“There’s a place a couple of blocks down,” he said. “They have all kinds of drinks, imports from every region in Vale Crossing.”
“Oh, good,” Liora said brightly from behind. “Alcohol can loosen people up. Who knows what will happen then?”
Hektor caught Zara shooting her sister a warning look over her shoulder, and when Zara noticed him noticing, she said, “What do you like to drink?”
He cleared his throat. “A brew from my town. It’s too strong for humans.”
“Even for geryons?” Zara asked, eyebrows lifting.
“For geryons who grew up around it, not so much.” He paused. “But for you? I don’t think it would be a good idea.”
“Oh, it’s probably just what Zara needs,” Elian chimed in.
Zara didn’t miss a beat. “I willcut you,” she warned him.
Hektor blinked. He wasn’t exactly sure what that meant, but from the irritation in her voice, it didn’t sound like a metaphor.
“Okay,” she exhaled, glancing up at him. “If your town’s brew will kill me, what do you recommend instead?”
“There’s a citrus mead that’s popular with visiting scholars. Light, sweet. You’d probably like it.”
Behind them, Liora let out a loud, dramatic, “Ohhh, look at her getting personalized recommendations.”
Elian chimed in, “Careful, Zara. Next thing you know, he’ll be choosing your meals for you.”
Zara spun around. “Both of you, shut up.”
Her cheeks were flushed now, unmistakably pink even under the dim streetlamps. This time, Hektor didn’t need context to understand what was happening. They were teasing her. And she was very, very flustered.
Before she could escalate into more sibling threats, the glowing sign of the tavern came into view. A welcoming hum of conversation spilled out as Hektor pushed the door open. Inside, the place was cozy, lamps hanging low, mismatched wooden tables, the faint smell of spice and brewed fruit.
He pointed toward a table near the back. “There.”
They slid into their seats, and Zara surprised him by choosing the chair right beside him instead of across with her siblings. She pulled the drink menu closer, eyes scanning the unfamiliar names before nudging it toward him.
“Okay, expert,” she murmured, “help me out.”
He leaned in slightly, scanning the sections. “You’ll like this one,” he said, tapping a floral berry wine. “Light. Not too sweet. And this”—he pointed to a sparkling herbal drink—“is refreshing. Humans seem to like it.”
Zara nodded, listening intently, her shoulder brushing his arm every now and then. Across the table, Liora and Elian watched with matching smirks, but blessedly kept quiet, for now.
When the server appeared, they placed their orders. Zara confidently requested the berry wine he’d pointed out, which earned her a knowing glance from both siblings.
“So, Hektor. How’d you think today went?” Elian leaned forward. “Productive? Cringe? A little of both?”
Beside him, Zara tensed, just slightly. He felt it before he saw it.
Hektor folded his arms. “I can’t wait to get out in the field.”
Liora snorted. “So, you’re not a nine-to-five NPC, then?”
He blinked. “I’m guessing that means…I can’t wait to get out of the office?”
Liora wiggled her eyebrows. “Exactly. Totally not NPC energy.”
“Yeah,” Elian perked up instantly, clearly delighted to join the bit. “Like—‘side quest accepted,’ you know?” He made a vague gesture, as if pulling up a holographic mission screen. “Zero rizz. Just grinding until the next cutscene.”
Hektor stared at him. “…I have absolutely no idea what any of that means.”
