The night grew darker as the skies above Amexan were speckled with stars, barely visible beneath the brilliance of the city lights that seemed to never sleep.
Godan, Marta, and Jomie walked through the streets that were gradually emptying, hoping to find an affordable inn where they could rest their weary bodies.
Their hopes lifted when they stumbled upon a small inn with an old sign hanging over the entrance. With what little strength they had left, they stepped inside and tried negotiating the price for a single room.
"Your money's not enough!" snapped the innkeeper, an old woman with a stern face. Without further ado, she slammed the door shut in their faces, ending the haggling.
Their minds restless, the trio continued their search for another small inn, praying they could secure a room with the few Delas they had left.
The second innkeeper they approached claimed their place was fully booked, though Godan couldn't help but notice the numerous room keys still hanging on the board behind the reception desk. Choosing not to argue, he led Marta and Jomie back out onto the streets.
Refusing to give up, they approached a third inn, its walls painted a pale pink. However, when they tried to negotiate, the owner seemed baffled by how little money they could offer. Staying a night in Amexan cost at least twelve Delas at its cheapest—in the smallest rooms, with just a bed and no amenities.
"We can't sleep on the streets," Jomie lamented, collapsing onto the sidewalk. "It doesn't feel safe here."
The shimmering, luxurious city of Amexan felt unsettlingly alien, a stark contrast to Somara. The people, too, were far less welcoming.
Godan rubbed his face, trying to think. Marta remained silent, her eyes fixed on the now-deserted streets. Just as despair began to creep in, a man emerged from the shadows.
He was tall, with broad shoulders, and his brown hair was streaked with gray. His sharp eyes gleamed, and though his smile seemed warm, it felt oddly out of place under the dim streetlights.
"Looking for a place to stay?" he asked, his voice deep but carrying a friendly tone.
The three of them turned, immediately on guard. Marta eyed the man suspiciously, sensing an aura that set him apart from Harlen. Jomie, too tired to process the potential risks, simply slumped in exhaustion.
"Yes," Godan finally replied, trying to keep his voice polite. "But we don't have enough money to pay for a room."
The man nodded, as if fully understanding their predicament. "I have a place for you. Don't worry about the money. Consider it a kindness from one of Amexan's citizens."
The trio exchanged uncertain glances. The offer sounded too good to be true, but their exhaustion overpowered their caution.
"Thank you so much, sir," Godan said.
"My name is Serzad," the man replied with a smile. "Come, follow me."
* * * * *
They followed Serzad through the quieter streets on the other side of the main road, a route that took longer to walk. The tall man occasionally asked where they were from, but for most of the journey, he remained silent.
Eventually, the four of them arrived at a large, multi-story house that stood grandly in the center of a sprawling estate. Lights illuminated the gardens surrounding the house, while its tall walls exuded an air of impenetrable strength.
"This… is your home?" Marta asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. Jomie stared, his mouth slightly agape in astonishment.
Serzad offered a small smile. "Yes. Don't worry, this house is more than big enough to accommodate you, isn't it?"
The three exchanged uneasy glances. This didn't look like the kind of home owned by an ordinary citizen casually offering shelter to strangers. Never in Somara had Godan, Marta, or Jomie seen a house as large as this.
Serzad led them through the front gate, which was guarded by several sentries. Upon entering the house, they were greeted by a group of servants who bowed politely.
Serzad offered them dinner, but the three declined, still feeling full. Instead, he personally escorted them to their rooms to rest. Each room was equipped with a soft bed, large windows, and walls adorned with expensive paintings.
The luxury was unlike anything they had ever experienced, momentarily lulling them into a sense of ease. Yet despite the comfort, Marta couldn't shake her unease.
* * * * *
Several hours passed, yet Marta couldn't close her eyes. Eventually, she got up and knocked on the doors of Godan and Jomie's rooms.
"You can't sleep either?" Godan asked softly, opening his door wider. He too had been tossing and turning on the soft bed, unable to settle, while Jomie was sound asleep.
"I feel like something's off," Marta replied. "Serzad is too kind. I don't trust that he's helping us just out of goodwill—just like Harlen."
"I'm uneasy too…" Godan admitted.
Before they could discuss further, the sound of footsteps echoed closer. They froze, knowing how improper it would look if they were caught talking in the middle of the night in a stranger's house.
From the shadows of the hallway emerged another figure—Karven Chroc, the mayoral candidate of Somara they had recognized earlier from posters and debates at city hall.
"Mr. Karven?" Godan whispered in surprise.
The man gave a faint smile. "Good night. How are you? What are you doing here?"
"Ah, Mr. Serzad offered us a place to stay." Marta answered quickly.
"No, I mean, what are young people from Somara doing here?" he asked again, his quiet voice laced with ambition.
"We…" Godan hesitated, unsure how to answer.
"Well?" Karven pressed, pausing for a few moments before deciding to shift the conversation. "By the way, didn't you vote in the election? Such a shame—three wasted votes," he remarked, glancing briefly at Jomie, who was still asleep.
Godan and Marta exchanged uncomfortable glances.
"I was elected as the new mayor," he added, pride evident in his tone.
"Congratulations, sir, and I'm sorry we had an urgent matter to attend to," Godan said, offering a polite nod. "But why are you here, Mr. Karven?"
"I'm in Amexan for diplomatic matters. I didn't expect to meet you here, at Serzad's house," he replied.
Karven then explained that Serzad had informed him about the three young people from Somara staying in his house.
Godan and Marta nodded in understanding. They exchanged a few polite words before Jomie finally stirred, rubbing his eyes groggily and trying to figure out who Godan and Marta were talking to.