Luna hadn’t expected Ezekiel to introduce her to someone. She knew him to be a bit of a recluse, especially after his fall from grace as the heir to the Dimension magic family. From what he’d mentioned before, people had turned their backs on him after his fall. But judging by his stunned and irritated expression, it was clear this encounter hadn’t been part of his plan.

  The figure before them was a tall girl, even taller than Ezekiel. Her long, pale blond hair framed her youthful face, accentuating her rosy cheeks and full lips. But it was her strikingly beautiful deep moss-green eyes that caught Luna’s attention—eyes that revealed her own affiliation as a Restoration mage.

  After a moment of silence, Ezekiel cleared his throat theatrically and stepped in front of Luna, trying to shield her from view. “I told you to go away, Felicity!” he said sharply.

  Felicity, however, wasn’t phased by his harsh tone. Instead, she beamed with enthusiasm, trying to peer around him to get a better look at Luna. “I already saw her!” she said brightly. Then her expression shifted, as if a sudden realization had struck her. “Are you on a secret mission? Are we supposed to be hiding her? Come on, I’ll help! You promised we’d hang out. I won’t tell anyone, I swear!” She clasped Ezekiel’s arm and gave it a playful shake.

  Luna hadn’t expected Ezekiel to have a friend like this. Felicity seemed cheerful, innocent, and a bit oblivious—qualities that Luna found endearing. In contrast, Ezekiel was usually cocky, arrogant, and calculating. Those traits didn’t detract from his loyalty as a friend, but they made him difficult for many to warm up to.

  Watching from the sidelines, Luna could see Ezekiel’s patience wearing thin with each of Felicity’s words. Sensing the growing tension, she decided to step in.

  “I don’t mind if she joins us,” Luna said, breaking in. “Felicity might actually be useful when we’re out buying plants and herbs. Plus, she’s already seen us, so it’s better to get to know her than just send her off.”

  Ezekiel turned to Luna with a look of annoyance, the same one he’d had since Felicity appeared. It seemed the friendship was more one-sided than she had anticipated. “Fine, you can come along,” he relented. “But if you spill anything to anyone, I’ll send you to some unknown dimension and leave you there. Got it?” His purple eyes bore into Felicity’s with a fierce intensity.

  Felicity bobbed her head eagerly and let go of Ezekiel’s arm. She bounded over to Luna and grabbed both of her hands, her deep green eyes twinkling with excitement. Luna noticed the difference between their eye colors; hers were a lighter emerald, while Felicity’s were a rich moss-green. Magic users’ eye colors varied by their affinities: Restoration mages had green eyes, Dimension mages like Ezekiel had purple, Creation mages had yellow, Destruction mages had red, and Illusion mages had blue.

  “I’m Felicity Restituo! It’s so nice to meet you. What’s your name?” she asked cheerfully.

  Luna couldn’t help but be reminded of the first time she’d met Sofia. Both had an exuberant energy that she wasn’t used to, but for now, she decided to enjoy watching Felicity’s antics as she ruffled Ezekiel’s composure.

  “I’m Luna. Nice to meet you, too,” Luna replied, smiling at the bubbly girl in front of her.

  Felicity’s excitement escalated at Luna’s smile. Her grin stretched wide enough to light up her whole face. “Don’t worry, with Ezy and me, we’ll keep you safe!” she declared with a sparkling enthusiasm.

  Luna noticed Ezekiel’s frustration growing, but she found herself amused by the dynamic between him and his friend.

  I am definitely going to enjoy this!

  Taking a deep breath, Ezekiel shifted his attention to Luna and Felicity.

  “Okay, now that we’ve settled that, where do you want to go?” he asked Luna.

  Luna had initially planned to pick up some plants and herbs, but after experiencing the wonders of the Magic Realm, she was eager to explore a bit more. “How about a bit of sightseeing first? Then we can do our shopping,” she suggested.

  As soon as Luna finished speaking, Felicity linked her arm with Luna’s, pulling her towards Ezekiel. She then grabbed Ezekiel’s arm and tugged them both out into the open streets. “Adventure time, let’s go!” she shouted excitedly.

  The onlookers on the street watched with curiosity as the trio made their way through the bustling area. Although Ezekiel was clearly mortified by Felicity’s exuberance, Luna couldn’t help but enjoy the lively energy. Felicity reminded her of both Sofia and a younger Moira, which brought back fond memories.

  Felicity led them to various hotspots around the Magic Realm, her excitement palpable. Their first stop was the Natural Herbal Conservatory, the largest green space in town. As they wandered through the conservatory, Luna could feel the magical essence of life all around her. The space was filled with winding paths, trees, flower beds, and people meditating or playing.

  Seeing Luna’s curiosity, Felicity took the opportunity to answer her unspoken questions. “This place is perfect for Restoration mages because meditation is essential for us. It’s public, and it houses many basic magical plants. On weekends, families come here to eat, drink, and have fun. It’s really vibrant!”

  Suddenly, Felicity’s voice cut off mid-sentence, though her mouth kept moving. Luna was taken aback, having never seen anything like it. Noticing Felicity’s pout directed at Ezekiel, she realized he was responsible for the sudden silence.

  “I just sent her voice to another dimension,” Ezekiel explained nonchalantly, walking ahead. “She can be pretty annoying sometimes.”

  Luna was initially stunned by the situation but decided to focus on enjoying their stroll. Linking her arm with the still-pouting Felicity, she encouraged her to keep exploring the conservatory.

  After they had toured the conservatory, Ezekiel suggested they grab a bite to eat. Both Luna and the now-silent Felicity followed him to a quaint restaurant on a side street. The exterior of the place was white like most buildings, but the interior was adorned in various shades of green, including the dark mossy green furniture. The restaurant was not too crowded, so they quickly found a table in a quieter corner. A waiter soon brought menus and then left them to decide.

  Felicity’s silence was clearly making her restless. She fidgeted in her seat, and while Luna found it amusing at first, she began to feel sympathy for her. Felicity had only wanted to show her around and now she was silenced.

  “Ezekiel, I think it’s time you let Felicity speak,” Luna said with a warm smile.

  Ezekiel had been absorbed in the menu, trying to ignore Felicity’s fidgeting. At Luna’s words, he rolled his eyes and snapped his fingers, lifting the spell.

  “Finally!” Felicity exclaimed, letting out a deep breath as if she’d just been released from a long suffocation.

  Her exaggerated relief made Luna chuckle as she scanned the menu. The variety of unfamiliar dishes made her realize she had little idea of what to order. The intricate names and unusual ingredients were far outside her culinary experience, and she felt overwhelmed by the choices. Sensing that she would be better off leaving the decision to someone more knowledgeable, she turned to Ezekiel. “Could you pick something out for me?” she asked. Felicity, catching onto the plan, nodded eagerly and made the same request.

  The waiter, having noted their orders, whisked away the menus and disappeared behind the kitchen door. Luna was surprised by how swiftly they had made their selections, and she was even more astonished by the speed at which their food arrived. Within minutes, three dishes and three drinks were placed before them. The efficiency was impressive—almost magical in itself. It seemed that the restaurant had perfected the art of rapid service, a reflection of the Magic Realm’s impressive capabilities.

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  As the trio dug into their meals, Luna noticed how the food was not only prompt but also deliciously satisfying. Felicity seized the opportunity to engage Luna in conversation now that her voice had been restored.

  “So, how’s life in the human realm?” she asked in a hushed tone.

  Ezekiel shot her a sideways glance while eating, but Luna took a moment to consider her response. She enjoyed her freedom, but it came with a side of isolation and secrecy. Here, magic users practiced openly, while in the human realm, magical beings were often persecuted or shunned.

  “It’s good,” Luna replied, keeping her answer brief.

  Felicity picked up on Luna’s subdued tone and shifted topics. “You’re a Restoration mage, like me. I’m from one of the main houses, the Restituo. We’re in charge of the Restoration faction. I met Ezekiel because we’re both losers in our own families,” she said with a casual shrug.

  Ezekiel gave her a sharp look but stayed silent. Luna had heard bits about Ezekiel’s strained family relations, and it was clear that this topic was sensitive. It seemed that despite the magical society's efforts to foster peace, internal conflicts and segregation persisted.

  “Why do you say you’re a loser, Felicity?” Luna asked, intrigued.

  “I don’t know potion-making,” Felicity answered nonchalantly.

  Potion-making was a fundamental skill for Restoration mages, essential for their craft. Luna was surprised that Felicity hadn’t mastered such a basic ability.

  “What’s the issue with that?” Luna asked, trying to keep her surprise in check.

  Felicity didn’t seem bothered by Luna’s reaction. “I’m great at creating potion recipes because I’m fantastic with plants. But when it comes to adding the magic—well, that’s where things go awry. Everything tends to explode in my face,” she said with a wide grin.

  Felicity wasn’t wrong about potion-making needing a perfectly balanced infusion of magic. It was crucial to get the balance just right, as experimenting with high-grade plants or unstable combinations could lead to disaster, much like Luna’s past experiences. Despite this, Luna saw a significant strength in Felicity’s ability to create potion recipes—this skill required a more creative touch.

  As they finished their meal, which was both flavorful and a new experience for Luna, she appreciated how quickly it had arrived. The food was a delightful mix of local Magic Realm delicacies and familiar ingredients from her own realm. Ezekiel had made sure they were well-fed, and Luna was full to the brim.

  With Ezekiel heading to the counter to pay, Luna pondered their next move. She had come to the Magic Realm with the intention of buying plants and herbs, but she had been so captivated by the realm’s wonders that she wanted to explore a bit more before focusing on her task. She decided it was time to head to a store that specialized in magical flora to get the best resources for Sofia and get Felicity’s input on the matter.

  As Ezekiel returned to the table, Luna spoke up. “Thanks, Ezekiel. Can we go shopping now?”

  Ezekiel, nodding in agreement, stood up, and Luna, along with Felicity, followed him out of the restaurant. They wandered through several commercial streets, and their first stop was a charming clothing store. Despite Luna’s reservations, Ezekiel insisted on buying her three new dresses: one black, one green, and one gray. Although Luna preferred the darker tones, Felicity had persuaded Ezekiel to include a colorful option. Each dress was similar—above the knee, long-sleeved, and designed with a simple yet comfortable built-in corset. The standout feature was the dimensional pockets, which promised practicality.

  Satisfied with their clothing purchase, Luna was eager to move on to her original goal—acquiring plants and herbs. As they continued down the street, Felicity excitedly chattered about all the stores she wanted to visit. Ezekiel, appearing indifferent, walked ahead, while Luna was somewhat distracted by her surroundings. She became so engrossed in a small, plant-covered shop that she wandered inside almost without realizing it.

  “Hey, wait up!” Ezekiel called out, noticing Luna straying from their path.

  Following her into the store, Ezekiel and Felicity were equally mesmerized by the lush greenery. The shop was filled from floor to ceiling with an array of plants—each one vibrant and varied.

  “This is amazing!” Felicity exclaimed, voicing what Luna and Ezekiel were both thinking.

  A short, elderly man emerged from behind a curtain of vines. He was bald, but his long, full beard gave him a distinguished look.

  “May I help you kids with anything today?” he asked in a deep, calming voice.

  Luna and Felicity exchanged glances, and Felicity responded, “No help needed, sir. We’re just here to pick out some good stuff.” She then took Luna by the arm and led her into an aisle.

  Catching her breath, Felicity turned to Luna, her eyes wide with concern. “Don’t worry if you need help—you can ask me. I wouldn’t want your cover to be blown,” she said, pointing to herself.

  Luna was touched by Felicity’s attentiveness. She was clearly serious about helping her. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Luna asked, “What would you recommend for someone who’s sick and has a rash that spreads through their body?”

  Felicity pondered for a moment before she began browsing the shelves. “Since I’d need to see the patient to be sure, based on what you’re describing, I’d recommend Diegdass, Posie Root, and Irisan Bud. Diegdass targets any internal bugs causing problems. Posie Root helps with infections, and Irisan Bud provides nourishment and enrichment for the body.” She glanced at Luna to make sure she was paying attention.

  As soon as Felicity started explaining, Luna pulled out her notepad to jot down the information. These plants were unknown in the human realm, and she wanted to record the details for later study and to help Sofia.

  Smiling at Luna’s diligence, Felicity continued, “I’ll write down the recipes for you later. And remember, it’s crucial to combine these with something native to the human realm; otherwise, it might not work as intended.”

  Luna was grateful for Felicity’s guidance. The final piece of advice was new to her but seemed essential. She suspected it related to stabilizing the magic, as humans did not have a natural affinity for it, which could lead to their systems being overwhelmed.

  “So, Felicity, do you know of a plant that can heal anything?” Luna asked, hoping to find something similar to what her mother had tried to create.

  Felicity’s smile shifted slightly, and Luna felt a hint of mockery. “If there was a plant or potion that could heal everything, we wouldn’t need so many different remedies,” she said with a hint of sarcasm, though she still seemed friendly.

  Luna hadn’t seen this side of Felicity before, but she appreciated the complexity of her personality. It was clear that Felicity was not as clueless as she initially appeared.

  “However,” Felicity continued, “there is a plant called Potens. It’s incredibly rare and expensive but used in emergencies. It slowly regenerates the body of whoever consumes it for about an hour. It’s saved many lives, but if the damage is too severe, it might not be enough.”

  It seemed that even in the Magic Realm, miracles were beyond reach. Death was often inevitable.

  With their selections made, Luna and Felicity headed to the front to pay. Ezekiel, meanwhile, stood by the entrance, inspecting a table of small decorative plants.

  “You’re back! Did you find anything good?” he asked, taking their purchases and placing them on the counter.

  “Yeah, Felicity was a huge help,” Luna said as she approached the decorative plants Ezekiel had been examining. While waiting for the old man to return to the front, she studied the plants, which seemed to lack significant magical properties.

  One plant in particular caught her attention. It was oddly shaped and deformed, emitting a strange aura. Its magic felt distorted, unlike anything she had encountered before. Deciding to take it with her, Luna added it to their purchases.

  “This one too,” she said, indicating the peculiar plant.

  After paying and gathering their things, the three of them left the store. As Luna looked at the darkening sky, she realized how long they had been out.

  “I should head back,” she said.

  Ezekiel gave her an understanding smile, having enjoyed their time together but recognizing that Luna needed to return to the human realm. Felicity, on the other hand, had a sad expression but remained silent.

  Ezekiel guided them back through the bustling streets to the alley next to the old factory. On the way, Felicity busied herself writing down recipes for the plants she had recommended. Compared to their previous stops, the factory area was calm and quiet.

  As they reached the end of the alley, Luna turned to Felicity, who was still pouting. “Thanks for everything, Fel. I had a lot of fun,” she said, smiling.

  Felicity finally returned her smile and handed Luna the notepad. “Come back to visit anytime. I’ll be here—literally always. Don’t get lost, okay? We’re friends now,” she said, her tone warm but tinged with a hint of playfulness.

  Before Luna could respond, Ezekiel’s hand was on her shoulder, and in an instant, the world shifted. Everything around her blurred and reappeared in a flash. She barely heard Felicity’s last words.

  Regaining her balance and lighting the candles around her darkened room, Luna muttered, “That was rude.”

  Ezekiel, unfazed, scratched his head. “That’s what she gets for talking so much,” he replied nonchalantly.

  Feeling the dizziness fade, Luna removed the pendant she had been wearing and headed to her room. Her features softened, and she looked back at Ezekiel. “Thanks for everything, Ezekiel. I really appreciate it.”

  “Don’t mention it,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of a smile. “Just let me know when you’re ready to move, and I’ll get everything set up.”

  With that, he vanished, leaving Luna alone. She flopped onto her bed, feeling exhausted but hopeful. With the plants and recipes Felicity had provided, she was confident she could make a difference for Sofia. As for her research, she would need to keep searching for answers, but she felt a renewed sense of purpose.

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