Choking down the Blaze of Fury without grimacing was one of my more impressive feats in my lifetime. The name should have been clue enough that the drink would scorch my throat and summon flames in my chest.

But really, the drink’s name was the understatement of the century. Each taste bud on my tongue felt independently scorched, tears flooded my eyes as if I’d dunked them in a bucket of lemon juice, and an eternally lingering, smoky aftertaste choked my throat to the point I was afraid I’d open my mouth and breathe fire. I wondered what the hell “too hard” looked like if this was just the “hard shit.”

Marlene and Ravyn watched me drink with shared amusement while Keke and Cannoli sipped their drinks with concerned gazes. No. I can’t let them know how hard this is. I swallowed hard against the burning ash of my throat and exhaled. Good, no smoke. “So, magic shop?” My voice scratched and squeaked like my vocal cords themselves were raked over the coals.

“Kehehehe,” Ravyn sputtered, sipping from hers like a favored tonic. “You, boy, need more hair on your chest.”

“Squaawk! Matt’s a lightweight! Stupid Matt!”

I cleared my throat and coughed, then repeated, “Magic shop?”

“Marlene, do you know where we can find the shop for magical items?” Cannoli asked, sipping her adorable pink and bubbly drink.

I really should have just ordered that one.

Marlene chuckled and nodded. “It’s just down the way a bit. Esmerelda’s Eclectics, you can’t miss it.” She leaned forward and pointed out the window, straight down a path outside the bar. “Now, can I ask a question?”

“Master!” someone hissed from behind me.

“May I ask a question, Master?” Marlene stood and performed a tilted curtsy.

“Yeah, of course.”

Marlene pocketed her notebook and crossed her arms over her chest. “What are you doing in Badyron?”

“Marlene!” the same voice that had constantly chided our waitress sounded once more.

“Shove a cork in that trap, Karen! Goddess above,” Marlene sighed. “My apologies. Everyone around these parts believes we should mimic Venicia. ‘Service, Urgency,’ and,” she chewed her lip, then shook her head, “Whatever the hell’s the third one.”

“Grace!”

“What did I just say, Karen?” Marlene chucked her pencil at the persistent catgirl.

A sharp yelp pierced the bar, and Karen’s companion snickered. I caught Ravyn giggling into her drink.

“What do you mean?” I asked, hoping to stop a riot between Marlene and Karen. “We’re just passing through.”

Marlene shook her head. “That’s a load of roach shit. There hasn’t been another man here in years.”

Keke’s eyes widened, and she carefully set her water back on the table. “‘Another’ man?”

“Yeah. Outside of the one in Venicia, of course.” Marlene paused and examined our faces. “Wait, you didn’t see him?”

We shook our heads.

Marlene barked an incredulous laugh. “Celestia is out of her mind. Well, he’s there. Only a few of us in Badyron have ever seen him, though.”

“Well, there we are,” Ravyn murmured.

“Is he okay?” Cannoli squeaked.

“I couldn’t tell you. I’ve never seen him.” Marlene collected our empty glasses. “I know it’s not my place to stick my tail in your business, but if you four need help with anything, just ask.”

“Thank you, Marlene.” I paid the tab with plenty extra for a tip, and we made our way to the magic shop.

It was strange seeing so many girls in the streets after the deserted roads of Venicia. Even if Badyron was missing a coat of paint or a few hedge trimmings here and there, the friendly smiles and jovial laughter of those around us made it feel so much more alive.

The shop had a royal blue awning and Esmerelda’s name spelled out in intricate cursive on the window. Inside, the lights were dim and floral scents and spices circled around the shop. The hairs on my forearms and neck stood on end—was I gaining a sensitivity to it?

Lights in the ceiling twinkled above us like a brilliant night sky. I swore that, as I studied them, I saw one shoot across the length of dark blue—a falling star.

The catgirl that greeted us with a smile had green hair down to her waist and sparkling emerald eyes. Her attire seemed an open rebellion against the maid aesthetic of Shi Island. Instead, she wore a tight black corset that cut high on her abdomen, and a flowing skirt settled on her hips. Fur-lined gloves adorned her hands, and her ears flickered with interest. Her curves were easy on the eyes, and the slit riding up her thigh called my attention like a magnet.

Keke and Cannoli closed in on either side of me, taking a hand and an arm for themselves. I bit back a smile.

“Esmerelda, then?” Ravyn asked curtly.

“Yes, I am Esmerelda,” her smile widened, and she bowed. “Welcome to my shop, Master and Mistresses. It is an honor to meet a [Sorcerer].”

Ravyn raised an eyebrow. “You can tell?”

“Oh, yes. I can feel your power like a wave.” Esmerelda held an arm out, and without verbal instruction, Ball flew to her forearm and nuzzled her cheek. “And you have such a sweet familiar.”

“Neat party trick. We’re looking for [Dispel] scrolls. Have any?” Ravyn poked through nearby shelves and displays, rifling through scrolls, charms, and books.

“I do, yes. If I may ask, what are you using them for?” Esmerelda strode to an opposite display, pulling free a basket filled with scrolls.

“None of your damn—” Ravyn began.

“We need to [Dispel] the Enchantment from Venicia. Please,” Cannoli interrupted Ravyn and bowed. “We heard you may be able to help us.”

“Ah, I see.” Esmerelda nodded. “There are different levels of Enchantments, you see. I only wish to provide an accurate scroll for your needs.”

“Give us the strongest shit you’ve got. We need five.” Ravyn returned to the group and swooped Ball back to her shoulder.

Esmerelda gingerly returned the basket to the shelf, then tapped one long finger against her chin. “Those are created by third classes who are masters in their Crafting. They are quite expensive.”

“Did I stutter?” Ravyn’s eyes narrowed. “And I need a [Sealing Charm].”

“Of course, miss. As you wish. I have both locked away in my inventory. Please give me a moment.”

Esmerelda turned and walked toward the back of the store. As her hips swayed, the cut in her skirt revealed one firm cheek of her backside. Damn. That’s nice.

Keke’s hand tightened around mine, and Cannoli bumped me with one elbow.

“Hey, now. I’m not going anywhere,” I chuckled.

“You didn’t need to be so mean to Esmerelda, Ravyn,” Cannoli murmured.

“I want out of this town, off this damn island, and a night in my own bed,” Ravyn growled. “I don’t trust any bitch in this place, and the whole damn service routine is getting really old.”

Keke stepped between them. “Ravyn. We all want to go home. Cannoli’s right though. There’s no reason to take it out on a shopkeeper.”

Ravyn clenched her fists, glancing between them, but kept her silence. As soon as I’d found the right words to say to them, the door burst open. Four harried-looking catgirls pushed through, frantically searching around the shop.

The one at the front of the party had a silver ponytail high on her head and glowing silver eyes. With the efficiency of a commanding officer, she pointed to the others in her group and issued a slew of orders. “Bridget, go across the way and secure us potions. Nadine, round up any additional fighters we can muster. Violet, with me. Go!”

“Yes, ma’am,” they replied, dispersing as soon as they were dismissed.

“What’s going on?” I asked, drawing the attention of the silver-haired girl.

Her eyes widened as she scanned our group. “You haven’t heard? There’s a Defiled destroying Sorentina. We need supplies and units, now.”

“Aster, I don’t think they’re from here,” the one she called Violet murmured, tugging on Aster’s sleeve.

Esmerelda returned with the scrolls and charm Ravyn requested, carefully placing them on the counter. She glanced at the newcomers and offered a bow. “Welcome to Esmerelda’s Eclectics. How may I help you?”

“Our town is under siege, and we’re going to lose it. We need everything you can give, please!” Aster returned the bow.

Esmerelda paused, then slowly shook her head. “I can offer a discount, but I cannot gift my wares for free. I’m sorry.”

Aster marched up to the counter and slammed one gloved hand against it. “Did you hear me? My town is being destroyed!”

“I heard you. But my business and livelihood would be ruined. Sincerely, I apologize, but if I gave charity each time a Defiled attacked a town, I’d be on the streets.”

That wasn’t good. Are places attacked this often? How are Badyron and Venicia still standing? “I think we should help them,” I whispered to the girls.

“This isn’t our fight, Matt,” Keke murmured.

“Besides, we’ve got big enough problems as it is,” Ravyn added.

“But, you guys,” Cannoli whimpered, tottering between the balls of her feet. “We can’t just watch a city burn. Can we?”

Aster turned to us, eyes boring into my soul. “You look like a capable bunch. Sorentina is twenty minutes on horseback from the outskirts of town. Please, we’re desperate.”

“Sorry, we’re sitting this one out,” Ravyn said before I could speak.

Aster smirked and shook her head. “Right. You’re useless. Just like the rest of the goddess-damned men on this island.”

I clenched my teeth and fists, heat rising to my face as I looked to my party.

“Come on, Violet. There’s no help to be found here.” Aster waved her companion away, and they left the store.

After Ravyn purchases the scrolls and the charm, the four of us left the shop. The thought of the Defiled destroying Sorentina and killing catgirl after catgirl continued to haunt me.

“Should we use the dispelling scrolls now?” Cannoli asked.

“No,” said Ravyn, “the moment we do, we put a target on our backs. We reveal that we know we’ve been Enchanted. Then the whole fucking city is on high alert, and they kick us out. We’ll need to wait until we get back, preferably after we put the actual plan into motion.”

“Oh, okay! Yeah!” Cannoli nodded with enthusiasm. “That makes sense!”

“I’m exhausted,” Keke admitted. “The sooner we can rescue the man, the better.”

“Let’s take a break,” Ravyn suggested with a clap of her hands. “There’s a picnic table over there.”

The girls led the way while I stayed back. Keke took notice, then fell behind to walk in pace with me.

“Are you upset with us?” Keke whispered, her hands held behind her back.

“Kind of.”

Keke’s stare wandered. “I see.”

When we arrived at the picnic table, we all but collapsed into our seats. Keke and I took one side of the bench while Cannoli and Ravyn took the other. Save for the sounds of our breathing and the occasional sighs, an oppressive silence surrounded us. It took some time before one of us spoke up.

“I don’t agree with this,” I said flatly. “They need help. We’ve proven we can fight against the Defiled. Isn’t this our job?”

“No, it’s not,” Ravyn replied with an equally flat tone, her head resting on the table. Ball Gag fluttered down onto the table and nuzzled against Ravyn’s forearm. “We’ve had our share of decent luck up until now. I’m not about to go piss it away on a Defiled. We have a man to save.” Ravyn dug a small treat out of her bag for Ball. He snatched it out of her hand, cracking and munching on the crunchy morsel.

“He’s not going anywhere. Whether we fight the Defiled or not, he’ll still be there when we get back.”

“The longer we’re gone, the more suspicious we’re going to look when we return,” Ravyn snapped.

“I… have to agree with her,” Keke said, coiling a lock of hair around one of her nervous fingers. “Who knows what trouble we could end up with.”

“Fine. I get it.” I stood up and climbed over the bench. “I’ll go by myself. You three go save the guy.”

“Baka!” Ravyn yelled, standing up from her own seat. “Have you learned fucking nothing since coming here? Do you not understand the dangers?”

“I understand full-well, thank you very much. But I can’t just stand back and watch. Not when I can make a difference. With or without you, I’m going to help them.”

“Matt, I—” Keke started.

“Fucking damn it, Matt!” Ravyn pounded her fist against the table, fury searing her features.

Ball Gag squawked, then flew away to perch on a nearby building.

Ravyn looked down, pounded her fist again, then looked back up at me, violet eyes ablaze.

“R-Ravyn, p-please calm down,” Cannoli begged with her hands held out toward her. “Let’s just t-talk about this. Okay? Please?”

“Ravyn, come on, Matt just cares about the other girls,” Keke reasoned.

“Not enough about us, though!” Ravyn spat back. “He’d rather put his life at risk to go save a bunch of people he doesn’t know! He’d rather put our lives at risk! The lives of his fr— fr— fuck!” Ravyn slammed her fist into the table again.

Cannoli stood up and ran to my side. “I-I-I’ll c-come with you.” She took one of my arms and buried her face into my sleeve. Cannoli was trembling. “I-I’ll h-help you p-protect them. Just please stop f-fighting.”

I sighed. “I’m sorry, Cannoli. I would love your help.”

Keke stood up next. “I can’t let him go alone, Ravyn.” And Keke took to my opposite side.

Ravyn stood with her mouth agape. “Don’t you give a shit about us?”

“More than anything in this world,” I countered. “And I’ll never stop protecting you.”

Ravyn searched our faces, fists clenching and unclenching. At last, she shook her head in defeat. “Mou ii. Fine! We go! But afterward, we follow the plan! To the letter! Is that understood?”

The rest of us nodded in unison.

Ravyn whistled, and Ball Gag came back to her shoulder. Ravyn shared a few quiet words of apology with her feathered friend, then approached us. “You three would be helpless without me, anyway,” she growled.

I smiled. “I know. I hope you’ll roast the motherfucker for us.”

“You can bet on it,” she said.

---

It wasn’t difficult to find some horses. Once Badyron was aware of the Defiled situation in Sorentina, all transportation out of the city had halted in its entirety. It wasn’t our first choice, but at least they had some horses for us to borrow.

“Have you ever been horseback riding?” Keke asked with a hint of concern in her voice.

“A little bit. I went as a kid.” I vaulted myself over the horse and took hold of the reins. It’d been almost a decade since I’d done it, but much like riding a bike, it felt completely natural. “I should be fine. I know the basics.”

Keke raised an unbelieving brow. “If you say so.”

It came as no surprise that Keke had experience in riding a horse, but my concern grew at the thought of Cannoli riding one by herself.

“Hey, Ca—” I called out, intending to invite her onto mine.

Just as I did, however, she hopped onto the back of Keke’s horse and wrapped her arms around Keke’s waist.

Ah, bummer. That would’ve been nice.

Ravyn stood at the side of my horse, her arms folded.

“Do you know how to ride, Ravyn?” I asked. She shook her head, and I held out a hand. “Hop on.”

Ravyn approached with a bit of apprehension in her step, her hands held up and fingers wriggling. The horse snorted, driving Ravyn back slightly.

“Just take my hand. It’ll be easier that way. Promise.” I offered my hand once more. Ravyn slipped her fingers into my palm. I gripped her tight and pulled her just as she hopped up. She was surprisingly light and fit behind me without issue. “See? Nothing to it, right?”

“Hai,” she said in a whisper. Ravyn surveyed the horse like someone who was riding a rollercoaster for the first time. The horse trotted in place, and Ravyn threw her arms around my waist tightly.

“Haha, it’s okay, really. You’re not gonna fall.”

“Oh, shut the fuck up. I’m not a child.”

“Didn’t say you were.” I motioned to Keke. “I think we’re good.”

“Same here!” cheered Cannoli. “We haven’t done this in forever!”

“No! I’m looking forward to the ride, at least,” Keke replied.

One thing I’d learned was to let the more experienced rider lead. I gestured to Keke, and she took the lead a good meter or two ahead of us, their black and white-speckled horse trotting along at a comfortable pace.

“Ready?” I asked Ravyn.

“Just go.”

“If you say so.” I kicked the side of my horse, and we were off. The sudden movement of hooves against dirt and rock prompted Ravyn to hug me even tighter. I could feel her generous bust against my back, and I briefly thought back to the first time she and I met. My face grew hot, and I was grateful she wasn’t able to see.

“Kehehehe. Like what you feel?” she murmured.

This is going to be a long ride, isn’t it?