It was still daytime, yet to Lorin, this alley seemed devoid of sunlight. A foul stench hung thick in the air, making any normal person uneasy. Vendors huddled under cloaks, but their eyes gleamed with an eerie light—like demons lurking in the abyss.

"Of course," Lorin muttered, slightly covering his mouth. "Places like this always have these standard features." He quickened his pace. Without the Bookkeeper’s warning, he’d never have set foot here.

Just as Lorin neared the alley’s exit, a familiar voice cut through the gloom.

"No way," he frowned, recognizing it instantly.

"Miss, you just dirtied my jewelry. I expect an explanation."

"What jewelry? I didn’t touch anything! Get lost!"

In a normal market, this would draw a crowd. Here, everyone ignored it—as if nothing happened.

Lorin’s headache spiked when he saw who it was. "What’s Xueyi doing here?"

The vendor gripped Xueyi’s wrist with a withered hand. It felt unnaturally strong, pinning her down. Stranger still, her magic refused to respond. "Miss," the vendor hissed, holding up a ring shimmering with odd light. A smear of mud stained it. "If you can’t pay for the damage… leave a finger instead." His eyes flickered with sinister intent.

Lorin stepped forward, tossing his last few gold coins onto the stall. "Is this enough?"

The vendor froze, then chuckled—a dry, crackling sound like branches snapping in wind. "More than enough. Thank you for buying the ring." He released Xueyi and offered the ring with both hands.

Lorin eyed the strange ring. Its material was unrecognizable, radiating unease. "Keep it. I have no use for this." He grabbed Xueyi’s hand and hurried toward the exit.

Outside, Lorin finally studied Xueyi. She still wore her academy uniform, but mud splattered her shoes and skirt hem—just like his own soiled boots. He noticed her pouting, clearly upset.

"Weren’t you supposed to go home?" he asked. If not for the alley’s one-way path, he’d have missed this entirely.

"None of your business where I go!"

"You followed me?"

"No! I was just wandering."

Lorin pinched Xueyi’s cheek. "Who wanders into a place like that?"

"Ah—ouch! Stop it!" She squirmed, trying to push his hand away, but he held her wrist firmly.

"Tell me the truth. What’s going on?" Lorin sighed. Xueyi’s logic never followed normal rules.

"Mmph… let go first!" Her voice softened into a plea.

He released her cheek but kept his expression stern. If he hadn’t intervened back there… well, explaining that mess to anyone would be impossible. "Talk."

Xueyi rubbed her cheek. "I’ll ask you first—did you visit Lilith’s house yesterday?"

Lorin blinked in surprise. He’d told no one about that.

"Silence means yes," she said, her tone shifting back to its usual sharpness. "I knew it. She wouldn’t act like that toward me for no reason. Did you tell her I’m pathetic? Like a stray dog kicked out of its home?"

"..."

Lorin couldn’t grasp why her emotions flared so suddenly.

"How are those even connected?" He’d only wanted to know how she’d followed him.

"If you hate me too, just say it! I’ll leave!"

Xueyi turned to run, but Lorin caught her arm. She yanked free and bolted down the street without looking back.

Lorin smacked his forehead and chased after her. He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her like hugging a pillow.

"You—what are you doing? Let go!" Xueyi stiffened, heat flooding her ears.

"Look around," Lorin whispered near her ear.

They stood on a bustling street now. Passersby stared, murmuring about a bickering couple.

Xueyi lowered her head, hiding her face from the crowd.

"If you don’t want a scene," Lorin said, "walk quietly with me." He felt like a kidnapper, but relief washed over him as she stilled. He took her hand.

The change was jarring. Moments ago, she’d been furious. Now, she was eerily calm—just like the lost cat Lorin had seen behind the academy days ago.

They walked hand in hand until reaching a bench. Lorin caught his breath. He’d passed several spots to stop, but feared she’d bolt again. Even he was tired.

"Calm down yet?" he asked.

Xueyi sat sideways, avoiding his gaze. "I don’t need calming. This is just me. If you can’t handle it, leave."

Lorin leaned against the bench, exhaling. That god claimed to adore Xueyi’s personality. But honestly? Lorin still couldn’t see what was so likable about her.