Melisa tugged at the hem of her tunic.
The outfit Rakia had given her earlier was supposedly casual by Yalmir standards, but the fabric clung to her curves in ways that made her self-conscious.
[At least it covers more than that dress.]
She slipped out of the guest quarters and into the palace corridors.
The moonlight streaming through the carved windows gave everything a soft blue glow. Most of the palace staff had retired for the night, leaving the halls empty.
"What are you doing?"
"FUCK!"
Melisa's soul evacuated her body. She spun around to find Raven standing three feet behind her, dressed in her usual dark cloak.
"Raven! You can't just... How long have you been following me?"
"Since you left your room."
"That was literally thirty seconds ago!"
"Yes."
Melisa pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm her racing heart.
"Why are you even awake?"
"Couldn't sleep. Saw you sneaking around." Raven tilted her head. "You're investigating something."
