Beneath The Surface

Alister, who stood just behind her, chuckled softly, his tone calm as he remarked, "Yes, I have to agree, it's almost like a different universe from the rest of the mall." His eyes scanned the room, unfazed by how grand everything looked because he had seen sights just as grand from Kealan's memories when he returned home.

Lady Aiko strode confidently ahead, her presence commanding as usual, drawing the attention of several well-dressed patrons and staff.

As Cinder walked beside Alister through Finesse Fabrication, she could feel the weight of countless eyes suddenly fix on her.

Their stares followed her every step—some small, others not. A few customers whispered to one another, their words just loud enough for her to hear what they were saying.

"Who is she?"

"She's got quite the figure," a man commented in a low voice, eyeing Cinder's body before quickly looking away when she caught him staring.