Angelica heard a knock on her door.
It was odd because it was so late.
She got up and opened the door.
Aleksandar bowed as soon as she opened the door.
"My apologies for disturbing you so late."
She swallowed.
"It's not a problem. Please come in."
He smiled at her.
"I will have to decline, because I have a request for you."
She frowned while she waited for him to speak.
"Ryan and Bell are going to the Amazon village. They wish to infiltrate and gather evidence of the contract you accepted."
Angelica felt a wave of guilt run through her.
He took out a letter from his jacket and held it out to her.
"Please help them."
For a moment, her arms hung at her sides.
"What if they don't want my help? After what I did, I wouldn't blame them."
Aleksandar gave her a sad smile.
"The only way to build trust is by giving of yourself with honesty. If you are sincere, they will accept you, but it will not be easy."
She nodded and took the envelope.
"What is this?"
"That is to prove that I sent you. Ryan would not trust you otherwise."
She locked eyes with Aleksandar.
"When do they leave?"
Aleksandar bowed a second time.
"Thank you for accepting my request. They leave tomorrow night. I have instructed Femur to prepare a room for you."
As he turned around to leave, he left her with a piece of advice and a fanged smile.
"It might be prudent for you to reveal your presence when you are too far out to return."
She swallowed and closed the door.
As night began to fall, Ryan was getting ready to leave.
He heard Eragon's voice behind him.
"When do we leave?"
Ryan felt a pit in his stomach grow.
"I am sorry for not telling you, but you can't come with me."
He felt a clawed finger on his shoulder, followed by being spun around.
"What are you talking about? Where are you going?"
The Draconian's face was an inch from his own.
Ryan took a step back and sat down on his bed.
"An Amazon sent Angelica after me."
Before he could continue, Eragon gave a low roar.
"Reina, that bitch."
The anger Eragon displayed made Ryan smile.
"Yes. I am taking Bell as cover so that I can sneak into Reina's mansion. Then I can get some proof and make sure she is punished."
Eragon scratched his chin for a moment.
"I could always wear a dress."
This made Ryan laugh.
"I really am sorry for keeping you out of the loop, but I have to do this."
Eragon nodded and sighed.
He gave Ryan a light slap upside the head.
"Take care of Bell, and be careful."
Ryan felt a pang of guilt for not confiding in his friend.
"I will. I promise."
This satisfied the Draconian.
He then turned around and opened his closet.
He pulled out a backpack.
On the back, it stated, 'I didn't choose the Dragon life. The Dragon life chose me'.
He opened it to reveal a console with two controllers and an assortment of games.
"If I can't go with you, I can at least try to help you guys entertain yourselves between the kissing."
At kissing, Ryan blushed very deeply.
This caused Eragon to roar with laughter.
Ryan gave his thanks and made his way to the tavern.
He wanted to meet up with Bell and Vivian there before they left.
The tavern was bustling, like it was every night.
Some patrons sang songs while others laughed loudly.
Skeletons were running between them, doing their best to keep their tankards full.
Ryan walked past the bar and gave Vivian a small nod as he passed.
He made his way to the kitchen, where Bell was.
Each step made him want to run so that he could be next to her.
She focused on the pot in front of her.
With a smile, he snuck up on her.
From behind, he wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder.
He felt her jolt as he scared her a little.
He then whispered into her ear.
"I missed you."
As she giggled, he felt tremors from her body.
She turned her head and kissed him.
"You're early. I still have another hour in my shift."
Still holding on, Ryan shrugged.
"I wanted to speak with Vivian one last time, but I remembered you were here. I couldn't resist."
She smiled as she looked down.
"Do you want something to eat?"
He squeezed her tighter.
"Yes, please. I will be waiting for you at the bar."
He slowly let go, even though he wanted to stay like that all night.
Just as he exited the kitchen, he looked back.
A smiling Bell waved at him as he made his way back to the bar.
As he sat down, Vivian made her way to him.
She looked around and asked him a question.
"Can I get you anything?"
He shook his head.
"I am waiting for Isabelle. Also, I want to thank you for your help."
Vivian smiled.
"You don't need to thank me. I owed you."
Ryan nodded at her words.
"Just because it was a debt, doesn't mean I am not thankful."
Vivian shook her head.
"I can see why Bell likes you."
Ryan had a frown.
"Why do you say that?"
She rubbed her chin for a moment.
"You are blunt and sincere at the same time. It is endearing."
This made Ryan blush and look down.
At that moment, a bowl of stew was slid in front of his face.
It smelled incredible.
He looked up and saw Bell with another bowl in her hand.
As she sat down, she spoke to Vivian.
"There should be enough food for tonight."
Vivian nodded.
"Enjoy your meal, and don't forget to enjoy your holiday."
She left with a wink.
Ryan saw Bell blush at Vivian's words.
He smiled at her as she spoke.
"I plan to enjoy every moment."
As he ate his meal, a plan was formed with the help of Vivian.
She was quiet for a moment as she gathered the nerve to speak about the guild.
"The Amazons are one of the five guilds, but they are the weakest because of how populations grow."
They listened as Vivian spoke.
"That is why they will take any woman, especially if she comes with a ship. If you walk in the front gate, they will welcome you with open arms."
Bell nodded as Vivian spoke, and she had a question of her own.
"What do I tell them if they ask why I want to join?"
Vivian took a deep breath and sighed.
"Many women who join the Amazons were harmed or treated poorly by the men in their lives. I'm not saying that you should use a reason like that, but it would lower suspicion."
Ryan spoke without thinking.
"How did you join the Amazons?"
She answered after a moment of thought.
"I was born there. My mother ran from my father."
Her refusal to elaborate gave Ryan the context he needed.
As Bell picked up the bowls and looked at Vivian.
"How are you holding up here? After you know… Coming here?"
Ryan smiled at her good-natured stuttering.
Vivian smiled.
"I am glad I came here. Everyone is allowed to be who they want to be. It is refreshing."
Ryan stood up and turned his attention to Bell.
"It is time to go."
She nodded and blushed a little.
The two of them made their way to the airship, hand-in-hand.
"Ryan. I'm nervous."
He pulled her closer.
"You don't have to be. If anything happens, I will fight through the whole guild to rescue you."
She squeezed his hand hard.
"I'll hold you to that."
The rest of their walk was in silence.
Femur was at his post.
As soon as they embarked, Ryan gave the order.
"Femur, set course for Argentina. We are going to the Amazon guild."
Femur saluted and took his place at the helm and lifted off.