Winter leaned back in his chair, letting out a satisfied sigh as he rubbed his stomach. "So much better than foraged stuff. It's been way too long since I had a proper meal."
He pulled out a few coins from his pocket and set them on the table. Weeping Phantom eyed him with a scowl. "It was fine. Why are you acting like you just dined with royalty?"
"Because, princess," Winter replied, voice light, "I've been traveling for over a month without stopping. Even a meal that's just fine tastes like a festival feast right now."
A barmaid came by to clear the plates, scooping up the coins while reciting the usual lines of practiced gratitude—thank you for dining, hope you enjoyed the meal, come again soon. Neither of them paid her much mind. They were already rising from their chairs, about to make their way out when—
"Hold on a second."
Both of them turned at the voice.
A girl stood a few paces away—tall for her age, maybe sixteen at most, with white hair and cold gray eyes. She was dressed for battle, not comfort. A breastplate molded to her form, a single shoulder guard over her left arm, fingerless gauntlets that ran nearly to her elbows, and hip guards and greaves strapped neatly in place. A deep-hooded robe was thrown over it all, open just enough to reveal her midriff, the light catching on the metal she wore. Her armor looked more suited for speed and movement than defense, and the way she carried herself—arms crossed, planted firm—spoke of confidence. Or maybe stubbornness.
"Uh… can we help you?" Winter asked, blinking at her. His gaze lingered for a second longer than usual, something flickering in his expression—recognition? But it passed, and he shook his head, murmuring, "No… that wouldn't make any sense."
"I'm Grace," the girl said, her voice calm but direct. "I overheard you two talking about closing portals."
"Yeah? So what about it?" Weeping Phantom replied sharply, already annoyed, a brow arching high.
"I'm a demon hunter," Grace said, folding her arms tighter. "I've been dealing with the demons since the portals opened. I haven't figured out how to close them, not yet, but I've been looking. So if you two know something, I want in. Tell me how you're doing it—and maybe let me come with you on your… hunt."
Winter looked at her with open interest. "A demon hunter? At your age? That's impressive."
"Too impressive," Weeping Phantom muttered, eyeing Grace with suspicion. "Almost unbelievable, one might say." Then, sharper, "Even if I believed you… why should we bring you?"
She glanced briefly at Winter, scowling. *He's bad enough as it is. I don't want a brat tagging along to annoy me even more.*
Grace tilted her head slightly, eyes flicking to Weeping Phantom. "Why not? It's not like you can ever have too much help fighting demons," she said with a shrug, voice light, easy. But her thoughts were far sharper. *If only I could alter both their memories—this would be so much easier.*
Before Phantom could respond, Winter stood up abruptly, chair scraping across the floor. "You know what? You're right!" he said, cutting through the tension with his usual careless energy. Phantom turned to him sharply, eyes narrowing, but Winter just smiled and stepped forward, extending a hand toward Grace. "And if what you're saying's true, then you'll be a huge help. Welcome on board!"
Grace looked down at his hand, her face unreadable. Her gaze lifted slowly to meet his eyes before she reached out and shook it. "Thank you," she said calmly. "I hope the three of us can work well together."
She let go and turned to Phantom, catching the simmering look in her eyes. "Looks like your partner wants a word. I'll wait outside." Without waiting for a response, Grace slipped out of the tavern, the door clicking shut behind her—though not gently enough to block out the conversation that immediately followed.
"Why the hell are you bringing her along?" Phantom's voice was sharp, biting. "Is it to keep an eye on me—like you made those elf kids do?"
Winter's voice came with a shrug. "Not the reason I did it... but that's a good point."
Grace leaned just slightly closer to the doorframe, her eyes half-lidded.
"If that's not the reason," Phantom continued, her tone low and suspicious, "then what? Is it just for fun?"
Winter let out a short exhale and shook his head. "No, not that—come on, you know I take demons seriously. You've seen that. What I want to see is how Aetheria's changed. It's been years. Sure, the elf kids were good... but they were elves. I want to see how everyone else's grown. And a spunky demon-hunter girl?" He gave a grin. "Perfect way to find out."
Grace's brow twitched slightly. *Spunky?* she thought irritably. *What even is that supposed to mean?*
"You want to see the fruits of your labor?" Phantom muttered, shooting him a glance.
"Ugh, whatever," she added a beat later, standing from her seat with a frustrated sigh. "Let's just get this over with."
Outside, Grace narrowed her eyes. Her hand slowly curled into a fist as she stared down at it, thumb brushing the inside of her palm. *The Chosen One wants to measure me?* She exhaled once, steady and quiet. *I'll show him—and then I'll see whether he lives up to the legend.*