Bonus chapter (Magic castle)

The tinkling of the shop's bell was drowned out by a single word that cut through the air like a knife.

"Zafron?"

Mara and Zafron froze, their hearts pounding in their chests. Slowly, they turned to face the source of the voice. Lady Cordelia Fairfax stood there, her eyes wide with surprise and recognition.

She was walking towards Lydia to ask about a clothing item when she recognized that gait.

Wasn't this Matilda's slaveboy, Zafron? The one said to be missing?

Hang on, wasn't that Mara, Matilda's maid as well? Also said to be missing?!

"It is you!" Cordelia exclaimed, rushing towards them. "And Mara too! What in the world are you both doing here in Drakoria?"

Zafron's mind raced. 'Of all the rotten luck,' he thought, desperately searching for a plausible explanation.

"Lady Fairfax," he managed, forcing a smile. "What a... surprise to see you here."