The next morning, the soft chirping of spirit birds outside his window stirred John from sleep.
He stretched, feeling surprisingly refreshed, and quickly got dressed in his blue sect robes.
He stepped out of his cottage and found Caros already waiting just beyond the spirit herb garden, arms crossed, hair neatly tied back, and a faint smirk on his face.
"Took you long enough, sleeper," Caros said, tossing him a spirit fruit.
John caught it mid-air. "Where is Riara?"
"Speaking of which…" Caros muttered, turning as another figure approached.
Riara Greenblade strolled in with her usual haughty gait, robes freshly ironed, hair done up in elaborate braids, and a confident tilt to her chin.
She didn't bother to greet them and instead raised an eyebrow.
"Took you boys long enough to get ready. Honestly, if I hadn't waited for you, I'd already be halfway to assassinating that criminal myself."