The Note part (2)

The smile Ark wore widened. The status he had in Dalry gave him an opportunity. Arkyn's previous plan involved a more conspicuous type of observation. However, using his reputation could keep Cali under the supervision of civilians. Rumours of her ambiguous relationship with Arkyn would spread. The attention Cali receives would provide Arkyn with eyes everywhere. It does not matter if she rejects his artificial advances. The outcome remains the same even if Arkyn does not like being the pursuing party.

"If you wouldn't mind, I can come to you." The young man who delivered the note took a step back, but no further. How could he miss such a show? From what he saw, the woman tried to rush out of the building before Arkyn could reach her. Cali turned down the first invite and did not seem to like Arkyn's second advance. Strange, usually, women cling to the man.

"My schedule is not fixed. I am not sure I can meet you, Arkyn." Cali felt as if she had stepped in something sticky. That must be why Arkyn had clung to her like this. "If you insist, I can stop by this week." She would not, but it was the quickest way to end this. The Arkyn's actions baffled Cali. Why couldn't she be the one that got away? Just a pretty face that he forgot the next day? Why must she be cornered like this?

"Once again, I ask that you call me Ark. I thought we had confirmed our relationship earlier. Did I misunderstand?"

'Yes! Look at him! The former playboy was made into an abandoned puppy by this woman.' Arkyn exercised all his willpower not to laugh. Cali's face had contorted several times after he spoke. Sounds of surprise had slipped from the people around them, eyes glued to the pair. Arkyn lowered his head in response to this commotion. What relationship had they confirmed? Were they not friends? Arkyn stifled another chuckle.

No matter how he tried to hide his amusement, Cali could see it. She glared at Ark, who met her eyes head-on. It was a passionate gaze in the eyes of Rye, the messenger, and everyone else. A story had formed in their mind at that moment. Arkyn, the former dandy, had fallen in love with a woman impassive to his charm. Cali sighed, "Are we not just friends?"

"I'd like to be something more," Arkyn replied immediately.

Cali had enough of his act and stormed through the doors. She should have left earlier. Yet, the man completely entangled her. Arkyn was one of a kind in the worst way. Hopefully, she would not run into people like him in the future.

Disgruntled, Cali could not notice the group observing her. She was abandoned in the desert and somehow made it to Dalry before sunset. Her former companions were interested in hearing the story behind that. "It seems our break is over." A competitor arrived in Dalry, and they needed to be the first to Capulta caverns. The prize was more than gold or silver. Artifacts fetched a high price on the market with many potential buyers. Of course, artifacts were more than ancient ornaments. Some gave the holders abilities.

Initially, Cali had hired the group to escort her. However, another woman gave them an offer to betray Cali and instead retrieve the artifact themselves. The group received less than a single gold coin for each member. Cali was not angry at the betrayal but at how cheap the group was.