Outside the shop, the air was crackling with tension.
Lord Rurik Jaeger and General Rajah Khanda had arrived at the same time, their carriages blocking the street. They were currently arguing about parking space.
Archduke Cassian Argentis stepped out of a portal, checking his pocket watch with a sneer. Duke Lucien Crepusci materialized from a shadow, silent as the grave.
"Move your transport, Wolf," Rajah boomed. "I have a Tiger to retrieve." "Make me, Stripes," Rurik snarled.
They reached for the door handle simultaneously. It was a race. Who would get get to the "Miracle Nanny" first? Who would secure her favor for the evening?
Rurik shoved the door open. Rajah tried to squeeze through. Cassian sighed and slipped past them. Lucien ghosted in.
They stepped inside, ready for the noise. Ready for the chaos. Ready to fight for my attention.
They froze.
The shop was silent. Bathed in the dying golden light of the sunset, dust motes dancing in the air like tiny stars.
