A Moment of Respite

As the morning sun began to cast its warm glow over the land, Mike stood at the head of the search team, Beside him, Avra and Zagan stood ready. 

As the search team made their way through the bustling streets of the town, they kept their eyes peeled for any sign of Ayira and Lucius. Mike led the group, his gaze scanning the faces of the townsfolk they passed, hoping for any hint or clue that might lead them to their missing friends.

Avra and Zagan walked beside him, their senses heightened as they kept a vigilant watch on their surroundings. The other mages followed closely behind, their magical abilities ready to be called upon at a moment's notice.

"Split up to easily locate the princess and holy saint!" he remarked. 

With a nod from Mike, the team dispersed, fanning out into the crowded streets and narrow alleys.

Avra moved through the throngs of people, her gaze focused as she approached one of the nearby vendors. She cleared her throat politely before addressing the vendor, her voice calm but urgent.

"Excuse me, sir," she began,

"have you happened to see a young girl with blond hair, around twelve years old? She's gone missing, and we're trying to find her."

The vendor furrowed his brow in thought, scanning the bustling street around them before shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, miss," he replied,

"I haven't seen anyone matching that description."

Undeterred, Avra thanked the vendor and continued on her search. She approached another vendor, repeating her inquiry in hopes of finding any clue that could lead them to Ayira and Lucius.

Meanwhile, Zagan and Mike covered different sections of the town, questioning locals and searching every nook and cranny for any sign of their missing friends.

Avra sank into the chair and leaned back, closing her eyes for a brief moment as the weariness began to weigh on her shoulders. 

Feeling a presence before her, Avra cracked open her eyes to find Zagan standing there, his trademark smirk plastered across his face. 

"Can you lend me money?" he asked. 

"for?"

"Of course for food. I'm hungry; that stuff over there looks delicious."

"We are not here to eat, but to find your friends."

"How can I find them while I am weak? I need strength to continue, so please, lend me some money. I think I was about to pass out." he said dramatically. 

"What are you? Mike's son?" she couldn't help but roll her eyes at his antics, though a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Please, I'm going to die."

"Why so dramatic?" she murmured as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a few coins, handing them to Zagan.

"Here, go get yourself something to eat. Just make sure to save some for the rest of us."

Zagan's grin widened as he pocketed the coins, offering a mock salute before sauntering off in search of food. Avra watched him go with a shake of her head.

"Avra, do you know where Zagan went? We can't afford to lose him too, especially now." Mike stated after he approached Avra with concern etched into his features.

Avra, still seated and appearing somewhat fatigued, looked up at him with a slight frown.

"He went over there," she gestured vaguely in the direction of the food vendors.

"to grab something to eat. Said he was hungry." she continued making him let out a sigh of relief.

"I thought we'd lose him too," he stated as he glanced back in the direction of the food vendors where Zagan was. He then sat next to Avra. 

As Zagan approached with a skewer of barbecue in hand, his expression was one of contentment, seemingly unfazed by the urgency of their mission. 

 "I guess hunger can't wait, even amid a search," he remarked. 

"Seems like it," she replied, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Zagan joined them, taking a seat beside Avra and offering a skewer to both Mike and Avra.

"Here," he said, gesturing with the food.

"I thought you guys might be hungry. Didn't realize Mike was already here."

Mike accepted the skewer with a grateful nod, a faint smile crossing his lips.

"Thanks, Zagan,"

"Yeah, thanks," she stated as she took the skewer, offering Zagan a warm smile.

When the snack break was over, Mike rose facing the two. 

"Let's get back to work!" he remarked making Zagan stand up while Avra hesitated, still feeling fatigued and in need of rest. 

"Why don't we go to Adira's house? Maybe her sister goes back there," he stated as the three of them started walking to do their job. 

Zagan's suggestion caught Mike off guard, his confusion evident in his expression. 

"Aren't we supposed to be finding Ayira and Lucius?" he asked, perplexed. Zagan shrugged nonchalantly.

"Oh, I thought we were searching for Adira's sister," he replied casually.

Avra chuckled at their conversation, finding their confusion amusing. Mike turned to her, a puzzled expression on his face.

"So, who are we actually looking for?" he asked, seeking clarification.

 "The other search team is already on the lookout for Adira's sister. We're assigned to find Ayira and Lucius," she replied and then teased him by nudging him lightly.

"Feeling stressed, Mike?"

 "Yeah, I'm stressed, so stressed."

"Are we not allowed to go to Adira's house?" Zagan intervene. 

Avra exchanged a glance with Mike.

"Why do you want to go there, Zagan?" she asked.

 "I'm just curious, and maybe we'll find something that leads us to the culprit." 

"I'm also interested in going there, so why don't we go and check it out" Mike said. 

The three agreed to head to Adira's house, curiosity getting the better of them. As they arrived, they were greeted by a shocking sight. Adira's house was in disarray, with signs of a struggle evident everywhere.

Avra couldn't help but murmur about how she felt for Adira's sister, imagining the terror the young girl must have faced in such chaos.

"Did she witness the moment her father was killed?" 

Zagan's question lingered in the air, heavy with the weight of the tragedy they had witnessed. Mike's response was solemn, acknowledging the pain of witnessing such a horrific event.

"Yeah, it must be unimaginably painful," Mike replied, his voice tinged with empathy.

"To see your father killed right in front of you... I can't even begin to imagine how Adira must be feeling." he continued.

"Losing a loved one in such a violent way... It's something no one should ever have to endure," she added softly, her gaze drifting back to Adira's devastated home.

Mike and Zagan exchanged worried glances, realizing the severity of the situation. They carefully searched the house, looking for any clues that might lead them to the culprit. But the more they searched, the more it seemed like they were too late.

Avra stumbled upon a torn piece of fabric, recognizing it as part of the house of Lorcan dress. She then glanced at Mike, who saw her expression. He then approached her and noticed the fabric she was carrying. 

"Is this fabric created by the House of Lorcan itself?

She nodded.

"If the girl was in the hands of the Lorcan family, it would be difficult for us to get her back."

"Why are they powerful?" Zagan unexpected emergence

"Yes, they are among the Big Three notable aristocracy here, and from what I understand, Lorcan was supported by Christos," she explain.

"Yeah, the most powerful houses are supporting each other, so if Lorcan has Adira's sister, there's a 35 percent chance that we'll get her back, and when they hand the girl over to Christos... it'll be the end of us," Mike remarked making Zagan look at them in confusion. 

"Is Adira's sister really so important?" he sought out. 

"Don't you know?" He asked, causing Zagan to shake his head. 

"No, I don't"

"Adira, sister...Karasi has three auras. It is uncommon, and if anyone finds out about it, such as nobles like Lorcan, who are selfish, they will kill anyone to obtain that rare gem," he explains.

"oh! If that's the case, Adira's sister, Karasi's life was in danger."

"Indeed"

As the three conversed, the tension in the air became palpable as they started exchanging apprehensive glances, sensing an invisible presence lurking in nearby woods. Without saying anything, they went slowly toward the source of the noise.

Just as they were about to break into a run, ready to confront whatever or whoever was watching them, a gentle rustling in the underbrush caught their attention. With bated breath, they trained their eyes on the dense foliage ahead, expecting the worst.

To their surprise, emerging from the shadows was not a threat, but a graceful deer.

Zagan couldn't contain his amusement, bursting into laughter as he watched Mike's serious expression.

"You looked like you were ready to take on an army!" he teased, slapping Mike on the back in jest.

Mike chuckled sheepishly, shaking his head at his own overreaction.

"Well, you can never be too careful," he replied, trying to salvage some dignity amidst the laughter.

Avra joined in, her laughter ringing through the quiet woods as she nudged Zagan playfully.

"At least we know the forest is safe from the mighty Mike," she quipped, earning another round of laughter from the group.

"I guess we need to head back to the town." Mike interrupted cutting the laughter echoing in the woods. 

With an agreement nod the three walked back toward town with Mike leading the way. Meanwhile, Zagan trailed behind them, his eyes lingering on the woods. There was something about the forest that stirred a sense of curiosity within him.