Chapter 21 The Unwelcome Encounter

Chapter 21 The Unwelcome Encounter
As Dixon and Izzy strolled hand in hand through Pantopolis market, Izzy glowed in her flowing blue gown, the intricate silver embroidery catching the light, her hair styled in braids and adorned with tiny pearls that made her look like a princess.

The dress, one of the many he had carefully selected for her, was a deliberate choice, made to match his own blue attire. She had initially wanted to wear a white dress, one that seemed to beckon to her, but he insisted otherwise.

“Oh, Dixon! Look! They’re selling moonstones!” She exclaimed, her eyes lit up with excitement as she pulled on his arm. “Can we get some? Please?”

He chuckled, his expression softening as he gazed at her. “You know you can have anything you want. But what do you need moonstones for?”

Izzy's face lit up with a mischievous grin. “I’ve always wanted to make a necklace, one that will shine like the stars! I want to wear it to a full moon gathering—if I ever attend one in my life.”

His eyes crinkled at the corners. "Okay. Let’s go see what we can find.”

Her joy was contagious, spreading smiles wherever they passed. Even a group of men lounging nearby couldn't resist sneaking glances at them, their faces etched with curiosity and admiration.

‘She's a rare one, isn't she?’ One thought.

Dixon stopped dead in his tracks. He could catch a stray thought that had slipped through the man’s mind because his mind was weak, and his tone targeted Izzy. "She's one of a kind," he replied, his voice filled with pride, but his expression was threatening—warning the man not to make an easy move.

Izzy, oblivious to the attention, continued to chatter excitedly, her words spilling out in a joyful torrent. “Ooh, Dixon! Look! Candied fruits! Can we try some? Oh, and wow, what’s that amazing smell? It smells like... magic!”

Dixon smiled, his heart swelling with love and adoration. "It's the scent of the enchanted blooms. They're said to bring good fortune and prosperity." He explained.

Izzy’s eyes widened, her face alight with wonder. “Really? Then we have to get some! I want to bring some back to the cottage and fill the rooms with their scent!” She shouted.

They made their way to the shaman’s stall, where the scent of incense and herbs wafted through the air. Her eyes landed on a beautiful bracelet, and she pointed it out to Dixon. “Ooh, look! That one's gorgeous!”

The shaman, an ancient woman with a kind face, smiled. “Ah, you’ve found a good one. But first, we must check your birth signs and see which align with each other. That way, we’ll know which one to choose.”

Dixon waved his hand dismissively. “No need, we’ll just take any.”

“No, no, let’s try it! It’ll be fun, I promise!” Izzy said.

The shaman chuckled. “Let’s see what fate has in store for you two…” She gestured to a table scattered with cowry shells, instructing, “Please, each of you pick one shell.”

Izzy picked a shell with a small, intricate design, while Dixon chose one with a bold, curved pattern. The shaman took the shells and began to chant, ringing a small bell as she gazed at the shells.

“Χθόνιοι Θεοί, Οὐράνιοι Θεοί, ἀποκαλύψατε τὰ μυστήρια. Κέλυφος θαλάσσης, λέγετε τὴν ἀλήθειαν. Δίξον καὶ.”

Immediately as she closed her mouth, her eyes widened.

“What’s wrong? What does it mean?”

The shaman's mouth opened. “Both–”

‘You dare not say a word!’ Dixon’s sharp mind link silenced her. 

The shaman pressed her lips together, her eyes darting nervously to him. Without a word, she picked a red bracelet, handed Dixon and a white one to Izzy. But Izzy was having none of it. 

"I want the red one." She said, her eyes fixed on the bracelet in Dixon’s hand.

“Your–” The shaman hesitated, but Dixon's subtle nod gave her permission. “Very well.” she said, exchanging the bracelets.

Dixon dug his hand into his pocket to pay the shaman, but a voice interrupted, calling out Izzy’s name. 

“Izzy!” Aethera’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

Izzy’s gaze lifted, and her eyes widened as she saw Aethera. Fear crept into her eyes, and she took a step backwards.

Dixon’s head snapped up, and his gaze met Aethera’s. 

Aethera’s face furrowed, and she called out his name in disbelief. “Dixon?!"

Dixon was already moving. “Come on, Izzy!” He muttered, grabbing her hand and pulling her into the crowd. They took off, weaving through the crowded market stalls, their feet pounding the ground.

Aethera’s eyes narrowed, and she picked up her speed, chasing after them. “Izzy, stop! I need to talk to you!” She shouted, but they.

As they ran, Dixon expertly avoided stumbling with an elderly woman carrying a basket of fresh bread. “God bless you, young master!” The woman called out, but Dixon didn’t spare her a glance.

A small boy playing with a wooden top looked up, startled, as they hurtled past him. “Mama, look!” He shouted, but Dixon and Izzy didn’t slow down.

Aethera, hot on her heels, stumbled into a burly guy carrying a load of firewood. The guy stumbled, and Aethera muttered a quick apology as she pushed past him. “My apology!”

The guy shouted a curse after her, his face reddening with anger. “May the devil take you, you clumsy wench!” He bellowed, but Aethera didn’t even flinch, her focus solely on catching up to Dixon and Izzy.

They hurtled through the crowded market, dodging vendors and shoppers, their breath the only sound that mattered. “Izzy, please!” Aethera continued shouting, her voice growing hoarse from shouting, knowing she couldn’t match Dixon, and he’d only if Izzy stopped.

As Dixon and Izzy ran out of the market, they ducked into a narrow alleyway, hoping to lose Aethera in the winding streets. But Aethera was hot on their heels, her gaze blazing with unwavering focus.

Just as she turned the corner, a sword flashed in the sunlight.

Aethon appeared before her, his sword at the ready. 

Aethera's eyes narrowed, and she drew her sword. He lunged at her, his sword slicing through the air, but she was no novice.  She parried his blow, her sword clashing with his. 

His sword danced in the sunlight, meeting her blow for blow, but despite his playful demeanour, she knew he was a skilled fighter.

As they clashed, she realised that he was holding back, his sword never touching her skin. He was toying with her, and she gritted her teeth. 

Aethon was too cunning.  He knew he had bought Dixon and Izzy enough time to escape. As Aethera’s frustration grew, his smile broadened. “You need to work on your moves,” he said, his sword tapping against hers. “And perhaps a bit more finesse with your strikes.”

With a sweeping bow, Aethon vanished into thin air, leaving Aethera seething. She looked around, but there was no sign of Dixon and Izzy. The alleyway was empty. 

She sheathed her sword and scanned the surrounding streets. But it was too late—Dixon and Izzy had vanished.