58 2nd Lifetime: Dream (I)

Part I: Mai's POV

The return to the Weiss faction 'headquarters' was faster than the trip to the graveyard even adding the time that it took for Mai and Cornelia to send Jaquine to her room.

Of course, this was after the girls had spent nearly an hour to find the requirements for Jaquine's scavenger hunt.

The mat was secured with a quick trip to the square, a booming area with merchants and stores galore; however, in the night, the square was deserted with nary an individual to be seen.

Cornelia had tacked enough compensation for the welcoming mat on the closed doors on one of the stores in the square. After which, she bent down to grab the mat, rolled it up, and shoved it towards Jaquine. "Carry it."

Jaquine fumbled with the mat before she held it secure in her arms. Cornelia hadn't glanced back as she walked with quick strides towards the center of the square. Mai guessed that Cornelia's destination was the large stone fire pit.

Sharing a glance with Jaquine, Mai nodded at the timid girl before signaling to follow Cornelia. When they reached her, Mai made sure to stop a few feet before Cornelia, giving her what she called her 'space'.

Cornelia didn't spare them a glance before she placed her full attention to the fire pit. After her scrutinization, she did something neither Mai or Jaquine had expected- she thrusted her hand into the charred pieces of wood and rummaged around.

"What are you doing?" Mai was genuinely curious. She couldn't help but go closer, trying to see just what Cornelia was looking for.

"Flint."