The search for Renley was proving to be far more frustrating than Macaria and Hoshiko had expected. Though Macaria remembered Renley's striking pink eyes and her unusual magic clearly, the nature of that magic remained elusive. She'd described it to Simon and Natsuki in detail, but neither of them could pinpoint exactly what it was.

  "Could be she’s a dualist," Natsuki had offered while sipping from her thermos. "Light and dark magic, maybe. Or someone with two distinct mana flows. That would expin why we can't pce her type."

  Simon had silently agreed with Natsuki’s theory. Dualists were rare—almost mythical. Most unknowns could only access one elemental current of mana. Being able to wield both light and dark magic was something even the Knights kept cssified.

  Simon had searched the busier side of downtown for an hour before having to clock in at work. He promised to keep watch in case anyone matching Renley’s description showed up.

  "This is harder than I thought," Macaria sighed as she sank into a bench. The te afternoon sun dipped low, casting gold over the city park.

  "It's like finding a needle in a haystack that’s constantly shifting," Natsuki muttered, kicking a pebble. "There’s, what, ten thousand people in Ancaster? And she’s fast. Probably paranoid. She might’ve already skipped town. I would’ve."

  "Thanks for the optimism," Macaria said, frowning. Hoshiko’s voice floated gently into her mind.

  "She could have fled. If someone was after me, I wouldn’t stay either."

  Macaria didn’t want to admit he had a point. But something in her gut said Renley was still out there. Watching. Waiting.

  They stood up to leave, shoulders slumping. The day had been long and fruitless.

  But just as they stepped onto the sidewalk, Macaria froze. Across the street, a girl in a deep purple jacket wove swiftly through the crowd. Long brown hair. Lean build. Paranoia in every step.

  "Hold up," Macaria whispered, grabbing Natsuki’s arm. Her eyes locked on the girl. When she turned and gnced back—pink eyes.

  "That’s her," Macaria muttered.

  "What?" Natsuki asked. But Macaria was already crossing the street.

  Hoshiko’s voice returned. "She’s moving like she’s being followed. Keep your eyes open."

  Macaria nodded slightly and followed.

  "That's her, isn’t it?" Natsuki called, quickly catching on.

  Macaria nodded again.

  But instead of running, Natsuki took a more... theatrical approach.

  "Excuse me! Miss! You dropped something!" Natsuki called, waving an empty hand.

  Renley turned. Slowed. And Natsuki took her shot.

  "Hello, are you Renley?"

  Renley’s reaction was immediate. She shoved Natsuki back with surprising strength.

  Macaria caught up just in time. "Renley! I’ve been trying to find you—"

  "Didn’t I tell you to stay away from me? What is it with you people wanting to throw yourselves into danger?" Renley hissed.

  "Please, I just need to talk—"

  "Talk? About what? My skincare routine?"

  Before Macaria could respond, Natsuki smmed her palm against Renley’s shoulder and pinned her to the wall. Electric current buzzed along her arm.

  "Hey! We’re not here to hurt you," Natsuki said through clenched teeth. "My friend here? She's bonded to a wind spirit. We think you might know something about it. That’s all we want—information."

  "The wind spirit?" Renley’s tone shifted from furious to confused. Her pink eyes darted to the side. "They captured him. How the hell..."

  "She’s definitely being watched," Hoshiko said. "Get her somewhere safe."

  Macaria took a step forward. "You’re not safe here. Come with us. We'll protect you. We’re not your enemy."

  Renley studied her carefully. The tension crackled.

  Then she exhaled sharply. "Fine. But only if you follow me."

  A cab pulled to the curb. A couple dressed like they were headed to a ga stepped out. The man helped the woman from the car.

  Renley’s eyes lit up. "Perfect."

  "Oh no," Natsuki muttered.

  Renley rushed forward, motioning Macaria and Natsuki to get in the back. The moment they hesitated, she opened the driver’s door, yanked the cabbie out, and flung him into the street.

  "RENLEY!" Macaria shouted.

  "It’s fiiiiine!" Renley beamed. "Trust me! I watched someone do this on a drama once."

  The cabbie scrambled off the road, shouting for security.

  "You don’t know how to drive?!" Natsuki shrieked as she and Macaria quickly jumped into the back seat of the car. Renley fumbled with the gear shift.

  "I learned once... kinda!"

  The car jolted forward. Macaria screamed.

  "RED LIGHT, RENLEY!"

  "Pfft. Suggestions, not ws," Renley said, flooring it.

  Cars screeched. Horns bred.

  Hoshiko sounded deeply unamused. "I would like to request an exorcism."

  "We're going to be arrested!" Natsuki cried.

  Renley casually checked the mirror. "So, wind spirit?"

  "YES!" Natsuki snapped. "Hoshiko! He's in Macaria!"

  "That came out wrong," Macaria mumbled.

  Renley raised a brow. "That expins the magic... but how did he escape Shadow Dawn?"

  "Escape?!" Hoshiko said. "I was captured?!"

  Just then, Renley’s eyes caught something in the mirror. Two figures on the sidewalk. Felix and Vincent.

  "Oh no," she whispered.

  "What?!" Natsuki demanded.

  "We’re definitely in more trouble than I thought," Renley muttered.

  A blur of white fur caught Macaria’s eye. Up ahead, Simon strolled casually with a white cat perched on his shoulder.

  "SIMON!" she screamed, sticking her head out the window like a panicked golden retriever.

  Simon looked up, locked eyes with her... and just blinked.

  The moment stretched as the cab roared past.

  "Why is it always them?" he muttered.

  Then, turning to Mochi, he added, "Next time I see her, I want hazard pay."

  Mochi blinked and purred like she agreed.