Shadows Beneath the Northern Lanterns
Victor and Videl returned to the guild where Clara and Lane were waiting, and the moment Victor stepped through the heavy wooden doors, the restless currents between the women stirred in ways even he pretended not to notice.
The guild was louder than usual. Tankards clinked. Adventurers argued over contracts. Roasted meat, ale foam, and woodsmoke hung thick in the air.
Victor's golden eyes swept over the three women.
Lane stood first, black-haired and silent as moonlit water, yet the softness in her gaze shifted the moment she saw him.
Clara crossed her arms.
"You vanished to talk secrets and came back smiling. That usually means trouble."
Victor smirked.
"Then come. Let me at least feed my conspirators before dragging them into more trouble."
That earned an involuntary laugh from Videl.
