Page 108 of Dark Rover's Gift

But Drova just laughed. "Everyone knows it's just for show and that I'm adorable."

"Adorable might be pushing it."

"Striking? Memorable? Unforgettable?"

"Definitely unforgettable," Arezoo agreed.

As they neared the Hobbit, Arezoo could hear noise spilling out onto the street—laughter, conversation, the clink of glasses.

Her steps slowed.

When they got inside, the sounds intensified. The bar was packed, just as Drova had predicted.

Every table was occupied, and people stood in clusters wherever space allowed. The air smelled of alcohol and perfume and something indefinable that hinted at excitement.

"Wow," Arezoo breathed. "It's really crowded in here."

"Come on." Drova took her hand, using her height advantage to navigate through the clusters of people. "Let's get to the bar."

They ended up squeezed into a corner near the bar itself, with barely enough room to stand without pressing against strangers. Arezoo tried to make herself smaller, acutely aware of every accidental touch.

"What do you want to drink?" Drova asked, having to raise her voice over the noise.

"Something without alcohol," Arezoo said. "I believe it's called a mocktail?"

"On it." Drova turned to the bar, using her height to catch the bartender's attention. Not Fenella because she was at the other end, holding court with some object in her hands, but the bar owner himself, who looked harried but happy.

While Drova ordered, Arezoo studied the faces of the patrons, most of whom she recognized from the café, but seeing them here, relaxed and laughing, was different.

"One virgin mojito for you." Drova pressed a glass into Arezoo's hand. "And a real one for me."

The drink was pretty, with mint leaves and lime floating in clear liquid. Arezoo took a tentative sip and found it refreshingly tart and sweet.

"Good?" Drova asked.

"Very."

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Fenella's voice rose above the noise. "Who's ready for some psychometric readings?"

The crowd cheered, and Arezoo found herself caught up in the energy. She watched as Fenella held up an old pocket watch.

"This distinguished timepiece," Fenella said dramatically, "has a confession to make. It's been living a double life!"

"Oh no," the watch's owner said with played-up concern. "What has it been up to?"

"By day, it keeps perfect time for important meetings and appointments," Fenella continued. "But by night..." She paused for effect. "It runs backwards, trying to return to the year 1887, when life was simpler and it didn't have to deal with daylight saving time!"

The crowd erupted in laughter, and even Arezoo giggled. The absurdity of it, the way Fenella delivered the lines with such conviction, was infectious. She didn't know that her newfound cousin was such a good performer.

It seemed that blood, no matter how diluted, was still thicker than water. Fenella and Jasmine both thrived on the adoration of a crowd.

"Furthermore," Fenella added, "it's been having an affair with the grandfather clock in the living room. They synchronize every midnight!"

"That hussy!" the owner exclaimed, playing along. "And here I thought we had something special!"

As the performance continued, the tension in Arezoo's shoulders eased. This wasn't the den of iniquity her mother had probably imagined. It was just people having fun, laughing at silly stories, and enjoying each other's company.

"She is amazing." Drova nudged her. "Do you want to hand her an object?"

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