She took a deep, steadying breath, her gaze fixed on Karyan. "My name is Nedeira," she said quietly, her voice carried a faint tremor despite her efforts to sound confident.
"Karyan," he replied with a nod, his golden eyes assessed her. "Now, what's this plan of yours?"
"We need to get you into the entertainment house," she began, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her garment. "It's the only way you'll get close to the sorcerer."
Karyan's lips twitched into a half-smile. "You think I can just walk in there and ask for a job?"
Nedeira's eyes met his. "You have the looks. Men and women pay well for eye candy like you. But we must convince the sorcerer to let you join."
"And how do we do that?" Karyan inquired, his arms folding across his chest.
"I... I can talk to him. Make him believe you're an asset he can't pass up," Nedeira said, though doubt laced her words.
Karyan arched an eyebrow. "You think he'll buy that?"
"I have to try," she insisted, her fists clenched at her sides. "It's our only chance."
Sin, who had been observing silently, let out a huff. "Sounds risky. What's to stop him from turning us into his next puppets?"
Nedeira turned to the cat, her eyes plead. "I can protect you. My magic isn't much, but it's enough to keep us safe from his control—temporarily."
"Alright," Karyan agreed, his voice firm. "We do this, but remember, you owe me. Once this is over, you're under my command."
Nedeira's face fell, but she nodded. "I understand. Anything to be free from him."
Karyan stepped closer, his presence felt quite dominating. "Then let's not waste any more time. Lead the way to this sorcerer."
The market square was fading behind them as they made their way through the bustling streets. The city was waking up, and the throngs of people made it easier to go unnoticed.
"I'll talk to the sorcerer this evening," Nedeira said as they walked. "You should come with me, stay near. If I give you a sign, come out."
Karyan nodded. "And the sign?"
"A simple gesture," she explained. "I'll touch my necklace like this," she demonstrated by lightly grazing her fingers over a small amulet at her throat. "Then you'll know it's time."
"Fine," Karyan replied. "I'll be watching."
They reached the outskirts of the entertainment house as the sun began to dip below the skyline, casting long shadows across the streets.
The place was alive with activity, the sound of music and laughter spilled out from its walls.
Nedeira stopped and turned to Karyan, her eyes serious. "Remember, no matter what happens, stay hidden until I signal you."
"I'm not some greenhorn," Karyan said. "I know how to handle myself."
Nedeira gave a small nod, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Be careful…"
Sin's red eyes narrowed as they approached the entrance of the entertainment house. "You can't go in looking like that," he said, his tail flicking in thought. "The sorcerer will spot you're a snake wielder a mile away."
Karyan frowned, glancing down at his attire. "And how am I supposed to change that? I can't use magic like Lanta."
"I'll help you," Sin offered, a sly grin spread across his furry face.
"At what price?" Karyan asked, eyeing the cat suspiciously.
"Nothing for now," Sin replied, his smirk widened.
Karyan's suspicion deepened. "For now? What will you want later?"
"You'll help me find a master," Sin said casually, as if it were the most natural request in the world.
"Okay, deceiver, I will." Karyan lied smoothly, knowing full well the cat's cunning nature.
Sin rolled his eyes. "I'm not the deceiver here, you're the one lying through your teeth. But we'll play your game. For now, let's focus on the task at hand."
"Fine. What's your grand plan for my transformation?"
"First, we need to dirty up those pretty clothes of yours. Can't have you looking too noble," Sin said, approaching a puddle of mud.
"You've got to be kidding me," Karyan muttered, but he bent down and smeared the mud over his shirt and trousers, ruining the fine fabric.
"Now, the hair," Sin continued, nodding approvingly at Karyan's now-soiled clothes. "We'll mess it up, make it look like you've been in a brawl. It'll add to the disguise and your charm."
Karyan ran his fingers through his hair, tousling it until it stood in disarray. He looked at Sin, who seemed satisfied with the result.
"Next, a bit of dirt on the face for good measure," Sin instructed. Karyan complied, using the back of his hand to smudge dirt across his cheekbones.
"There, now you look like a rogue who's had a rough night," Sin said, stepping back to admire his work. "Perfect for the entertainment house."
Karyan gave Sin a sidelong glance. "And you're sure this will work?"
Sin's tail twitched. "Trust me. If there's one thing I know, it's how to blend in—or stand out. Now, let's get moving before we miss our chance."
Sin's plan had better work, or they would both end up in deeper trouble.
As they slipped into the shadows near the entrance, Nedeira glanced back at them, her nervousness was visible even from a distance.
Karyan gave her a subtle nod, signaling he was ready.
Nedeira turned away and disappeared into the house, leaving Karyan with Sin in the light. The night was settling in, and with it, the feeling that anything could happen.
Karyan leaned in closer to Sin, his voice low. "When this is over, you and I going to have a talk."
"You don't like your hair?" Sin asked.
"My hair?" Karyan touched the strands to see that his forest-green colour that he waited for so long to come back was now gone.
"When did you change that?"
"I told you, the sorcerer's magic is strong and the demon he's with is way-"
"Karyan, come!"