Chapter 13: The Gathering 

The grand halls of Lo Po Bia Traumerei's mothership echoed with laughter and chatter as the elite of the Tower gathered for the much-anticipated celebration in honor of Amizu. Brightly colored banners adorned the walls, and tables overflowing with an extravagant feast filled the room, showcasing the best delicacies from various floors. Guests were dressed in their finest attire, a blend of formal elegance and personal flair, each reflecting their unique status within the Tower's hierarchy.

Traumerei stood at the center of it all, a magnetic presence that drew the attention of everyone present. He wore a carefully crafted smile, though beneath it lurked a storm of emotions. His eyes often darted toward a secluded corner, where Amizu sat surrounded by a flock of small, vibrant birds that flitted about like living jewels. There was a time when they had shared everything, yet now an invisible barrier seemed to separate them.

Amizu, radiant and poised, conversed animatedly with a few close friends, including Yeon Yirang, who was engaged in a light-hearted debate about the best ways to harness Shinsu. Yirang, with her playful demeanor, often broke the tension in any room she entered, her laughter ringing like music. She was well aware of the undercurrents swirling around Traumerei and Amizu, but for now, she chose to remain oblivious, focusing instead on enjoying the evening.

Khun Eduan, known for his sharp wit and laid-back attitude, strolled through the crowd, teasing guests and keeping the atmosphere lively. He caught sight of Traumerei and approached him, a sly grin plastered on his face. "You know, for someone hosting a party, you look remarkably tense. Is your precious Amizu keeping secrets from you?" he joked, nudging Traumerei with his elbow.

Traumerei's smile faltered for a moment, replaced by a flash of irritation. "She's fine," he replied, his voice steadier than he felt. "She's just… busy."

Eduan raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting from playful to serious. "You should check on her. The last thing you want is to let the whispers start flying tonight."

Before Traumerei could respond, Enkidu arrived, his usual calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the palpable tension in the air. He exchanged glances with both men, his piercing gaze searching for the underlying issues that others seemed to miss. "Traumerei, are you alright?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

"I'm fine," Traumerei insisted, though the knot in his stomach told a different story. "Just ensuring everything goes smoothly."

As the evening progressed, Enkidu gravitated towards Amizu, drawn by an unseen force. Their conversation grew intense, punctuated by glances that lingered a moment too long. Traumerei's heart raced, his mind filled with unwelcome thoughts. He had always trusted Enkidu, but tonight felt different, charged with a tension he couldn't ignore.

"Amizu, you're radiant tonight," Enkidu remarked, his tone genuine. "I'm glad you could be here."

"Thank you, Enkidu. It's good to see everyone together, even if it feels a bit… strange," she replied, her voice tinged with an unspoken weight. "Do you ever think about how much things have changed since we first climbed?"

Enkidu's expression softened, memories flickering in his eyes. "All the time. But some things remain constant, like the bonds we formed. We're still family, aren't we?"

Amizu's smile faltered as she turned her gaze away, focusing on the swirling birds around her. "Family…" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.

The weight of her words hung in the air, and Enkidu leaned closer, sensing her hesitation. "What is it, Amizu? You can tell me anything."

But before she could respond, a commotion erupted nearby, drawing the attention of the guests. Eduan had knocked over a stack of plates while attempting to perform a flamboyant gesture, and laughter filled the room, momentarily dispelling the tension. Traumerei seized the opportunity, focusing on the crowd, but his mind remained on Amizu and Enkidu, the two growing closer under the guise of friendship.

As the night continued, Traumerei's unease only deepened, feeling the distance between him and Amizu widening. He knew something was wrong but couldn't quite grasp what it was. And with every laugh and every clink of glasses, the gnawing fear in his gut grew stronger.