Uneventfully. But Arabella has second thoughts.

As Arabella suggests the idea of splitting up for shopping, a wave of anticipation washes over you. It’s 'faster to split up in the meantime,' she says, and you can't help but wonder what she's planning. It takes a moment for the realization to sink in that she will probably talk to the others, which likely means she will speak to you, too.

The rest of the day goes by without event. Scarlet doesn’t pop again, either. Even though you weren’t actively looking for her, there was a side of you that expected her to pop up while you shopped,

As the sun sets and a cool breeze cuts through town, you decide to step out for some fresh air. The familiar surroundings bring a sense of peace and nostalgia. With its completed contracts and pleasant memories, this place is a sanctuary. Yet, some of you wish you had paid more attention to the political climate to be more in tune with what's going on.

The moonlight bathed everything dark blue, giving the outlines of the rocks, plants, and mounds. Nightlife sings in the breeze as the clouds above you loom like Titan airships. It’s peaceful, and your mind wanders deeper into your past, the parts without contracting or killing. You recline into your seat and close your eyes, listening to the world as your mind recollects the fragments that were once you. It’s short-lived; however, an electric glow replaces the moonlight beams as Arabella steps out.

Your gazes meet fleetingly, and a mutual smile passes between you. “Master,” Arabella acknowledges with a slight bow, settling into the vacant chair beside you. In this moment of shared silence, her presence is a welcome interruption; at first, she refrains from disturbing the tranquility. Finally, you turn to her, inhaling deeply through your mouth, ready for the conversation to unfold.

“What do you want to talk about?”

“I do not want to be working at the circus,” she says. “I have… not good experience with such places...”

“How so?” You ask, not looking at her. You notice she rubs her wrists absentmindedly, though, as though she remembers a wound. “This time will be different, regardless of what’s happened to you in the past. I can promise that, Arabella.”

Arabella lightly snorts before she looks over to you. “I know it would be different, master, but it’s just a nagging sense in me that doesn’t want to return to a place like that. It was that toymaker sold me off to pay off some kind of debt she owed someone.”

There’s a pause in the air; the insects of the desert keep you company as you think of a reply. “We should still check it out, don’t you think?”

“No,” she says flatly. “I don’t think we should. We should let Scarlet do what she wants. There’s no need to put ourselves in danger because she wants a friend to be with her when she goes to get hired by whatever freakshow there is.”

“Would you prefer it if I just continued contracting until I’m killed or one of the others is hurt then?”

“Of course not,” she snaps.

“Then let me explore this traveling circus.”

Arabella doesn’t answer. Instead, she reaches for your hand and squeezes it. A gentle heat caresses your hands. “If you think this is our only chance, then I guess I have no chance but to listen to you.”