The Heavenly market remained lively even as the sun began to dip. Crystal lanterns were lit, casting a soft glow that made the atmosphere even warmer. People of various races were still shopping, chatting, and laughing, while the scent of spices mingled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread.
In the middle of the bustling crowd, Reinalt stood casually, his golden eyes shining under the late afternoon light, a steady smile on his face.
"Is this your first time in Heavenly?" he asked, studying them with a curious expression.
Anza and Hana exchanged a quick glance before Hana replied, "Yeah, we're just travelers."
Reinalt raised his eyebrows, as if pondering that answer, but instead of asking further, he casually raised two fingers with a graceful motion.
From the crowd emerged two tall figures in silver-blue uniforms, walking calmly as if they had just stepped out from the shadows. They wore the royal guard's uniform, and their sudden presence made Hana flinch slightly.
Reinalt smiled, clearly amused by her reaction. "Don't worry, they won't do anything. I just want you to try the best food in Heavenly."
He turned to the guards. "Grab a few snacks from the top stalls. Make sure they try the finest ones."
The guards moved swiftly and silently, vanishing into the crowd.
Reinalt returned his gaze to Hana and Anza. "Honestly, I'm curious. Why choose to come here of all places?"
Haya, who had been quiet the whole time, finally chimed in with a light tone, "They just arrived. I thought showing them Heavenly would be the best introduction."
Reinalt nodded. "A wise choice."
Not long after, the guards returned with trays full of Heavenly's signature snacks.
Reinalt gestured to the food. "Go ahead, try them! I promise you won't regret it."
On the trays were glowing flower petals that melted on the tongue, spiral snacks with ever-changing flavors, and star-shaped fruits emitting a fizzy, refreshing scent.
Hana picked up a flower petal and placed it on her tongue. The moment it touched her mouth, it dissolved like honey, leaving behind a soft sweetness with a hint of mint.
Her eyes widened slightly. "Wow… this is amazing."
Reinalt beamed. "Lunar Petals, a specialty from the highlands. Tasty and refreshing."
Anza tried the spiral snack. As he bit into it, a soft salty flavor spread across his mouth, followed by sweetness and a subtle spicy kick at the end.
Haya casually munched on a star fruit. "Food here isn't just to fill your belly—it gives energy too."
Reinalt watched them closely before finally saying, "I always love seeing newcomers enjoy Heavenly's food."
But Anza wasn't entirely focused on the food. That uneasy feeling still nagged at him—like someone, or something, had eyes on them.
He slowly lifted his head, scanning the crowd without drawing attention.
In the shadows of a nearby building, a pair of unblinking eyes stared straight at them.
His blood ran cold. This time, he was sure they were being watched.
He quickly tossed away the rest of his snack and stood up. "We need to go."
Hana turned to him, confused. "What? Why now?"
"Don't ask. I just don't like this feeling."
Haya noticed his change in demeanor and instantly grew alert.
Reinalt furrowed his brows. "Something wrong?"
Anza turned to him quickly. "Nothing. Thanks for the food, Prince, but we need to get back."
Reinalt didn't respond right away. His gaze sharpened. "Leaving already? I thought we were just getting started."
"We need to go," Hana said firmly.
Reinalt let out a soft sigh and shrugged. "Alright. I won't stop you, but we should talk again sometime."
Anza didn't reply. He grabbed Hana's hand, and Haya followed closely behind them.
As they entered the forest toward Eldrin's house, the mood changed. Giant trees loomed above them, and the sunlight dimmed as it filtered through the thick canopy.
But that uneasy feeling didn't go away.
Their pace quickened.
Then—a twig snapped behind them.
Anza turned sharply toward the bushes on the right. The shadow that had been following them was still there, hidden behind the tall trees.
"They're getting closer," Haya whispered.
"Run!" Anza grabbed Hana, and they all sprinted through the moss-covered path, dodging massive roots and slick stones.
But the footsteps behind them grew louder.
The shadow zipped between the trees with frightening agility.
"What is that?!" Hana cried, her breath growing heavier.
Anza didn't dare look back. "I don't know—and I don't want to find out if we don't reach Eldrin's house fast!"
They were almost at the yard when the shadow leaped—straight toward Hana.
She screamed and shut her eyes—but there was no impact, no pain.
Instead, something warm and soft landed lightly on her shoulder.
Slowly, Hana opened her eyes and saw…
A cat. A small, fluffy cat now sat comfortably on her shoulder.
All three of them froze in place, trying to process what just happened.
"So… this is what's been following us?" Anza muttered, still panting.
Haya let out a long sigh. "I thought we were about to get attacked by something terrifying."
The cat meowed softly, and its fur changed to a shimmering violet-blue, glowing faintly like moonlight.
The door to Eldrin's house opened, and Eldrin stepped out with a calm expression.
"So, it's finally shown up…"
Anza turned quickly. "You know it?"
Eldrin looked at the celestial cat with understanding. "Not exactly. But it was chasing Hana because it sensed something compatible."
Hana stared at him in confusion. "Compatible… with what?"
Eldrin gave a small smile. "Ethereal aura."
Hana and Anza exchanged glances.
"Ethereal aura?" Hana repeated, still puzzled.
The cat purred, its tail wrapping gently around Hana's wrist, as if it had already found its rightful place.