ALPHA XAVIER POV

It was much later in the evening, after we had checked into the Mist Blessing Inn, that I returned to the common room. The inn's atmosphere was warm and lively, and I found Valerian dancing with a girl. Despite the cheer around me, I wasn’t in the mood for socializing.

"I was wondering when you'd get out of your room," Valerian said as he approached me with his dance partner. "This is Shira, my dance partner. She's been showing me some unique dance steps here in Mistwood."

"Oh, is she now?" I raised my eyebrow at Valerian, unintentionally dampening his mood. Realizing my mistake, I quickly added,...