Vivian was singing with Eena as they were preparing for the day.
She smiled and danced between the tables as she cleaned them.
Eena, on the other hand, was moving the heavy furniture so the skeletons could clean the floors.
She was beginning to like this new routine.
The routine was broken by the appearance of the Guildmaster.
He made his way to Eena first.
Vivian could barely hear what he said.
Eena nodded, then he made his way to her.
What could he want?
That question was answered when he walked up to her and bowed.
"Good morning, Vivian. Would you sit with me for a moment? I have something important to share with you."
With a slight frown, she nodded.
"Is there something wrong?"
He silently pulled out a chair for her and sat in the opposite chair.
"I have heard back from Ryan's team. In their search for evidence, they found something dire. They found Reina's body, and a changeling had taken her place."
Vivian shot up so violently that her chair flew back.
She wanted to speak, but the words were caught in her throat.
As she stood silently, Aleksandar made his way next to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I came to ask you to come with me to the Amazon Guild. I do not wish for the truth to be revealed by an outsider."
Vivian felt the tears well up behind her eyes.
"I knew something was wrong. Why didn't I…"
The tears started flowing.
Aleksandar turned her and embraced her.
She squeezed as hard as she could as the memories of the imposter invaded her mind.
The one who was hurt the most was a young girl who was expelled because she didn't want to be a warrior.
At the time, Vivian was so loyal she did nothing.
She did feel intense guilt when her body was found a week later by a hunting party.
She then let go of the Vampire.
After she wiped her tears, she found her voice.
"When do we leave?"
With a curt nod, he answered.
"At once."
As they prepared to leave, Ryan fell on the bed next to Bell.
She lay down next to him.
"Thanks for bringing me along. I know you didn't have to."
With a smile, he looked away.
"What do you mean? You were an important part of the plan."
She moved over and straddled him.
His body froze.
"You could have done all of it on your own."
She bent down and kissed him.
As the two young lovers were busy in their quarters, Angelica was sitting on a railing on deck.
She was staring at the moon as the ship drifted in place.
Femur sat down next to her and spoke.
"A penny for your thoughts."
She smiled at him.
"I think I prefer helping people."
Femur laughed loudly and slapped her hard on the back.
"That's the spirit. This calls for celebration tea."
He clanked away.
The enthusiasm of his reaction and departure caused a single tear to roll down her cheek.
Somewhere else, an airship was making its way to the Amazon Sisterhood.
Hidden below deck was a blue giant.
He thought he was clever, but the Vampire Guildmaster showed him the truth.
"Are you hungry?"
With a sigh, he stood up and followed Aleksandar.
"Since when did you know?"
Aleksandar chuckled but didn't answer.
He was led to a table above deck, where Vivian was sitting.
He waved at her.
"Hey, Viv. What's up?"
With a small smile, she nodded at him and looked away.
A mute skeleton brought a big chair for him.
He moved the chair next to her and spoke.
"What's wrong?"
He saw her clench her jaw, and after a sigh, she answered.
"Reina died, and I didn't notice."
Eragon was stunned as he tried to speak.
"What? When?"
Vivian didn't answer as she kept looking into the distance.
Eragon moved his attention to Aleksandar.
The Vampire looked at Eragon and answered for Vivian.
"A changeling took Reina's place. Ryan and Angelica discovered the creature."
Eragon's head shot between them a few times before he exclaimed to Vivian.
"You said she was weird. You were right!"
She grimaced and slammed the table.
"Do you think I don't know that! My friend is dead, and I didn't notice!"
She covered her face as she started bawling.
Eragon stood up and knelt next to her.
He placed an arm around her shoulder and spoke.
"I'm sorry. I didn't realise."
When she didn't move, he pulled her into a hug.
He held her until she stopped crying.
Eragon took his seat, and as Vivian wiped her tears, mute skeletons brought them food.
Vivian barely touched her plate while Eragon was wolfing down massive pieces of meat.
Aleksandar took sips from his wine glass.
When they were done, the skeletons cleared the table and brought some tea.
Aleksandar spoke.
"Vivian. I believe it is time for a very important question. What will you do when we arrive?"
Eragon studied her face when she answered.
"I don't know."
The Vampire nodded.
"I understand. First, we must investigate the damage done to your community. Then you must answer the question."
She nodded and, without a word, walked to her room.
When she was out of earshot, Eragon spoke quietly.
"That was awkward."
Aleksandar chuckled.
"It was, but you did console her. I am impressed."
He stood up, and just before he left, he spoke.
"Get some sleep. We will meet with Ryan and the others in the morning."
Eragon picked up his chair and moved it to the bow.
"I'm good, thanks. I'll just play a few games while I wait."
Aleksandar bowed while Eragon held the turned-off system in his hands.
He stared off into the distance as he waited.
The next morning, Ryan woke up next to Bell.
He had a big smile on his face as he got dressed.
The entire time, he couldn't take his eyes off the girl in his bed.
He took a deep breath and opened the door.
Ryan froze when he saw the massive frame of Eragon ready to knock.
They were both stunned for a second, but Eragon was the first to speak.
"Morning, buddy. I thought it was B's…"
Ryan saw Eragon's face go through multiple emotions, but settled on a smirk.
He crossed his arms after he took a step back.
"What have you been doing, young man?"
After a second, Ryan stepped outside with Eragon and closed the door.
Ryan's face was on fire as he looked down.
As he tried to stutter out an excuse, Eragon started laughing.
"Tell Bell to get ready, we are ready for breakfast."
Ryan nodded, and as Ryan opened the door, he heard Eragon's voice one more time.
"Casanova."
Ryan walked to the bed where Bell was still sleeping.
He put his hand on her shoulder and gently woke her.
Her eyes fluttered open, and when she saw him, there was a big smile on her face.
"Good morning."
She stretched, and Ryan couldn't help but look at her.
After a moment, he came to his senses and spoke.
"You need to wake up and get ready. It seems that the others have arrived."
Bell froze mid-stretch and brought the covers under her chin.
"Who are the others?"
"Aleksandar and Eragon."
Bell let out a big sigh.
"He will never let me live this down."
Ryan nudged closer and kissed her.
"He will never let us live this down."
She smiled and got out of bed.