Stern skipped over the run, though Trish did ask if he’d tell her about his new perk. Stern promised to explain his perks later and went on with the story. Dinner was delivered right after he finished telling her about bringing the shards to the temple, so the story was put on hold while they ate.
The fish was as good as Stern remembered, and Pawly happily chewed on her own portion. Trish smiled at Pawly, reaching over to give her a scritch behind the ears between bites.
Stern finished his meal first and immediately launched back into the story. When he got to the attack in the street, Trish’s hands went white on her cutlery, but she didn’t break anything this time.
Before he could explain what happened in jail, Cyra coughed. “I want to add something here, if I may?”
“Go ahead,” Stern said.
“The guards escorted me to the temple again. I was… not well. They soothed me and helped me regain my sense of self. One of them told me about how the people who had saved me were in jail currently, but would likely be let out shortly.” Cyra paused to sip at her wine. “I was happy about that, but worried. I knew that Skippy’s father, the mayor, wouldn’t take his death well.”
“The fucking mayor’s son?” Trish asked in a harsh voice.
“I’ll get there,” Stern said and nodded to Cyra. “Go ahead.”
“I was just making up my mind to go to the courts when a very experienced Walker came to find me.”
“Let me speak here,” Stern said. “I was taken to jail along with the Mixed Heritage crew. We were there for hours, and when a guard finally showed up, he let them go, but not me.” Stern held up a hand to forestall Trish. “When I was alone, the mayor came in.”
Stern went on to explain his meeting with the mayor and Roger Lightdawn. Trish’s lips were thin as he continued. She was clearly on the edge of exploding as Stern described the court, but she managed to contain herself. Stern omitted the letter during his explanation as he didn’t want anyone else to know about it. When he got to the point where he asked for the zone of truth, Trish’s eyebrows shot up.
“You willingly did that?” Trish asked.
“It gets a bad reputation, but the zone isn’t bad. It doesn’t force you to speak, but if you do, it makes sure you speak true. Someone can force out a lie if they’re strong-willed enough, but the power of the zone will stop affecting them and it’ll be obvious.”
“I showed up at that point,” Cyra said. “I was told about the zone and the mayor asked the judge to stop, but I spoke before he could remove the orb. I told the truth about how and why they’d taken me into the dungeon.” She paused when Barbara came up to the table.
“All done?” Barbara asked.
“With the food,” Stern said. “I don’t think we need any more wine, either.”
“I want one more mug, please,” Trish said. “Are there any desserts?”
“We have tarts.”
“Stern? Cyra?” Trish asked them.
Cyra licked her lips. “Do you have strawberry?”
Barbara grinned. “We do.”
“Please,” Cyra said.
“Peach?” Stern asked.
“Of course,” Barbara giggled.
“Strawberry,” Trish said, giving Cyra a grin. “It’s my favorite, too.”
“I’ll bring them right out,” Barbara said as she left the table.
Cyra went on talking about what she’d said to the court, and Trish exhaled slowly, clearly pissed off. When she stopped, Stern explained about the mayor’s heart attack.
“I hope he died,” Trish growled.
“Goodness, that sounds bad,” Barbara said as she approached the table again, having only heard Trish’s statement.
“It’ll be the best he deserves!” Trish snapped before taking a deep breath. “Sorry. I’m sorry. Please excuse us. We’re having a personal conversation.”
Barbara set the plates down and sniffed. “Of course. Pardon me.” She moved a single step away, then turned around and touched Stern’s shoulder. “Will you be coming by again?”
“Possibly,” Stern said. “No idea how long I’ll be in the city.”
“I hope to see you again,” Barbara said and walked off.
“Dumb bitch doesn’t get the hint, does she?” Trish snorted.
“Be nice,” Stern said. “She’s always been nice to me and Pawly.”
Trish picked up her tart and took a big bite so she wouldn’t say something she’d regret.
“Anyway,” Stern sighed. “I offered to run Cyra through the dungeon so she’d at least get her badge. That led us to leave Bloodstone before the mayor recovered. We agreed to become a crew. We’re here to run her through the dungeon and to get her in better shape for the next tier of dungeons.”
The women were finishing their tarts and Stern started eating his.
“Two months, at least,” Trish murmured. “You’re running the dungeon tomorrow?”
“That’s the plan,” Stern said.
Trish turned her gaze to Cyra. “You really want to keep running?”
“Yes. I have my reasons,” Cyra said. Trish looked at Stern and Cyra’s cheeks flushed. “Other reasons,” she said quickly.
“Hmm... Sounds like an adventure. I only made it through the sixth, myself. Picked up my second leatherworking perk there,” Trish said softly. “Lost three of our crew. We paid to have them brought out, but the crew split up. Then, I came back here to work on armor. It’s never easy, and it only gets harder.”
“I know,” Cyra said, “but we’ll do our best. With good friends, like Pawly, I think we’ll do better than most.”
Trish snorted slightly, then smiled. “Maybe. You’ll need to find someone to hold the line for you. A good bulwark can make everything easier.”
“Dad always said the same,” Stern nodded.
“It’s true,” Trish said, “but even then, it doesn’t mean anything if the dungeon isn’t set up for that kind of run.”
“Yeah. We need a trap finder, too.”
“A healer, if you can find one, is a Goddess blessed crew member,” Trish added. “With those three, you have the best shot at surviving.”
“We’ll need to find a bulwark and trap finder,” Cyra said, her words a little slurred. “At least we already have me.”
Trish’s eyebrow went up. “Really?”
Stern exhaled and looked around to see if anyone else had heard. “Limited healing,” he explained.
Trish shook her head. “Amazing. It does sound like she should call it a night, though, especially if you want to make the run tomorrow.”
“Yes, you’re probably right,” Stern agreed. “Thank you for dinner, Trish.”
“You’re welcome,” Trish said. “Do you want help getting her back to your room?”
“Back to her room. We have different rooms,” Stern said as he stood up.
“Are you leaving?” Barbara asked, a smile growing on her face when she heard Stern’s sentence.
“Have a dungeon to run tomorrow,” Stern said. “Need to pack it in.”
“Easy,” Trish said, grabbing Cyra when she swayed. “Here, lean on me.”
As Trish started to help Cyra toward the door, Barbara watched them go. “I really do hope to see you again before you leave the city.”
Stern exhaled and made eye contact with her. Her brown eyes were hopeful, and that made what he was about to say harder. “Barbara, you’re a lovely woman, but I’m not interested. I’m sorry.”
The pain of rejection hit him before she spoke, “I see. You only like the ones who court death? Fine. Good night.” Barbara turned on her heel, heading for the kitchen.
Stern exhaled slowly and shook his head. “I tried to do it nicely last time...” With nothing more to say, he left the Floundering Fish behind, sure he’d never be back.
~*~*~
Stern was glad that Trish helped him get Cyra home and into her room, leaving her to get Cyra stripped and into bed. When Trish came out of the other bedroom, h
e had two cups of tea waiting.
“A hot tea before you go? It’s cold outside.”
Trish looked thoughtful, then took a seat on the sofa. “Does Pawly always sleep with her?”
“Half and half. She’s taken a real liking to Cyra.”
“I noticed,” Trish said, holding her teacup in her hands. “How does she do in the dungeons? Do you really think she’ll make it past the next tier?”
Stern took a sip of his tea. “Yes. She’s determined and, with her perks, it’ll make things easier. I worry about how she’ll do when we lose a crew member, but that’ll be up to her. I’ll keep going, even if I have to find a different crew.”
“Why?” Trish asked, setting her cup down and meeting his eyes.
Trish’s blue eyes seemed to draw him in. “Family, and it’s what I want,” he explained. “I want to see them all. The Goddess’ promise draws me on.”
Trish’s blue eyes widened. “You really mean to go for that?”
“Yes. It feels right to me. Finding a crew who is just as dedicated will be… problematic, but I have hope.”
“I see,” Trish said before standing up. “A lofty goal.”
“If you have to set goals, set them high,” Stern chuckled.
“Hmm, that’s true... for a hero like you, maybe that’s for the best,” Trish said. “See me out?”
“Sure.”
Stern walked her to the door, stopping just outside the suite. “Thanks again, Trish.”
Trish met his eyes and her lips turned up at the corners. “Two months is a nice little chunk of time. Don’t think you only have to come by for your armor.” With no warning, she leaned in and gave him a soft, quick kiss, then walked away. “Night, hero.”
Stern stood there, blinking after her, his eyes glued to her swaying hips until she turned out of sight. Shaking his head, he went back inside and managed to make his way to bed. As he fell asleep, he wondered if Trish might be willing to go further in the future, or if he was reading things wrong.
Chapter Thirty-one
Cyra woke with Pawly curled up on her chest. She blinked groggily as she tried to recall how she’d gotten home. The memory of her being inebriated and having to be helped to her room made her cheeks burn. He was too embarrassed by me to help me into bed... Cyra thought, remembering Stern leaving Trish with her.
Her memory was spotty, but she did recall Trish helping strip her down, then leaning over her with a smirk. Her voice echoed in Cyra’s lightly pounding head, “Hmm... he is an oddity, isn’t he? Looks like a blighted, but saves lost souls. From what I’ve heard, he trains vigorously, as if he was fighting for his life. His summons isn’t a monster, but Pawly, who’s adorable and lovable, though vicious. Do you think he’s just like her? Well, since you have Pawly keeping you company tonight, perhaps I’ll keep Stern company. Sleep well.” With a smirk, the redhead left her in bed with Pawly on her chest. Cyra just stared as the door shut, her mind was too foggy for her to get up. Now, she lay there, petting Pawly and chewing her lip in worry.
“Do you think he…?” Cyra started, then trailed off.
Pawly chuffed and inched farther up, stretching her full body out.
“I don’t have any right,” Cyra said, closing her eyes tightly. “I can’t. The thought of it…” She shuddered as Klein filled her vision, leering at her and telling her about all the things he was going to do to her.
A soft paw slapped her nose, jerking her back to reality. Her eyes watered, though Cyra wasn’t sure if it was from fear or the slap, but she hiccupped and hugged Pawly to her.
Pawly purred as she waited for Cyra to let her go.
“Maybe he’ll be happy with her,” Cyra finally said, letting Pawly go. “He deserves someone who’ll do those things with him.”
Pawly sneezed full in her face, earning a spluttering protest from Cyra. She then stood up and leapt off her, managing to place all of her weight onto a single nipple for a moment.
Cyra cried out again, clutching at her chest and jerking upright, still wiping her face off with her free hand.
The door flew open and Stern was standing there, concern on his face. “Cyra, are you…?!” He started to ask, but his voice trailed off. He blinked for another few seconds before spinning around, slamming the door as he did so.
Cyra’s face burned as she stared at the door. She was sitting up with the blanket around her waist, her naked torso on full display. The only thing covered was one breast, being held protectively in one hand. It might have looked like she was wiping at drool as she played with herself, if viewed from the wrong angle.
Stern leaned against the wall next to the door, trying to forget the image of Cyra in bed. It wouldn’t go away, and a part of him didn’t want to let him get rid of it. Taking a deep breath, he let his head thump into the wall.
Idiot! We’re in our rooms! She’d be fine... she was never in danger, Stern berated himself. You know better than to open a woman’s door unannounced. Mom would be pissed if she found out that I did that. Taking a deep breath, he pushed away from the wall. Breakfast. I should make breakfast. Maybe she’ll accept the apology.
Cyra shuddered as she hunched over into a ball. He’d seen her naked and fled. Maybe he was repulsed by her? A street urchin who was stupid enough to go into a dungeon and nearly get raped by five men... Of course, he’s disgusted with me. Compared to her, we’re trash.
Cyra came out of her room slowly when she finally managed to uncurl herself. She swallowed, waiting for Stern to deride her, but instead found him in the small kitchen area, making food. Pawly was sitting at the table, waiting to be fed, and Cyra was unsure what to do with herself.
“I’ll have food ready shortly,” Stern said. “Have a seat?”
Cyra licked her lips and went to sit beside Pawly. “Stern, I—!”
“Cyra, I—”
They both cut off, and Stern chuckled. “A little awkward. Fits this morning.”
Cyra laughed tentatively. “Go ahead.”
“Okay,” Stern said, exhaling slowly as he picked up two plates. “I was…” Turning to find her at the table, his words failed him. The vulnerable look on her face cut into him, along with the emotions she was trying to suppress. Her fear was leaking out enough for him to feel it.
When he turned and faltered, Cyra swallowed. Her eyes burned and her fear spiked against her best attempt to remain calm. He’s going to tell me to leave...
Stern exhaled sharply and spoke in a rush, “I’m sorry. I really am. I didn’t think, and I made a terrible mistake.”
Cyra hiccupped and her fear flooded through her. Tears spilled from her eyes as she leapt to her feet, rushing for the front door. “Forgive me!” she sobbed.
Stern froze in place, the plates in his hands suddenly forgotten as Cyra bolted. The fear, sadness, and heartache that burst from her hit him hard. The door slammed shut behind her before he could shake the emotions free. Pawly yowled and rushed to the door, and that let Stern finally pull completely out of his stunned state.
Dropping the plates onto the counter, Stern rushed after Cyra. The moment he opened the door, Pawly dashed out ahead of him. Stern ran for all he was worth, knowing he could catch her, but he hadn’t accounted for her fear giving her speed.
Jensen was staring at the front door, which was wide open, when Stern came bounding down the stairs. “Stern, what the fuck did you do?!” Jensen called after him angrily.
Stern didn’t answer— he chased Cyra, his eyes locked on Pawly dashing down the street. Stern kept his emotions locked on the fear radiating off Cyra, ignoring everything else.
People watched the young woman fleeing, then saw a tall, gaunt, pale-skinned man racing after her. His grim visage and cold eyes made them shiver in horror. Someone yelled a single word, and panic started to spread.
Pawly caught up to Cyra first— her yowl broke through Cyra’s emotions, making her look down to see Pawly running alongside her. Cyra stumbled as her body finally overrode her panicked mind. Her
muscles screamed in protest and her lungs burned with fire. She rolled awkwardly and came to a stop against an alley. With a groan, she dragged herself into the alley out of reflex.
Pawly pushed against her, purring and rubbing.
“I’m… I-I’m sorry!” Cyra sobbed as she hugged Pawly.
Stern came to a skidding halt, dropping to his knees before Cyra, breathing fast. Cyra watched him with wide eyes, trying to figure out why he’d chased her down when he wanted her to leave.
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