Chapter 13: "Should we secure the perimeter, Luna?"

“It’s not poisoned. I promise.”

Her name is Alora.

She’s an employee at Juniper News station, a low-ranking reporter who has had it a bit tough in the industry.

“I know it’s not poisoned. I’d have smelt it.”

Alora’s eyes widen when I say that and she moves closer slightly, my mind wondering how she slides so easily while seated on a heap of clothes, “So it’s true then.”

A slight pause ensues but she continues the next moment.

“You really did smell the poison at the Moonfall Lagoon, even when all the other men there didn’t?”

A smile creeps onto my face involuntarily at that because it’s a memory I'd almost forgotten. Ulric took the praise for that.

I nod subtly and take my first sip of her tea as I respond,

“It was simple to pick out, and I'm sure anyone else could have done it. They were all just, occupied.”

This happened four years ago.

“That’s so cool.”

Alora moves back to her space, letting out a wonder-filled breath as she sips her tea. I sip mine too and the rich taste of the st