin widened as she stood up abruptly, her energy renewed. “Then let’s go find something together!” she exclaimed, grabbing my hand and pulling me out of my seat before I could protest.

“Wait! We don’t even know what we’re looking for!” I argued, but she didn’t care. We stepped out into the bustling streets filled with charming shops.

The city sky was a brilliant shade of blue, as if it approved of our spontaneous adventure. Arabel was like a child at a fair, eagerly pointing out shops that caught her eye. I followed, still unsure of what to get for Daran—or Aland.

“How about something that ties into his hobbies?” Arabel suggested when we paused in front of a craft shop. “Maybe something he can use while reading? Doesn’t he like books?”

I nodded, agreeing that it was a good idea for Daran. But for Aland… I had no clue what he liked. The thought dampened my spirits a little.

“Hey, don’t overthink it,” Arabel said, nudging me playfully. “A gift doesn’t have to be expensive or grand. What matters is that it comes from the heart. Got it?”

I smiled faintly, appreciating her words of encouragement.

But our lighthearted moment didn’t last long. As we exited the shop, a group of men called out to Arabel from across the street. I felt her freeze beside me.

“Arabel! Hey, Arabel!” one of them shouted, waving cheerfully. But Arabel’s face was tense as she grabbed my hand, quickening her pace.

“What’s going on?” I whispered.

“Don’t engage with them,” she muttered, her voice low and shaky. “Let’s just go.”

I didn’t fully understand what was happening but followed her lead. Unfortunately, our hurried steps seemed to provoke the group. Feeling slighted, they intercepted us before we could escape.