They reached Selam by late evening.
The city gates were still open, lanterns already lit, the sound of voices spilling out onto the road. Before Laxyie could even take in the walls, he noticed the crowd—too many people gathered near the entrance for it to be normal.
Then he saw Tyke.
The kid was standing on a crate, craning his neck, eyes scanning the road like he'd been doing it all day. The moment he spotted them, he froze—then jumped down and ran.
"They're back!" he shouted.
The tension he was carrying finally loosened.
People moved quickly after that. A man pushed through the crowd, older, well-dressed, his face tight with worry until he saw the girl beside Laxyie. He stopped short, breath catching in his throat.
"Elisa."
She broke into a run.
Her father met her halfway, dropping to his knees as she collided into him. He held her like she might disappear again if he let go, one hand pressed to the back of her head, the other gripping her shoulders. He didn't say anything at first. Neither did she.
The crowd went quiet.
After a moment, the man stood, still keeping Elisa close. He bowed—deep and formal—to Laxyie and Lyla.
"You have my thanks," he said, voice steady but thick. "Both of you. Selam owes you a debt."
He reached into his cloak and produced a heavy pouch, placing it in Laxyie's hands without ceremony.Lengers clinked softly inside.
"For your risk," he added. "And for bringing my daughter home."
Laxyie nodded once. "She was brave."
Elisa looked up at him, embarrassed but smiling.
Lyla stood a little apart, arms crossed,jaw tightening for just a second. Then she clicked her tongue and looked away.
"Still got away," she muttered.
Tyke finally reached them, slightly out of breath. His eyes went straight to Laxyie. "So? How was it?"
Laxyie's gaze slid to Lyla. His eyes lit up.
"She was amazing," he said without hesitation. "Like—really amazing. The way she moved, and when she shouted—"
Lyla stiffened. "Hey."
Laxyie didn't stop. "I thought the ground was gonna break! You're so strong—"
"Stop," Lyla snapped, cheeks coloring despite herself.
Laxyie smirked. "I'm not wrong."
She rounded on him. "You're doing this on purpose."
"Maybe."
"You're trying to distract me so I don't stay mad about Mû."
"Is it working?"
She looked away, annoyed. "…A little."
Laxyie grinned.
Laxyie rolled his shoulders and let out a breath. "I'm starving," he said. "Both of you, we'll eat whatever you want tonight. We've earned it."
Tyke's eyes widened. "Anything?"
"Anything."
They headed deeper into the city, the crowd thinning as people returned to their homes, whispers following them. The weight of the day finally settled in—tired legs, sore muscles, the dull ache that came after danger passed.
They chose a familiar restaurant, warm and loud, the smell of grilled fish and spices filling the air. Tyke barely waited to sit before scanning the menu like it might disappear.
Lyla leaned back, stretching. "You always buy food like this after a fight?"
"I've never really had a chance to do this with others so this is they best way i know."
"Fair."
Not long after they'd ordered, someone hesitated near the table.
"Elisa?" Laxyie said, surprised.
She stood there, hands clasped, looking nervous despite everything. "I… wanted to thank you again," she said. "All of you."
"You already did," Lyla replied.
"I know. I just—" She looked at Laxyie. "Can I ask you something?"
Laxyie nodded.
"Are you from Cohen?"
He paused. "Cohen? No."
She frowned slightly. "I thought maybe… some assassins there use something similar to what you did. That… way of seeing."
"Sensory Veil," he said quietly.
She blinked. "So you know it."
"I use it. It just came to me naturally when I was on a rage."
Elisa nodded slowly. "Cohen's bigger than Stronar. Much bigger. That's all I really know. I've only heard stories some about the assassins there."
Laxyie leaned back in his chair, interest flickering behind his eyes. "Stories have a habit of being half-true."
She smiled apologetically. "Sorry. I wish I knew more."
"It's fine," he said. "You gave me enough."
The food arrived then—plates set down in quick succession. Tyke forgot the conversation instantly, digging in like he hadn't eaten in days. Lyla followed suit, hunger winning over thought. Even Laxyie relaxed, the tension draining out of him as he ate.
For a while, there was only the sound of cutlery and quiet laughter.