I tossed two walnuts into my mouth and handed one up to Tee Tee as I walked toward the stall in the market.

  The town looked mostly the same. A few new faces, a few new stalls, but Melrose still felt like Melrose. I waved to familiar people as I walked, chewing my last walnut before saving the final one for Tee Tee.

  Graysia had told me she only ate what she found in the forest. I was currently on day ten of trying to do the same. She hadn’t asked me to — I just decided to try.

  I was not a fan.

  Being the daughter of a world-renowned baker had left my taste buds… spoiled. But I persisted. Tee Tee loved it, at least.

  I reached the familiar circular market and made my way to the stall — and a familiar face.

  “Morning, Mr. Thatcher,” I called.

  The man had gone through some unfortunate balding in the last few years. Eventually, he’d had enough and shaved it all off. He was digging through a box, looking flustered.

  “Morning, Benson. Did you happen to find—” He trailed off.

  I stepped behind the stall before he could finish and reached for the hidden magical lockbox Sandy had set up to store gold and spare keys. I pulled out the large key ring and smiled at my best friend’s dad.

  “For the barn, the shop, or the house in Sunset?” I asked.

  “Sunset,” he sighed. “Left the key at home. Think it got mixed in with my tools.”

  I found the yellow-marked strip for Sunset keys, slipped one free, and handed it to him.

  “Thank you, Benson,” he said gratefully.

  I leaned against the counter. “What project are you working on?”

  He looked relieved I’d asked — like he’d been waiting to vent.

  “Job down by the Cove. Installing new cleats on the docks. Ships are getting so big the old ones won’t hold. I like the crew on that job at least. But after that, I’ve got work for your uncle.”

  He paused, watching my reaction.

  I nodded.

  He sucked in air like he was trying to breathe through frustration. “If I knew I’d be in Sunset every time your uncle bought a new place, I would’ve declined years ago.”

  He went on for several minutes.

  As I’d gotten older, I’d come to understand my father’s frustration with his brother-in-law. Uncle Zain’s wealth was so vast he sometimes stopped seeing people as people — instead seeing only what they were worth. Mr. Thatcher’s skills were top-tier, and Uncle Zain kept him on retainer.

  I didn’t think my uncle was a bad person. Just… a businessman through and through. He still treated me like the little girl he remembered. But not my father.

  More than once, he’d tried to convince my dad to work for him. Those conversations usually ended in shouting. My father stood firm; Uncle Zain called him a fool.

  They hadn’t spoken in two years.

  The last time I went to Sunset with Sandy and Mr. Thatcher, I’d tried to bring home a new offer. Conveniently, I lost it on the way back.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Mr. Thatcher finally wound down. “Gotta take the money while I can, I guess. How are sales going?”

  He meant the stall.

  I pointed up at the sign: Thatcher’s Convenience.

  “Convenient and good. Your doorstoppers sold out on the second day.”

  I worked at the stall about half the week when I wasn’t training or at the bakery. The pay was small, but enough for tavern drinks.

  The stall was odd but surprisingly successful. Minor inventions from Sandy and her dad — doorstoppers, wheeled baskets, collapsible step stools, door-hanging hooks that needed no nails. Things people didn’t go looking for… until they saw them.

  Not as flashy as potions or scrolls. But enough to keep the two engineers afloat.

  “Any news from Sandy?” I asked.

  I knew she was working with The Guild — heroes from all over Rencrest and beyond. She’d been brought on as a consultant for mechanical traps, something she’d studied for years. I was proud of her.

  But there was a small knot of jealousy I couldn’t quite swallow.

  “Not since she arrived,” Mr. Thatcher said. “But she’s just heading to headquarters. I’m sure she’s fine.”

  He said his goodbyes and left me to tend the trinket stall.

  I stood there, thinking about Bruno and Graysia’s words… about Sandy working with The Guild… and my trip with my father later today.

  Then I saw a man do a double take at the wheeled basket display.

  I smiled. “Got another one, Mr. Thatcher,” I muttered, stepping forward to help him with the purchase.

  I sold what was left of the wheeled baskets, a few locks and keys, and a door-hanging hook. It was a slow day, but that was fine. I didn’t mind sitting in silence, watching people move through the market, Red Post patrols passing by, and musicians playing somewhere nearby.

  I half-debated closing early to meet my father when my face broke into a grin.

  A Red Postman was walking toward the stall.

  He stood about six feet tall, with neatly trimmed blond hair. Multiple accolades, ribbons, and medals decorated his chest, along with the insignia of First Lieutenant — the highest rank short of Lord or Vice Lord Commander. His uniform was a little tight on him; he’d grown broader over the years. A stark contrast to the boy I first knew.

  The small silver cuff at his wrist replaced his severed hand.

  I jumped up and leaned over the counter, loudly announcing his arrival.

  “Jupes!”

  A name he absolutely hated.

  He’d grown a lot since the night of Tar’Tesh. Losing his hand hadn’t slowed him — if anything, it had fueled him. He trained harder than anyone. His paladin’s aura practically shone in the sunlight. He was respected in the Post… and in Melrose.

  And I would be lying if I said I didn’t fancy him.

  So, like any mature woman would…

  I teased him relentlessly.

  He scowled at the nickname but smiled anyway. “I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said, glancing around, genuinely worried he might cost me a sale.

  “Nope,” I said quickly. “How can I help?”

  I realized I’d started playing with my hair — a nervous habit Sandy loved to point out. I dropped my hands flat on the table and waited.

  “Well,” he said, “I have a mission in a few weeks to investigate something in Melite… and I was wondering if you’d like to join me.”

  Every ounce of blood drained from my face.

  I stared at him. He was serious.

  I’d been bugging him for years to let me assist on Red Post work. There was a walk-on list civilians could join for paid support roles. My heart leapt at the opportunity.

  The fact it was with Jupiter was… a secondary benefit.

  I forced myself to calm down.

  “What’s the mission?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

  “There’s something stealing cattle near the farms,” he explained. “Killed a farmer too — used a weapon. We think it might be Goblinkin. We’re just investigating. Asking questions. Gathering details. Actual squads handle the fighting.”

  I nodded, clearly already saying yes — but not ready to let him leave yet.

  “Why me?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

  He took a breath. “I spoke with Bruno. He said you’ve been feeling a little… stuck. I thought this might help.”

  I stood tall — then deflated like a punctured balloon.

  Dammit, Bruno.

  It was bad enough he lectured me about my progress. Now he was telling people — Jupiter, of all people. I’d never said it aloud, but age and wisdom weren’t always the same thing.

  Jupiter noticed my expression immediately.

  “Bens… Athasia,” he corrected himself, “I know better than anyone what it’s like to lose your footing. I believe in you. That’s why I came.”

  Goosebumps ran across my arms. Tee Tee chirped softly, like he felt it too.

  I straightened my posture.

  “I’m in,” I said.

  He nodded, smiling — a smile so bright it could’ve been painted. “Great. I’ll stop by the bakery later this week and drop off the file with details.”

  “Thanks, Jupes. Seriously. Thanks,” I said, genuine now.

  “Of course,” he replied, heading off.

  I let out a long breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.

  Tee Tee hopped onto the stall table and chirped at me pointedly.

  I raised my hands. “Yeah, yeah. That could’ve gone better.”

  He chirped again.

  I scratched his head; he vibrated happily.

  “Who knows, Tee Tee,” I said, beginning to close up the stall. “Maybe this is exactly what I needed.”