"Excuse me, sir, could you tell me how to get to Sunset Avenue?"

Rayelle peeked out from behind Chriss, only half her face visible, her timid eyes fixed on the seemingly kind blacksmith wiping sweat behind his forge.

*(Note: Sunset Avenue is Chriss’s destination.)*

"Oh, I know that place! I used to restock supplies there all the time," the burly blacksmith grinned, wiping his brow as he sized up the two girls before his shop.

The one in front—a brown-haired girl in a Lolita dress and white stockings—wore a gentle smile like early spring, giving him the uncanny impression of someone far older than her years.

Behind her, a white-haired girl in a black cloak clung tightly to her companion’s sleeve, face half-hidden. Her trembling voice and knuckle-white grip practically screamed social anxiety.

"Just go straight down this street for two blocks, turn left for one block, then right for three blocks, and... well, you’ll see it," he explained, pointing.

Chriss followed his gesture, paused thoughtfully, then gave a small nod. "Thank you, sir."

"No trouble at all."

After thanking him, Chriss turned slightly and gently cupped Rayelle’s cheek, drawing a soft, kitten-like whimper from the smaller girl.

"My friend is also lost," Chriss added softly. "Do you know the way to Dawn Avenue?"

The blacksmith chuckled warmly. "That’s right next to Sunset Avenue. Just walk one extra block after your left turn."

"Understood. Thank you." Chriss returned his smile, equally gentle.

"Off you go now, little ones. Your parents are probably waiting," he called as they left.

"Goodbye, sir!"

"Bye-bye!"

*He probably thinks we’re just kids who wandered off,* Rayelle mused.

Hand in hand, they followed his directions.

"Guess we’ll walk together a while longer. That’s nice," Rayelle said, breaking the silence.

"Mm." Chriss nodded, her smile brightening.

"Say... can you use healing magic? Or is your Extraordinary Power healing-type?" Rayelle asked, searching for conversation.

Chriss tapped her chin, thinking. After a moment, she glanced at Rayelle’s hand. "I’m not sure. My sister taught me everything... I don’t know if it’s magic or Extraordinary Power. I can’t really answer."

"Eh?" Rayelle tilted her head, curious. "You can’t see your own Extraordinary Power?"

Chriss shook her head. "My sister... doesn’t let me look."

"What? Can’t you sneak a peek?"

"No." Another shake of her head.

"Why?" Rayelle’s curiosity was practically spilling over.

"I trust my sister. After we lost our parents... she’s always taken care of me." A soft warmth filled Chriss’s eyes—pure, unshakable trust that even Rayelle could see.

"I see..." Rayelle dropped the subject. *Even I know that’s rude to push.*

"Rayelle..." Chriss’s voice was feather-soft, noticing the loneliness in Rayelle’s gaze. "Are you... all alone?" She chose her words carefully, as if afraid to bruise the air between them.

"Ah... not really," Rayelle replied with a small smile. "I have no family, but someone wonderful took me in." *Aerin—the Hero. Brave, kind, carving hope into this broken world.* The only other tie she had was to the Abyssal Dragon King, a shadowy figure she barely knew.

Chriss’s eyes softened with sympathy. "Don’t be sad. I can be your friend." She wrapped her arms around Rayelle, nuzzling her cheek against Rayelle’s.

"Huh?" Rayelle froze, startled—then melted into the embrace as a warm, sweet scent washed over her. They stood swaying gently in the street, a quiet island amid the city’s roar.

*She’s so gentle... Her sister must be too.* Rayelle pressed a soft kiss to Chriss’s forehead. "Thank you, Chriss."

"Eh!? Mmh!?" Chriss stiffened, cheeks flushing pink, utterly still.

*So pure-hearted too,* Rayelle thought, hiding a smile. "Come on," she said, tugging Chriss’s soft little hand. "We should hurry."

Chriss followed, dazed, fingers brushing her forehead as she stole glances at Rayelle.

"Here we are," Rayelle finally said, stopping. Seeing the sadness in Chriss’s eyes, she added gently, "I have urgent matters now. But we’ll meet again, okay?"

"Mm." Chriss nodded obediently, pressing a small doll into Rayelle’s palm.

"Twin Dolls," she explained, pulling an identical one from her sleeve. "Pour magic into them, and they’ll sense each other’s location. For next time."

Rayelle waved goodbye and vanished into the crowd.

Alone, Chriss stared after her. Then, slowly, she lifted her sleeve. Beneath the fabric, faint tendrils stirred—awakening.

*Time is almost up.* A flicker of sorrow crossed her face. *I lied... I don’t know if we’ll ever meet again.*

She turned toward her own destination, disappearing into the throng.

From unseen shadows, blood-red eyes snapped open—locking onto her retreating figure.