Maelina joined them outside just as they stepped out from their tent, it was almost like she had been waiting.
The three of them walked toward the food stalls, blending easily with the other travelers moving about under the burning light.
They found a wooden bench and sat.
Maelina leaned forward, lowering her voice. "I heard them," she said.
Eliora looked at her. "Heard who?"
"The beasts and the old man," Maelina replied casually. "When they came to the tent."
Eliora blinked. "You were eavesdropping?"
Maelina smirked. "It's called super hearing, comes with the job."
Zarek said nothing.
Eliora glanced at him briefly before looking back at Maelina.
"Apparently," she said, voice dry, "your little show-off performance attracted them."
Maelina winced slightly. "I was trying to help."
Zarek didn't even look at her. He only said, flatly, "You did help."
Maelina sighed. "Yes… well… help comes with consequences apparently."
She folded her arms, expression turning thoughtful.
