The workers, some barely clothed and others with nothing at all, lounged on plush cushions, chatting with customers and teasing one another. Her eyes lingered for a moment on two dark elves—their obsidian skin and striking features giving them an air of untamed beauty. They wore nothing but thin bras covering their chests, their slave collars gleaming darkly in the low light.
Celestia's eyes flickered away from them before clenching her fists.
As her gaze shifted, she saw a cat girl from the Lins Clan. Celestia instantly recognized her, not only because of her twin slender tails that curled behind her but also because of her almost porcelain-like skin. She was dressed in an embarrassingly revealing servant's attire, with a collar like the dark elves around her neck. It was clear she wasn't here by choice. Celestia's eyes darkened as she walked up to the counter where a young woman with long, messy auburn hair greeted her with a practiced smile. The girl couldn't have been much older than fifteen by her looks, and her eyes lacked the hardened, cynical look most others had here. "Can I help you?" she asked sweetly, her voice light and almost innocent.
"I need a room for the next three nights," Celestia said, trying to keep her tone neutral.
"Certainly!" The young woman smiled and, with a swift motion, grabbed a key from the wall behind her. It was brass with a small tag that read, Room 303, and she placed it delicately on the counter. "That'll be 12 silver for the three nights."
Celestia counted out the coins, placing them gently on the counter before taking the key. She didn't feel like asking about the other services offered here—her mind was still tangled in thoughts of the fight, the travel, and the uncomfortable realization that she was utterly unprepared.
With a brief nod, she turned away, heading up the creaky stairs to the third floor. Her footfalls were muffled by the worn wooden steps, and she walked past rooms where soft laughter and murmured conversations drifted out from behind closed doors.
As she entered her room, she locked the door behind her with a firm click. The room was small, but it was private—something she desperately needed. The bed was modest, the linen slightly worn but still serviceable.
Without hesitation, she tossed the key on the small side table and fell back onto the mattress. The weight of her body sinking into the soft fabric felt like heaven.
Celestia closed her eyes, exhaustion overcoming her.
"I really need new clothes..." Her mind wandered back to the filthy state of her current outfit. She'd been wearing it for far too long now, and the thought of it made her groan in disgust. "I don't even want to think about how much time it's been since I changed."
The last few days had blurred together—between the fight, the long travel, and the planned stop in Thalora—everything felt like a haze. With a long, slow inhale, Celestia stretched her arms and back, then pulled the blanket up around her shoulders. The warmth of the bed quickly lulled her into a deep sleep, her mind finally free of its constant buzzing thoughts.
Outside, the bustling city of Thalora continued on, indifferent to her troubles. The world kept spinning, and Celestia—exhausted and alone—finally allowed herself to rest properly.
Morning arrived, and Celestia forced herself to sit up, suppressing a yawn. She pushed off the blanket and made her way to the window, pulling back the curtains. The golden rays of the sun spilled into the room, casting a warm glow across the floor.
She unlocked her door and stepped out, locking it behind her before slipping the key into her small bag. As she descended the stairs to the first floor, a look of disdain crossed her face as the familiar stench of the inn hit her.
"I hate the way this place smells," she muttered, wrinkling her nose before stepping outside.
She had been to this city before with her family for business, so she knew where to go. Navigating the streets, she made her way to a clothing shop she was familiar with and pushed open the wooden door. The small bell above it chimed softly as she stepped inside, and the door shut behind her.
An older woman, sitting behind the counter, immediately perked up when she saw her, eyes widening in recognition.
"Welcome, Princess Celestia. How may I help you today?" she asked warmly, rising from her wooden chair and making her way over.
"I need new clothes," Celestia replied, glancing around the shop. "Something comfortable. Loose enough for movement, nothing made for formal events."
The shopkeeper nodded and disappeared into the back. Moments later, she returned, carrying a selection of short-sleeved leather shirts and matching long pants. She laid them out neatly for Celestia to inspect.
Celestia glanced over them before looking up. "Do you have anything else?"
The older woman hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Actually, I recently received something new."
She disappeared into the back once more, returning with a carefully wrapped bundle. Unfolding the fabric, she revealed a white leather tunic lined with high-quality silk. The craftsmanship was excellent—light, durable, and comfortable against the skin. Alongside it, she placed a pair of black enchanted long pants, their material smooth but reinforced with protective enchantments, faintly shimmering under the light.
"And these," the shopkeeper continued, setting down a pair of White knee-high boots. Unlike the pristine leather of the tunic, these had a deadly addition—black-coated spikes discreetly embedded along the heels and soles, small yet effective.
Celestia reached out, lifting one of the boots and turning it in her hands.
"A unique design," she remarked.
The shopkeeper smiled knowingly. "They're reinforced for durability and combat. The spikes are coated to prevent rust, making them as practical as they can be."
Celestia set the boot down and gave a small nod. "I'll take them."
"Would you like to try them on first?"
She didn't bother answering, taking the clothes and heading to the changing area. A few minutes later, she stepped out, dressed in her new attire. The tunic fit perfectly, the silk interior resting smoothly against her skin. The pants allowed full mobility without feeling stiff, and the boots were snug but comfortable, their weight balanced. She flexed her fingers before adjusting the boots, feeling the hidden strength in their design.
Satisfied, she turned back to the shopkeeper. "I'll wear these out."
The woman nodded. "Of course, Princess. I'll pack your old clothes."
Celestia was about to turn when a thought crossed her mind. "Actually, do you have any gloves I can buy as well?"
The shopkeeper hummed in thought before nodding. "We currently have only one pair—long black gloves. Would you like me to add them to your purchase?"
"That works," Celestia replied, stretching her arms slightly.
The older woman reached under the counter, retrieving a neatly folded pair of black gloves before handing them over.
"That brings your total to two gold pieces," she said with a warm smile.
For a brief moment, Celestia was lost in thought, her fingers grazing the fabric of the gloves. Then, without hesitation, she reached into her bag, pulling out two gold coins and placing them on the counter.
She slipped on the new gloves, the snug fit molding perfectly to her hands, before tucking her white gloves into the box with her other old clothes.
Now fully dressed in her new attire, she adjusted her sleeves, letting a small smirk tug at her lips.
"Much better," she muttered before turning toward the door, and leaving.
As Celestia stepped out of the shop, a flicker of movement caught her eye. Her gaze snapped toward the figure standing nearby, and her expression darkened the moment she recognized him.
"What are you doing here? How did you know I was here?" she demanded, looking up at her older brother, Solace.
He sighed, his ruby eyes glinting with something unreadable. "Don't worry about that. But if you don't want to be captured and dragged back home, I suggest you take my hand. Our parents already contacted this city's guard captain. The moment they spot you, you'll have a lot of explaining to do."
Celestia's jaw clenched. Before she could even process his words, Solace's gaze flickered to the side.
"Speaking of which… here they come."
She turned her gaze to see ten guards in full uniform charging toward them. Their armor gleamed under the morning sun, weapons clanking at their sides as they rushed forward.
Celestia exhaled sharply. "Tch."
Without hesitation, she grabbed Solace's outstretched hand.
The moment their fingers touched, a brilliant light engulfed them both. When the blinding radiance faded, they stood in a small, dimly lit hut in the heart of an unknown forest. The scent of damp wood filled the air, and faint beams of sunlight filtered through the roof's cracks, casting an eerie glow inside.
"This is where I've been living since they kicked me out," Solace muttered, glancing around the modest space before turning his gaze to her. "Now, tell me. What exactly are you planning?"
Celestia hesitated for only a moment before meeting his eyes. "Will you hate me if I tell you the truth?"
Solace raised a brow, tilting his head. "Hate you? How could I ever hate my little sister?"
Her lips curled into a small, almost defiant smirk. "I want… everything in this world."
For a second, silence filled the air. Then, Solace chuckled. The chuckle turned into full-blown laughter as he shook his head in disbelief.
"You? You want everything?" He turned away, running a hand through his hair. "Do you even comprehend how vast this world is? How powerful you need to become before even considering that? You're insane..."
His laughter faded, but a smirk lingered. "But I guess that's how I know we're related."
He shifted his stance, crossing his arms. "So, what's your first goal then?"
Celestia's eyes gleamed, a vibrant emerald glow illuminating the dim room. "I need to become stronger before anything else. I was heading north—to the Mountains of Blossom. No one ever goes that far, so it's the perfect place to train."
Solace hummed, rubbing his chin. "I see… that could be a decent spot for you." A thoughtful pause. Then, a slow, amused chuckle escaped his lips.
"How about this?" He turned back to her, eyes gleaming like blood-red embers. "Training from your older brother? Wouldn't that be a wonderful opportunity for you?"
Celestia's lips curled. "Oh?"