Chapter 122: Time to fish

By morning, the rain had stopped, but dark clouds lingered. Mist curled around the ground, weaving between skeletal trees and brushing against the stone walls of the tea house where Mallory, Hadeon, Lady Rose, and Wallace sat.

Mallory held her teacup, eyes fixed on the creature beside her. The ghoul was dressed in an oversized cloak and wide-brimmed hat, which concealed most of its twisted limbs, though it still stood out awkwardly.

"You shouldn't worry about him. He fits in just fine here," Hadeon teased, setting his teacup down.

The server approached, visibly nervous around Hadeon and Lady Rose, who exuded authority and mystery. He stammered, "Is there anything else you'd like me to—uh, bring?" 

Mallory offered a small smile. She replied, "I'm quite alright, thank you."

Hadeon's eyes gleamed, his slow smile unsettling the server. "Any chance you have blood cookies?"

"Is that... a thing?" Mallory asked, half-frowning.