23 End of Chapter Five || Heart of Layered Walls

Essairyn pursed her lips. "Can't they recognize my magical ability like you did?"

"No," Lachlan assured, "only high class mages can. And don't worry, I'm not a dangerous person." He added that last part upon seeing a glint of suspicion flash in the girl's eyes.

"Well thank you for teaching us; I really appreciate your time," Essairyn nonchalantly smiled as she got up to leave. She picked up the small history book with the loose paper tucked inside and waved it in the air. "And thanks also for this book." She opened up her cache and placed the booklet inside.

Just as Darren was about to stand up, they heard a scratching noise from the window nearby. It was Akari who was standing sideways on the window ledge. Essairyn looked at her in surprise and walked over to open the window.

"Where were you?" she questioned after lifting the glass.

"Do you have any idea how hard it was to find you?" Akari interjected. "Actually, I figured you'd be in a place like this, but I hate walking around in public unnecessarily by myself."

Essairyn laughed as the fox jumped onto the table and trotted over to Darren. Akari leaned into his shocked face and stared at him intently.

"You're rather handsome, aren't you?" she remarked, making him open his mouth in speechlessness.

He edged back in his seat and pointed a finger at Akari. "A-A talking animal!"

"Hey, didn't anyone teach you it's rude to point fingers?" Akari huffed and twirled away.

"Who? You know this.. fox?" Darren gawked at Essairyn. She smirked and nodded.

"I met her in the Spirit and Demon Forest. She tried passing off some pursuers to me, but in the end, we decided to adventure together."

Akari licked her paw. "What? A god's gotta survive."

"A god?" Darren exclaimed.

"Yes, I am the almighty god Akari!" The fox haughtily puffed out her fluffy chest. "I just recently reincarnated, that's all."

"