An hour passed as Eki sat outside, glancing occasionally at Zera's shop. The wind picked up, carrying a faint chill that made him pull his coat tighter. He wandered around the kiosks, scanning for a shawl. A shiver ran through him.
Suddenly, Phinehas crossed the road swiftly and slipped into the shop, positioning himself behind one of the mannequins.
"Is someone following you?" Yara asked, her eyes darting toward the entrance.
"Eki's been watching you for a while," Phinehas replied, shifting to the next mannequin so he could use the mirror's reflection.
Yara leaned back and smirked.
"He probably sniffed some of that drug. He won't be strong enough to fight me."
Phinehas raised his eyebrows and chuckled, covering his mouth with his palm.
Back at the Zera residence, dinner was being served when a knock echoed from the gate. Zera, standing on the porch, froze halfway down the path.
"Who is it?" she called, anxiety lacing her voice.
"Lode. Just passing by to say hi."
"Oh! I didn't recognize your voice. It's been a while," Zera replied, quickening her pace. She unbolted the gate and let him in.
After exchanging greetings, they settled on the balcony for tea. Lode's brows furrowed as he sat, even before Zera could pour.
"You look worried," Zera observed, setting the kettle back onto the hot stones.
"Yara did something today… though I'm not sure she's even capable of it," Lode said, meeting Zera's gaze before sipping his tea.
"What happened?" Tension crept into her tone.
"I heard whispers in the bar some boy beat up Eki's father. Word is, Yara was involved."
Zera's eyes widened. "Am I in trouble now?"
"Nah." Lode waved it off with a flick of his index finger. "Seems that old man's been bothering Yara for a while."
They both laughed lightly, though there was an edge to it.
Zera leaned in. "How do I benefit from this?"
Lode gave her a knowing smile. "Make him pay you to keep quiet. Everyone knows he preys on young girls. There's plenty of proof but our Yara isn't one to be trifled with." He smirked, snapping his fingers toward the book of law resting on the stool beside them.
"You're a powerful woman, and this is a respectable house," he added.
Zera's eyes followed the book before returning to Lode. "You make a good point. I'll think of something."
When Lode stood up, Zera walked him to the gate. Alone again, she looked up at the night sky with a smile.
"This is too petty for me to handle. Yara is grown. She can take care of herself."
At the trading center, Yara began packing away the shop's display items. Phinehas slipped out unnoticed, positioning himself several stalls ahead to watch Eki.
Once Yara finished locking up, she paid the security guard and joined Phinehas. They walked together, exchanging light banter.
"Won't your mom scold you for being late?" Yara teased, stretching her arms.
"Not really. She's just happy I have a job," Phinehas said with a trace of excitement.
They joked for a few minutes before his expression sharpened.
"Looks like only one's still tailing us."
Yara hummed. "Let's get a bit ahead."
They walked on until moonlight spilled through the branches overhead. Both stopped and turned around at the same moment.
Eki stepped forward until only a few meters separated them.
"Do we have something of yours?" Yara asked, her arms loose at her sides, eyes fixed on him.
Eki took a few more steps, glancing briefly at Phinehas, who stood still with arms folded.
Then Eki slid the sword from his back, letting the moonlight catch on the blade.
"Why did you beat and rob my father?" he demanded, sheathing the weapon again.
"That was my money. He'd been holding onto it for too long," Yara replied, shifting her stance subtly.
"You think it was yours?" Eki smirked, glancing again at Phinehas.
"I don't think. I know," she said calmly.
In a flash, Eki slammed a heavy blow into Yara's chest and lunged toward Phinehas.