Once past the new settlement’s threshold, Edgar struck up a conversation with the DeLawney Climbers in his party. They led him away towards the binding station, and Lawrence followed. Victoria stayed behind awkwardly, watching Edgar disappear into the crowd. Once he was out of sight, the vines wrapped around Victoria’s arm receded. They shrunk back from her shoulder and collected around her wrist to form a thick, green bracelet.

When the pair left the gate, following the sign that read ‘inn’, Victoria followed them. Bunty found himself torn between studying the DeLawney’s new outpost and paying attention to her. They needed to go unnoticed, but at the same time, they needed to blend in. So they stopped outside the loud tavern just off the main street. Then Victoria approached Bunty and threw her arms around him.

“I’m so happy you’re okay,” she whispered, holding him tight. Bunty hesitated for a moment. The resolve to keep away from her melted away, and he returned the embrace. “I know you met Utpal earlier this week, but he won’t tell me how you’re doing. His old warmth is gone, and he maintains a strictly professional relationship with Father. I was afraid you got hurt or died, Bunty. You have no idea how pleased I am to see your spirit upgraded.”

After she was done gushing, Victoria pulled back before leaning in to kiss Bunty. For a moment, his heart threatened to burst out of his chest, but he managed to keep himself from giving in. A pit formed in his stomach when he pushed her away.

“I’d rather keep things professional while I’m on duty, Victoria,” Bunty said, backing away. “It’s nice to see you. It really is, but Miss Allard and I need to discuss our plans for the floor.”

“Give me a break, Bunty,” she said, lowering your floor. “Edgar and Lawrence can’t tell when you’ve been lying, but I’ve known you longer than anyone. This woman isn’t your employer. You’ve managed to find a climbing companion, haven’t you?”

“I have.” Bunty sighed. There was no point in lying to Victoria. “Gwyneth meet Victoria. We can trust her.”

“Forgive me if I don’t remove my mask, Victoria,” Gwyneth said. “My relationship with the DeLawneys is rather complicated.”

“I understand.” Victoria tried to hug Bunty again but froze when he backpedalled. Her shoulders drooped as she looked into his eyes. It took every ounce of willpower he had, but Bunty managed to remain strong. “What are you doing here then, Bunty? Trying to enter the next interval.”

“We are,” Bunty said. “Gwyneth has already upgraded her spirit. The only thing holding us back is her relationship with the house—”

“It has more to do with my refusal to maintain a relationship with them,” Gwyneth added.

“I have the funds to pay our way through, but I’m worried the guards might want to see Gwyneth’s face before letting her through.” Victoria raised an eyebrow when Bunty spoke of his financial status but didn’t interrupt or ask questions. “We came in here hoping to sneak through the gateway in the middle of the night.”

“That’s a bad idea, Bunty,” Victoria said. “You have no idea how tight security is in here. They’re building this as a forward base before expanding into the Hyene lands. I’ve heard Edgar talking, and the DeLawneys want to establish more cities up here. They’ve got the same goal as the Ansons. The family intends to establish themselves as a nation in the tower.”

“We don’t know what else to do, Victoria.” Bunty sighed. “I’ve finally found a climbing partner that I can trust, and I refuse to leave her behind.”

Victoria’s jaw tightened. She looked between Bunty and Gwyneth, and it was obvious to him what she was thinking. He didn’t try to offer her reassurances, though. Even though he cared about Victoria, his romantic status was no longer any of her business. Things would’ve been different if she had fought for him harder.

“Let me help you then.” Bunty’s eyes widened on hearing the words coming out of her mouth. He didn’t think she’d be willing to risk angering her father or brother. “Edgar got greedy on the way here and chased after an aged beast that we didn’t need. It’s set us well behind schedule.”

Bunty looked at Gwyneth for reassurance, but the woman shrugged. She knew nothing about the Boleyns and was likely to distrust them. It was up to him to decide whether accepting Victoria’s help was a good idea or not.

“Edgar negotiated a deal with the DeLawneys that involves getting our first Cores. They helped me with mine and his. Only Lawrence is left now. I’m pretty sure a main-family member is going to join our party in the next interval.” Victoria lowered her voice and stepped in close before continuing. “Either way, the DeLawneys scouted an enormous Hyene warrior north of here. It’s been patrolling the hills trying to keep Climbers at bay. Our new allies arranged two-second interval Climbers to help us take it down. We were supposed to meet them here last night and leave for the expedition at dawn. Now they won’t be available for a couple of days, and we’re going to use the bind station to go home.”

“What are you saying, Victoria?” Bunty asked.

“If the rumours about the creature are true, I’m sure killing will open a temporary gateway to the sixth floor!” She whispered excitedly. “Let me help you take it down. I’ll make up some excuse and stay in the tower. Then we’ll head out tomorrow, at the break of dawn, and kill that monster. You can slip away and carry on climbing.”

“I don’t get it,” Bunty said. “Why would you take such a risk, Victoria? This could mess up your party’s plans and cause a heap of trouble.”

“Because I care about you, Bunty.” Victoria’s smile failed to hide the hurt in her eyes. “Isn’t that obvious? Besides, if we get a decent Core out of it, I can use it to placate Edgar. He and I’ve constantly been fighting. He’ll believe me if I say that I wanted some time away. Besides, he’ll be ecstatic to have everyone upgraded without putting in any effort.”

“I’m willing if you are, Bunty,” Gwyneth said. “Honestly, this sounds like a much safer plan than testing the DeLawney guards. If Victoria is right about their plans, I bet they have second interval Climbers protecting this place. I’d rather face a pack of powerful Hyenes than test the security in here.”

Bunty looked between the two women, struggling to make up his mind. He didn’t want to put his future in Victoria’s hands, but they didn’t have many choices. Gwyneth had proven herself as a valuable companion, and he couldn’t afford to leave her behind. Then he’d have to start in the new interval from scratch.

“Fine,” Bunty said. “Go smooth things over with Edgar and make something up. He can’t have an inkling of what we’re planning. Maybe call me an arsehole and tell him how I blew you off.”

“Don’t worry, Bunty, I know how to lie to my brother,” Victoria said. She took his hand and squeezed it. “I couldn’t stand up for you back then. Let me help you now. It’s the least I can do.”

Then they parted ways. Victoria returned to the main road and rushed off towards the binding station. Her touch lingered on Bunty’s hand. He couldn’t decide whether rejecting her affection had been the right decision or not. Gwyneth patted Bunty’s shoulder and nodded towards the tavern. They needed to get off the streets and get some rest.

To avoid drawing unwanted attention, Bunty released the ink-coat before entering the tavern. He needed to figure out how to make his summons give up their shine. They drew way too much attention. The landlord determined the pair weren’t DeLawney workers straight away but bought Bunty’s story regarding looking for work. It wasn’t easy for Climbers without affiliations to find decent pay. He demanded fifty pence for the night, and Bunty had no choice but to pay it.

To further sell their story, Gwyneth asked for leads regarding work to be included in the price. Realising, she was a woman softened his demeanour. The man took the pair aside and asked whether they were a couple running away from home. It wasn’t uncommon for mixed-race couples to face prejudice or familial pressures. The pair played along. The convinced landlord returned half of what he had charged and promised to keep his ear to the ground. He confirmed what Victoria had said. The DeLawneys were looking to expand, and there were lots of job going around. However, finding employment without recommendations would prove impossible. He promised to ask around and have something for them by noon in the next day-night cycle. Bunty thanked the man and retired to the room upstairs.

“So that was Victoria,” Gwyneth said as soon as they were alone. “Your longing stares at the night sky makes sense.”

“Shut up.” Bunty chuckled.

“It would be unprofessional to kiss in front of my employer.” Gwyneth’s mocking tone made him laugh harder. “That’s where you screwed up, I think. She was buying the story until then. Why didn’t you just kiss her? It was obvious to both of us that you wanted to.”

“It’s not a path I wish to walk down,” Bunty told her. “If I had made a move and cemented the relationship earlier, perhaps things would’ve turned out differently.”

“You’re not punishing her, you know, but yourself too,” Gwyneth took a seat on the double bed and patted the empty space next to him. “I’m not telling you how to manage your romantic life. Just pointing out what I observed. I just think that a kiss would’ve given you some valuable closure.”

“How about we focus on what’s to come?” Bunty asked, trying to change the subject. “The innkeeper will be up with our food in a second. It’s best if we play the role of a relieved couple.” He sat down next to her. “Are you going to be okay sharing a bed or would you like me to take the floor?”

“What do you take me for?” Gwyneth asked, feigning offence and backing away from her. “I’m an honourable woman Mr Sen. Just because we’re travelling together doesn’t mean I’ll share a bed with you.” Then she burst into a fit of laughter and put an arm around him. “Its too cold for you to sleep on the floor, Bunty. I doubt you’ve tempered enough to avoid falling sick. I trust you enough not to take advantage of me.”

“I’m glad.” Bunty smiled, leaning against Gwyneth. He needed more friends like her in his life. “You’re lovely. You know that?”

Gwyneth chuckled and pushed him playfully. “If it gets too chilly, perhaps we can cuddle. Just don’t get too handsy, alright? I’ll get mad if you wander past the waist.”