Polly darted away, towards the edge of the crowd that had gathered. Relief washed over him—she was safe, at least for now.
His stomach twisted into knots as he struggled to his feet, his vision doubling again. He gripped a nearby table for support, sending plates and glasses crashing to the floor.
“Move it, big guy!” a security officer barked, rushing over. “Out, now!”
Erzo stumbled forward, his senses dulled by the blow. He knew better than to turn his back on a Nevillian, but his body wasn’t cooperating. As he turned away, a searing pain exploded on the side of his head, stars bursting across his vision.
Through the disorienting fog, he caught a glimpse of Polly. She wasn’t alone—a figure loomed beside her. Was she in danger? His heart lurched.
“Erzo!”
But it was too late. The world went dark, and Erzo crumpled to the ground, the sounds of the restaurant fading into nothingness.
21
“Polly!” Erzo exclaimed, his voice edged with panic. He jolted upright, only to be hammered by a wave of vertigo and pulsating pain that echoed in his skull.
It wasn’t the familiar ambiance of the restaurant nor the sterile confines of a medic bay. He found himself in the dimly lit bedroom of the Dating Agency’s apartment, a realization that made his heart skip.
“Hey there, sleepyhead,” Polly said as she breezed into the room, her presence a vibrant contrast to the muted lighting. “How’s our brave warrior feeling?”
Erzo propped up in bed, squinting at her through the pain. “What in the stars happened?”
“You took a nasty hit, love. That brute with the hawkish nose? He clocked you good right at the end there.” Polly’s tone was light, but her eyes held a storm.
He nodded slowly, a gesture that sent fresh waves of pain coursing through his head. “And how did I wind up back here?”
“Duke and I, we hauled you back here. Played hero while the authorities scooped up those humanoid troublemakers,” Polly explained, her hands gesturing animatedly.
“And where are they now?” Erzo’s question came with a wince, his hand instinctively moving to the tender spot on his head.
“Off causing mayhem in some holding cell, I hope.” Polly raised an eyebrow. “You don’t look too hot, though. Head still spinning?”
“Feels like a supernova in my skull,” Erzo groaned, his eyes scanning the room. “You see anyone suspicious around?”
Polly shook her head, her hair dancing around her face before settling back in its shape. “All quiet on the western front. Duke left, and I switched up the security codes.”
“You’re incredible, you know that?” Erzo said, a hint of admiration in his voice. “I have something for you.”
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. “You found time for gifts in the midst of all this chaos?”
Erzo’s world tilted as he attempted to rise. He sank back, adjusting the bed to a sitting position.
Polly placed her hand on his shoulder. “You okay there, Big Greenie?”
Rubbing the back of his head, Erzo found the tender spot. “He hit me right on my mert chord.”
“Mert chord?” Polly echoed.
“It’s a Charro’s thinnest and most vulnerable spot on the head.” His explanation was tinged with a hint of Charro pride.
“And you guys don’t wear armor there? Seems risky,” Polly noted, her eyes scanning his features.
Erzo shrugged, a gesture that spoke of cultural norms and personal bravado. “Some do, especially the ladies with their high fashion collars. I never thought I’d need it.”
“Well, looks like you were wrong,” Polly quipped, a playful glint in her eyes.
Erzo shifted uncomfortably. “So, this mert chord, it’s more than just a weak spot. The god Mert, during the Creationing, held us there, leaving it unguarded as he adorned us with our scales.”
