Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty

"You're here," Freya said as Evelyn walked up.

"Of course. What, did you miss me that badly?" Evelyn teased.

"I missed you more than a little," Freya replied without hesitation.

Evelyn clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes.

Freya only grinned at her reaction, clearly amused. "What? You don't believe me?"

"I believe you're insufferable," Evelyn muttered, though the corner of her mouth twitched as if fighting a smile.

Freya bumped her shoulder lightly, her grin mischievous. "Lucky for me, you've got a soft spot for insufferable people. Anyway—" she pulled a folded sheet of parchment from her pocket and handed it over. "I've already marked down where we can track down most of the items on that ridiculous list."

Evelyn unfolded it, scanning the neat handwriting. "You've been busy."

"Of course. You think I was going to sit around twiddling my thumbs waiting for you to show up?" Freya smirked, crossing her arms.

Evelyn glanced up from the paper, her expression softening just slightly. "Then let's not waste time."

"Perfect," Freya said, her eyes sparkling. "Let's get going then."

Evelyn nodded, and the two women set off in Freya's cart, wheels clattering over the cobblestone street as the morning breeze brushed past them.

"There's a place like this in the capital," Freya said, glancing over with a grin. "An underground market. They say it's where people sell things you won't find anywhere else."

Evelyn raised a brow. "You mean things like contraband? Don't tell me we're actually going there."

Freya laughed softly. "That's exactly where we're headed. Most of the things on your list aren't the kind you find in respectable shops."

Evelyn exhaled, rubbing her temple. "Figures."

"Speaking of which," Freya said, glancing at her sidelong, "you still haven't told me what you need all this for. You're being awfully mysterious."

Evelyn's tone turned evasive. "It's... nothing important."

Freya arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing smile. "Right. Because everyone just happens to need rare herbs and crushed minerals. Should I start calling you an enchanter now?"

Evelyn shot her a sidelong look. "You ask far too many questions."

"And you give far too few answers," Freya retorted smoothly. "But fine, keep your little secrets—for now."

Evelyn smirked faintly. "Good. It's better that way."

Freya chuckled under her breath as she flicked the reins, the cart rolling onwards through the narrow streets. "Still as mysterious and stubborn as ever."

The cart rattled to a halt in front of an unmarked stone building.

"We'll have to go on foot from here," Freya said as she hopped down. "It's just ahead."

Evelyn followed her through a narrow alleyway that smelt faintly of smoke and damp earth. Freya stopped before a heavy wooden door and knocked twice, then once more.

A small hatch slid open, revealing a pair of sharp eyes. The doorkeeper gave Freya a brief look before nodding and unlocking the door.

"Welcome to the black market, my lady scholar," Freya said with a grin as they stepped inside. "Try not to look too noble, or they'll charge you twice the price."