Chapter 9 Edge of Something New

-OUTSKIRTS OF VALORIA, AETHERIA-

The forest gradually thinned as they approached Valoria, sunlight breaking through the canopy in broader patches. The scent of woodsmoke and humanity grew stronger with each step. Distant sounds of city life, merchants calling their wares, the clang of blacksmiths' hammers, and the general hum of thousands of people living in close quarters, drifted toward them on the breeze.

Dante stopped at the edge of the tree line, where the forest gave way to cleared land surrounding the city walls. "We've arrived," he announced, his tone flat. He had imagined this moment countless times over the past fortnight and the relief he would feel when he could finally be rid of his unwanted companion and return home. The relief he now found noticeably absent.

Madeleine came to stand beside him, her dark eyes widening at the sight of Valoria's imposing stone walls. "It's enormous," she whispered.

A rustling behind them announced Anya's arrival. The griffin moved with surprising stealth for a creature her size, her golden eyes gleaming as she assessed the city from the safety of the trees.

"Say your goodbyes," Dante instructed Madeleine. "I can't risk the humans seeing her. Griffins are rare enough to cause a commotion."

Madeleine nodded, turning to Anya with a sad smile. She wrapped her arms around the griffin's neck, burying her face in the soft feathers. "Thank you for protecting me," she murmured. "I'll miss you."

Anya trilled softly, nudging Madeleine with her beak before backing away into the shadows of the forest.

"She'll be fine," Dante said. "She can hunt for herself until I get back, and she knows to stay hidden."

Madeleine nodded, wiping quickly at her eyes. "Let's go, then."

They walked in silence across the cleared expanse to the eastern gate of Valoria. Guards in polished armor stood watch, eyeing them with suspicion as they approached.

"State your business," the senior guard demanded, hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword.

"Returning to the city with a visitor," Dante replied smoothly. "She seeks refuge."

The guard's gaze shifted to Madeleine, taking in her travel-worn appearance and the subtle differences that marked her as not entirely human. "What are you? Where do you come from?"

Madeleine stiffened beside him. Dante answered before she could speak. "She's under my protection. That's all you need to know."

The guards exchanged glances, but to Dante's relief, one of them recognized him.

"Dante? Haven't seen you in years. Where have you been hiding?"

"Here and there. Mostly there," Dante replied with a shrug. "Can we pass?"

The guard nodded, stepping aside. "Keep your friend out of trouble."

As they walked through the gates into the crowded streets of Valoria, Madeleine pressed closer to Dante, overwhelmed by the noise and press of humanity around them.

"You seem to know a lot of humans for someone who claims not to be one," she observed, glancing up at him.

Dante shrugged. "I know enough to get by and not be bothered in Valoria. The city has its uses."

"I know people here," Dante told her, guiding her through the crowd with a hand at the small of her back. "I'll set you up with them. They're good humans who can help you find your place in the city."

Madeleine glanced up at him in surprise. "You have friends?"

The corner of Dante's mouth twitched. "Don't sound so shocked, princess."

"I'm not shocked," she protested. "Just impressed. You don't seem the friend-having type."

"I'm full of surprises," he muttered. "Lucas and Sera will keep you safe. They owe me a favor or two."

Madeleine's steps slowed. "You're really leaving, then? Just handing me off to strangers?"

Dante didn't answer, instead leading her through a network of side streets until they reached a modest but well-kept building with a sign depicting herbs and bottles hanging above the door.

He pushed open the door, triggering a small bell. The shop interior smelled of dried herbs and healing potions and elixirs. A man with sandy hair looked up from behind a counter, his expression brightening.

"Dante!" the man exclaimed. "It's been almost a decade. What finally brings you back to civilization?" His eyes darted to Madeleine with obvious curiosity.

"Lucas," Dante acknowledged with a nod.

A woman emerged from a back room, her dark hair streaked with premature silver. Her face lit up at the sight of Dante, and she rushed forward to embrace him. To Madeleine's evident surprise, Dante allowed the contact, though he didn't return it.

"Sera," he acknowledged when she released him. "Still keeping Lucas in line, I see."

"Someone has to," Sera laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. Her gaze shifted to Madeleine, curious but kind. "And who is this?"

"This is Madeleine," Dante said. "She needs a place to stay. People who can show her how things work in the city."

"So that's what brings you to Valoria," Lucas said with a knowing smile. "And here I thought you might have missed us."

"There were poachers outside Lunaria," Dante said, ignoring the comment. "They took something of mine and I went to get it back."

Sera's expression darkened. "We've heard rumors. People buying magical beasts for collections. Or worse."

"The rumors are true," Dante confirmed. "They took my griffin. And I found Madeleine when I went to get her back"

Lucas came around the counter, studying Madeleine openly. "One of yours?"

"No, werewolf," Dante said firmly. "And someone who needs help."

Sera's expression softened further. "Any friend of Dante's is welcome here."

"I'm not his friend, at least that's what he says," Madeleine said quickly, casting a sidelong glance at Dante. "He saved me and escorted me here. That's all."

Lucas and Sera exchanged knowing glances that made Dante scowl.

"Will you help her or not?" he demanded.

"Of course we will," Sera assured him. "We have the room upstairs. She can stay as long as she needs."

Dante nodded, satisfied. "Good." He turned to Madeleine, his expression unreadable. "Lucas and Sera are apothecaries. They can teach you about human remedies, if you're interested. They're also discreet. You'll be safe with them."

Madeleine looked uncertain. "But what about-"

"You'll be fine," Dante cut her off. "This is where we part ways, princess."

Madeleine's face fell, though she quickly masked her disappointment. "Thank you. For everything."

Dante stood frozen for a moment, clearly fighting some internal battle. Then, with a curt nod to Lucas and Sera, he turned and walked out the door without looking back.

Madeleine moved to the shop window, watching his tall figure as he melted into the crowd. She wanted to call out, to ask him to stay, if not for good, then just for a while longer. But what right did she have? He'd already done more than enough for her. Brought her safely to a new life, found her shelter and protection.

She pressed her palm against the glass as his dark head disappeared from view, swallowed by the sea of unfamiliar faces.

"He'll be back," Sera said gently, coming to stand beside her. "He always comes back eventually."

Madeleine nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

"Come," Lucas called from the back of the shop. "Let's get you settled. You must be hungry after your journey."

Madeleine reluctantly turned from the window and followed her new guardians through the shop to a narrow staircase at the rear.

"We'll give you the tour of the city tomorrow," Sera promised as they climbed the stairs. "Show you the market, the temple district, the gardens."

Lucas pushed open a door at the top of the stairs. "This will be your room. It's small, but-"

"It's perfect," Madeleine assured him, touched by their kindness. "Thank you."

After a simple but hearty meal, Lucas insisted on showing Madeleine their workshop behind the shop.

Sera offered to accompany them to the public bathhouse afterward, saying Madeleine might appreciate a proper bath after weeks of travel.

They left through a back door, navigating the narrow alleyways of Valoria's merchant quarter as the afternoon light began to fade. Sera led the way, pointing out landmarks and shortcuts Madeleine should remember.

That evening, after returning from the bathhouse where Sera had insisted she soak away the grime of travel in scented waters, Madeleine thanked her benefactors once more before retiring to the small but comfortable room they'd prepared for her.

As she lay in the first real bed she'd had in weeks, listening to the unfamiliar sounds of the city beyond her window, she found herself wondering at her good fortune.

Perhaps, after all she had endured; the cruelty of her pack, the terror of being captured, and the uncertainty of her journey with Dante, her luck was finally changing. The thought followed her into sleep, a fragile hope she dared not examine too closely for fear it might shatter like glass in her hands.