{Melisa}
The bar had become routine.
Every evening, after training with Tessa or Zephyra, Melisa found herself pushing through the doors of The Laughing Fox. And every evening, Sylra was there behind the counter, silver hair gleaming, red eyes lighting up the moment she saw Melisa walk in.
Tonight was no different.
"The usual?" Sylra asked, already reaching for a bottle.
"You know me so well."
Sylra poured the honey wine with a flourish.
Melisa took her usual seat at the bar. The evening crowd was thin tonight—just a few kitsune scattered at tables, none of them engaged in the usual public debauchery. Maybe it was the weather. Rain had been falling since afternoon, drumming steadily on the roof.
"Slow night," Melisa observed.
"Rain keeps people home." Sylra leaned against the bar, propping her chin on her hand. "But not you."
"I like the company."
Sylra's smile softened a bit.
