"Creatures of the night who are bringing an umbrella," Lucius muttered, earning a laugh from Jean.
"Protect the women," Alaric said firmly, ignoring Lucius's sarcasm. "That's our job."
"And who's protecting us from you?" Lucius quipped.
Jean grinned. "Oh, I think Salviana and I can handle that just fine."
As the group strode into the shadows, ready to face whatever danger awaited, their camaraderie brought a rare lightness to the weight of the night's mission.
Just as the group was preparing to leave, Emma appeared in a flurry, her cheeks flushed and her breath slightly labored from hurrying.
"Emma?" Salviana asked, freezing mid-step. Jean tilted her head in curiosity. "What are you doing here?"
Emma glanced at Alaric, who casually leaned on his umbrella, looking far too pleased with himself.
"She's coming with us," Alaric announced, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "She has a personal connection to the culprit. Her presence might prove… useful."
