Sunlight filtered gently through the curtains of the house in Veilden, casting soft rays into the hallway as Lira led the Elf Girl toward the wardrobe room.
"This used to be for storing armor and robes," Lira said with a slight smile, pushing open the door, "but now it's mostly where I keep my dresses. I think something here should fit you."
The Elf Girl hesitated, looking around at the tidy room. Racks lined with clothes, shelves with neatly folded fabrics, and a full-length mirror stood in the corner.
"I… thank you," the elf girl said shyly.
"No need to thank me," Lira replied, opening a drawer. "We're both girls. And you're safe now."
She pulled out a soft, pale-blue mini dress and turned to the Elf Girl. "Try this. I think it'll suit you."
Lira helped her slip out of the oversized shirt the healer had given her. The momentary vulnerability made the Elf Girl flinch, but Lira's gentle movements eased her anxiety.
The dress slid over her like it was made for her. When the Elf Girl turned to look in the mirror, she gasped. It fit perfectly.
"You look lovely," Lira said, smiling proudly.
The Elf Girl blushed. "Really?"
Lira nodded. "You have that graceful elven charm. This dress just complements it."
After a few finishing touches—brushing out the Elf Girl's hair and helping her fasten a small ribbon—Lira opened the door and led her into the living room.
Kell was the first to react, sitting up straighter the moment he saw her. "Cute. Very cute."
Arriel, who was pouring tea at the small table, gave a quiet smile.
The Elf Girl sat beside Lira on the couch, her hands resting neatly in her lap.
"My name is Eryna," she said softly. "I'm from a small forest village in the Kingdom of Azalea."
"That's far from here," Arriel said.
Kell leaned forward. "How old are you?"
Eryna hesitated. "Fifty."
The room fell silent.
"What?" Arriel nearly spilled his tea.
"No way…" Lira whispered.
Eryna giggled, covering her mouth. "It's normal for elves. We age slowly. I know I look like around fifteen in human years."
"That's just… amazing," Kell said, blinking.
But Eryna's smile faded quickly. Her voice trembled. "You want to know how I ended up here…"
Everyone listened.
"My village was attacked by bandits. Most of my people escaped into the woods. But a few of us… young girls… were taken."
She swallowed, her hands trembling.
"They brought us to a masked man. A slave merchant. The bandits worked for him. They sold us like goods."
Arriel's jaw clenched. "A slave merchant… did you see his face?"
"No," Eryna said, shaking her head. "He wore a silver mask the whole time. But he always dressed in purple—expensive robes. Perfumed. His voice was calm, noble. He wore a gold ring with a griffin symbol."
Lira's eyes narrowed. "A griffin?"
Eryna nodded. "That's all I remember. The other girls were sold off one by one. I was next. So I used the only magic I had left—Silent Voice Throw. I'd never used it before. I wasn't even sure it would work."
"But it did," Arriel said quietly. "We heard you."
"And we'll find whoever did this," Kell added, voice firm.
Lira squeezed Eryna's hand gently. "You'll be safe now. Stay with us until we figure out what's next."
"But I don't want to be a burden…"
"You're not," Lira said simply. "You're someone worth protecting."
Eryna looked down, blinking back tears. "Thank you."
The room remained quiet for a while. Arriel stood and brought over a tray with more tea and a small loaf of sweetbread.
"Eat," he said kindly. "You need your strength."
Kell leaned over to Lira. "We should ask around about that griffin ring. Maybe someone's seen it."
Lira nodded. "The merchant's clothes, perfume, and that symbol… someone must know something."
Arriel took one last look at Eryna—now smiling faintly, her eyes no longer shadowed by fear—and nodded to himself.
She was safe, for now.
But the mystery of the masked man still loomed.