Page 55 of The Dark Elf's Secret Twins

“Look at all these people running to and fro. In a strange way, I’m glad not to be working in the city anymore, it was always nonstop.”

“Still is for me,” I chuckle. “Every night at Le Lazurt is always the same. Though now, I throw out two people per night on average instead of three.”

“That’s an improvement,” she laughs.

“I suppose it’s good you got out when you did,” I reply, taking a sip of my kaffo. “You found out you were pregnant not long after you started working for Nasthyn, right?”

“Yeah, and he was kind enough to reduce my hours and workload when he discovered my pregnancy. I don’t know what Benshobe would’ve done.”

“I’ll never forget his betrayal of you for as long as I live,” I snarl.

“It’s okay Lykan, I’ve moved on from it. You need not hold onto those feelings for me, only I’m allowed to be upset about that.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“Besides,” she quips. “It was a blessing in disguise. My work schedule is lighter than it was in the club.”

“Still though, I wish you got your freedom back.”

“Well like I said, one day at a time. Nasthyn turned out to be kinder than I expected.”

“Perhaps I made a mistake in judging him too early,” I sigh. “I’m glad he’s good to you. There’s many of my kind that still look down upon humans for some strange reason.”

“That’s mature of you,” beams Cyra. “See? Opening up makes things more peaceful in life.”

“I know, it’s just a new thing for me so have patience. Also, my point about him being a glorified mapmaker still stands.”

“Fair enough,” chuckles Cyra.

“But I will gladly have him over as a guest should he decide to visit. I won’t let my grudges rule me anymore.”

I stand from my chair, clapping my hands together. I pull out a jeton and leave it on the table.

“Come on then,” I say, taking her hand. “We’d best be leaving.”

“Where are we off to?” asks Cyra as we leave the restaurant.

“I’ll lead the way. I can’t quite tell you but it’ll be worth it, trust me.”

“Okay,” she giggles. “If you say so.”

We walk through the busy streets of the city. All around us are a mix of castes. Groups of dfam glare at us from deep within alleyways that we pass by. Zagfer stand in front of k’sheng market stands, bartering with them for a discount. We occasionally have to pass through large crowds, where I keep an iron grip on Cyra’s hands as well as on my pockets.

Eventually, we reach a quieter part of the city, away from the markets and skyscraping towers. I lead us into the entrance of a park, blanketed in green from the blades of grass to the tall trees lining the paths. Flocks of pavo fly overhead, singing their merry songs as we begin our walk.

“I’ve never been here before,” remarks Cyra. “Where are we?”

“This is a park where I used to play with my siblings as kids. It’s oddly quiet for Vhoig, making it a hidden gem of sorts.”

“It’s beautiful. There’s not many people here.”

As she talks, I feel a pit forming in my stomach, knowing each second takes me closer to what I’m planning to do. I must remember to keep my cool.

“Yeah,” I quip. “Follow me, there’s a really nice part if we take the left turn here.”

As we walk down a trail lined with flowers, the wildlife of nature carry out their daily duties. Apis make stops at each flower while pavo tend to their young in nests settled high above in the branches of the trees. Here, we’re granted a generous amount of shade.

“Lykan, let me ask you something. Did you think you were always going to be a miou for life?” asks Cyra.

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