Marn was waiting for Areen when she got off. He’d finally been able to leave Wenda behind. She wasn’t telling him anything new, and there had been another close call. Fortunately, Lanni happened by, pulling Wenda away with a story about needing her help. Marn felt a relief he hadn’t expected. It was like the weight of a long-running game had lifted from his shoulders. Areen was practically glowing as she saw him standing there. He knew she’d always been a little jealous, and now, at last, she had him to herself. She wasn’t exactly sure when she’d fallen in love with him, but it’d been before he left, those five long years ago. The first flakes of snow began falling again as they crossed the street toward her apartment, dusting the city with a fresh layer of white. The cold, crisp air made them quicken their steps, and Marn pulled Areen close. As they neared her apartment, Morina and Chapado tucked themselves into the bedroom. They often did their best to give them the privacy they could in the small place. Inside, Marn watched the snow fall through the window as he slipped off his boots. He remembered the first time he’d seen snow after his mother had moved him here to Yarba. It never snowed in Menthanla, especially in the southern reaches where he’d grown up. It was one of the few beautiful things he’d discovered here. Now, he had something even more beautiful by his side. Areen slipped her arm around him and handed him a steaming cup of tea, her gaze fixed on him with a gentle smile. She always knew how to ease him. “I love you,” he said, pulling her close and kissing her softly. “I love you too,” she whispered, resting her head on his shoulder. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and looked her in the eyes. “I never want to leave you again.” Areen’s face softened, but he could see the hint of worry there. “What about when your squad gets reassigned?” He pulled her hands into his, holding them tightly. “Come with me, Areen. Five years ago, I asked you to come with me. I’m asking again. Come with me and be my wife.” Areen’s eyes widened, and she hesitated, caught off guard by the intensity of his request. “What?” “Marry me, please. I swear there won’t be any more women. No sleeping around, no flirting, no pretending like with Wenda. I’ll be faithful. I love you, and I need you.” She looked away for a moment. “I’m promised to Birno,” she reminded him, voice strained. Marn’s jaw tightened, but he kept his voice gentle. “Your dad can’t do that. It’s your choice, not his. He can’t force you to marry anyone.” “I know,” she said, sighing. “But he can make things difficult if we go back. Birno will, too.” He gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Do you want to go back?” She shook her head, a hint of relief in her eyes. “Not really. But I know you want to see your mom.” “I do,” he admitted, “but I can go without you.” Areen considered this, then nodded slowly. “That might work.” “So you’ll marry me?” he asked, his voice quiet but filled with hope. She smiled, finally allowing herself to embrace the idea. “I will.” Marn grinned, pulling her into a tight hug. “On your next day off, we’ll pick out a dress. Then we’ll go to the magistrate.” Areen’s smile widened. “Soon is good.” He kissed her again. He contemplated ignoring the sisters in the next room, but he refrained. He should treat his future wife properly. He sure hadn’t in the past. “Do you work tonight?” Areen asked, looking up at him. “Unfortunately, I do. I’m off the day after tomorrow.” “Will you stay the night before, then?” “Gladly.” “Will you at least stay for dinner?” Marn checked the time and nodded. “Depends on how soon it’s ready. I can’t be late.” “Let me see what I’ve got.” She started toward the kitchen, and he watched her go, marveling at how right this felt. Suddenly, a loud crash and a thud sounded from the bedroom. Both Areen and Marn froze, eyes meeting in alarm. He put a hand up, cautioning her to stay back, and moved carefully towards the bedroom, Areen peeking in from a distance. Inside, they found Morina on the floor, a tray overturned beside her, and Chapado collapsed on the bed, eyes closed. “She’s breathing,” Areen whispered, leaning down to check on Morina, “but she won’t wake up.” “Same here,” Marn replied, kneeling next to Chapado and gently shaking her shoulder. “What happened? What should we do?” Areen asked. “They might be in a trance or sick,” Marn reasoned. “Or poisoned?” Areen’s voice trembled. Her eyes widened with fear. “It’s possible,” he muttered, running through the possibilities in his mind. “We’ll get Loka here to help. Did Morina hit her head?” Areen gently lifted Morina’s head to inspect it. “No, there’s no mark or blood.” “Okay,” Marn said, pulling on his boots again. “I’ll head to Rantar’s. You try to find out what they ate today so it can be checked. Cover them, but don’t move them, and, sweetheart, sit on the floor in case it affects you too.” “What about you? You’ll be alone outside.” “I don’t have a choice.” He squeezed her hand reassuringly before standing. As he neared the door, he glanced out the window. Outside, he saw Zannal sprinting toward them, slipping and sliding on the ice, a look of pure panic on his face. Marn opened the door just as Zannal reached it, gasping for breath. “We need you at Rantar’s,” Zannal panted, his eyes wild with urgency. #fantasy #magic #dragons #hiddenlands