Jasper goes to the town to find his party

Raven's door slammed shut behind me, the loud bang echoing through the silent street. I took a moment to compose myself, clenched fists gradually uncurling. Every instinct screamed at me to storm back and demand justice, but I knew better than to let my fury guide me.

Turning on my heel, I began to stride toward the town center. The bustling chatter of market vendors and jovial townsfolk felt jarringly peaceful compared to the tense confrontation I'd just left behind. Children darted around corners, their laughter like shards of sunlight piercing through my stormy mood. The fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread and the tantalizing scent of smoked meats wafting from food stalls did little to quell my irritation, but their familiarity was soothing nonetheless.

Around a bend, I spotted my party. They were gathered around a market stall, engaging in animated conversation with the vendor, an older woman with a weathered face and a hearty laugh. Her apron was dusted with flour, and her hands moved in a practiced manner as she kneaded dough for her daily bread.

“Aye, you folk have been a godsend, y'have,” she was saying, “Them oozes 'ave been a proper pain in the arse. Scaring off miners and disrupting business. I tell ya, it's been harder to sell a loaf of bread than finding a virgin in a brothel!”

A ripple of laughter spread through my team, their faces lit with amusement. I managed a faint smile, the tension in my chest easing a little. It was gratifying to know that our work was appreciated, despite the trials we were facing.

“Didn't think we'd be seeing our saviors shopping for trinkets in the market,” she added, her gaze landing on me. I gave her a noncommittal shrug, opting to play along.

“We're more than just monster-slayers, ma'am,” I replied, earning a chuckle from the group. “We have to eat and rest like everyone else.”

“Aye, that you do, lad,” she agreed, a knowing glint in her eyes. “But remember, not everyone is out to get you. Most folks here, we just want to live our lives without fear of getting swallowed by a bloody ooze!”

Despite the soothing effects of the old woman's words, the simmering fury within me remained, kindling to a flame that seethed at the edges of my control. As laughter and jovial conversation surrounded us, I turned to look at Esther, her sweet face aglow with innocence.

“Esther,” my voice was firm, even as my heart beat in tune to the rhythm of my anger, “I need to speak with you. Privately.”

I could see a flicker of concern in her eyes, but she nodded, following me as I led her away from the thrumming energy of the market, towards a secluded corner. I spared a glance back at our team, their relaxed postures a stark contrast to the tension coiling within me.

“Can you... can you bring him out?” My voice was low, barely more than a whisper. There was an unnerving quality about speaking to Cyrus, about the way Esther's body was so easily taken over. And yet, I needed him.

The transformation was instantaneous, as if a switch had been flicked within her. Her blue eyes darkened to an amethyst hue, their depths gleaming with an intelligence that wasn't Esther's. It was a change I had become used to, though it was no less disconcerting.

“Cyrus,” I greeted, tasting the name on my tongue.

“Jasper,” The voice that came out was Esther's, though there was a rasp to it that was entirely Cyrus. His gaze raked over me, a mix of amusement and curiosity. “What brings me to this little tête-à-tête?”

“Raven,” The name left my lips like a curse. The mention of her seemed to pique his interest, as he cocked his head slightly, a slow grin spreading across Esther's face. Before I could elaborate, he cut me off, a spark of delight dancing in his eyes.

“I've been waiting for this,” Cyrus purred, an undercurrent of excitement winding its way through his words. The familiar bravado that clung to Cyrus was both vexing and strangely comforting.

“Then you probably know what I'm going to ask,” I said, my pulse racing at the implications.

“Already on it,” He purred back, the smile on Esther's face now reflecting a calculated confidence. In unison, we turned our backs on the hustle and bustle of the market, our path set towards Raven's house and the confrontation that awaited us.