I followed Isabelle through the warehouse district, keeping my eyes peeled for the Gate markers. The morning sun cast long shadows between buildings, giving everything an eerie, abandoned feeling despite being in the heart of the city.
"So," Isabelle said without turning around, "five women."
I nearly tripped over my own feet. "What?"
"Don't play dumb, Nakano. It doesn't suit you." She glanced back at me, those wine-red eyes dancing with amusement. "Natalia, the blue-haired healer, the illusionist, the President's sister, and that loud blonde one who constantly adjusts her top when you walk in."
"You've been watching me that closely?"
"I observe everything." She shrugged one elegant shoulder. "It's a habit."
"They're just friends."
"And I'm just a humble peasant girl." She snorted softly. "Please. The temperature drops twenty degrees whenever Natalia sees another woman touch you."
