INTRO

"These harpies will be the death of me," I groaned, flopping on to one of the chairs in the meeting house. I dug deep into the pockets of Alvin's coat and pulled out a gel. Tearing it open, I squeezed it into my mouth and took a deep sigh. "That's better."

"Achlys!" A muffled shout and a knock at the door made me moan again.

I just wanted a little time to relax. Was that too much to ask for? I guess so. I've been in and out all day, fighting monsters at almost all of my Auj Oule farms. Given, it was that time of the year that monsters were seeking mates and getting into trouble, but still, it was fucking annoying. I jumped out of the chair and dragged my feet to the door. I wonder who it was honestly. All of my mercenaries had a key and Alvin was too busy in Elympios to even text me let alone stop by for a visit. There was another loud knock just as I got to the door.

"I'm coming. I'm coming," I growled at the knock, opening the door with a slightly annoyed face. "Oh! Julius!"

"Sorry if I interrupted anything," Julius bowed his head and smiled. "May I come in?"

"Certainly!" I moved out of the way and gestured him in. "What brings you to Aladhi Seahaven?"

"Can't I visit an old friend?" He winked, sitting down at the table.

"Spirius Corp. gave you the day off?" I asked, closing the door behind him and joining him at the table.

"Something like that," He shrugged, putting his right arm over the back of the chair and the other on the table.

"Would you like some tea or water? Maybe something to eat? All I have are gels and noodles though."

He grimaced and waved his hand at me. "I'm fine. I actually wanted to talk to you about something."

"Oh? I raised my brow and put both arms on the table. "And what would that 'something' be?"

Julius leaned in closer. A glare beaming off of his glasses. I looked around, worrying that he was going to try and kiss me. Alvin nearly beat his face in last time Julius even put his arm around my shoulder trying to flirt with me. Obviously I loved Alvin, so no matter what Julius tried, I would push away and reject him. Julius had many fan girls. Why did he need more?

"Who is the key?" Julius finally asked in a hushed tone.

"Key?" I tilted my head.

"Who is the key?" he asked again. His tone a bit more serious this time. "You know what I'm talking about."

I sat back with wide eyes. "I don't know Julius. I truly don't know. I'm sorry."

He leaned back in his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose. "No, it's alright. That was too much for me to ask."

We sat in silence for a bit until my GHS vibrated. Another text from a client telling me about their monster problem. "I have to go. Client in crisis."

"Can I ask a favor from you?"

"If it will be quick, yes," I replied, getting up out of my seat and fixing my corset.

"Can I have a couple of apple gels and some water for the road?" He asked, also getting up from the table.

"Of course!" I took a couple of apple gels from my coat pocket and a bottle of water from the fridge, and handed them to him. "Take care of yourself, Julius."

"You too, Achlys," He grinned, taking something out of his pocket and sliding it across the table. "Can you keep ahold of this? It's not safe with me."

I looked at the recorder on the table and nodded. Julius bowed his head in thanks and shut the door behind him. I pursed my lips, looking at the door. The key? Why would he want to know who the key was? I sighed, shrugged and got ready to deal with another group of monsters. It was probably nothing and I was just worried for no reason, as per usual.