BONUS CHAPTER - A FUN DAY

I was in the mood for something lighter, so here you go—a fun bonus chapter!

Enjoy a small adventure featuring Thorne's friends!

The scent of herbs and something distinctly... burnt filled Darius's nose as he pushed open the crooked door of Jonah's shop. The small bell above the frame jingled cheerfully, but the scene inside was anything but calm. 

Jonah was darting back and forth, his face flushed, stuffing bottles into a worn leather sack with the kind of frenzy Darius usually associated with a street vendor late on rent day. Behind the counter, Ben was hunched over his workbench, sleeves rolled to the elbows, stirring furiously at a bubbling cauldron that hissed with an iridescent shimmer. The cauldron was new—polished bronze, with delicate etchings along the rim that looked suspiciously expensive. 

And there, slouched in a chair near the back, sat Eliza. She balanced on two legs of the chair, twirling a dagger idly between her fingers while she watched the chaos unfold with visible boredom. 

Darius arched a brow. "Is... everything alright, or did I arrive just in time to break up a crime scene?" 

Ben grunted, his attention fixed entirely on his brew. Jonah, however, perked up immediately, flashing a grin as he cinched the sack shut. "Darius! Perfect timing. You'll never believe this—there's a festival! And we’re all going!" 

Darius blinked. "A... festival? What kind of festival involves you packing like we’re leaving town in the middle of the night?" 

"Not just any festival," Jonah replied with far too much enthusiasm, "A beachside festival! Competitions, prizes, music! It’s perfect for—" 

Eliza cut in, smirking. "—for him to hawk his overpriced potions and hopefully get someone other than me to buy them." 

Jonah shot her a wounded look. "That is not true. It's called expanding business opportunities, Eliza. There's going to be a massive crowd there, which means demand—" 

"—for shiny skin potions?" Darius interjected, his gaze shifting pointedly toward the cauldron where Ben's potion was emitting a soft golden glow. 

"Yes, actually!" Jonah exclaimed, pointing a triumphant finger at him. "Ben! Show him." 

Ben, still stirring, offered a distracted grunt, but with a quick flick of his hand, he tossed a pinch of something violet into the cauldron. The potion flared a brilliant gold, and a sweet, floral scent filled the shop. Jonah grabbed a vial from the counter, filled it, and held it to the light. The liquid inside shimmered like molten sunlight. 

"Radiance Elixir," Jonah declared proudly. "Makes your skin glow like a god’s! Perfect for festivals, dances—" 

"—or making people look like lanterns," Eliza muttered. 

Jonah ignored her. 

Darius shook his head, but his attention shifted back to the cauldron. "Ben, where did you get that?" he asked, nodding toward the fine craftsmanship of the bronze. 

Ben just gestured vaguely, not looking up from his work. 

Eliza's dagger thunked into the wooden counter between them, drawing Darius’s attention. She arched a brow, eyes gleaming with challenge. "I got it for him. Figured he deserved an upgrade. Call it a gift." 

Darius frowned, noting the faint noble crest etched into the base. He opened his mouth, but Eliza’s smirk widened, daring him to ask the obvious question. 

He didn’t. 

Clearing his throat, he turned back to Jonah. "So, about this festival—" 

Jonah leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice. "There’s a swimming competition. Ten silver entry fee. I know Ben hates swimming—" 

"I can hear you," Ben signed, his head snapping up from his cauldron with a scowl, “I am mute not deaf!”  

Jonah continued, undeterred. "—so I’m thinking, small wager. A couple of bronze. I bet I can get him to enter." 

Darius folded his arms, unimpressed. "You're really going to torment Ben over ten silver?" 

Jonah's grin widened. "Yes." 

Darius sighed and shook his head. "I'm not betting against you. Besides, if you somehow convince him, the potion will probably react with the saltwater and turn him into a glowing sea creature." 

Ben shot a venomous glare over his shoulder. 

Eliza snorted. "Actually, I’d pay to see that." 

Darius trudged along, grumbling under his breath as the twin sacks on his shoulders clinked with every step. Bottles, glass vials, and a suspicious amount of dried herbs jostled together with each sway, making the entire load sound like a mobile apothecary on the verge of disaster. 

"Why," he panted, shifting the weight as the leather straps bit into his shoulders, "am I the one carrying all of this?" 

Jonah, practically skipping beside him, gave a dazzling grin. "Because you're the one with the sword. And let's be honest, Darius—if anyone looks like they can ward off pickpockets, it's you. Big, scary, broody..." 

Darius glared at him. "Yeah, because thieves are just dying to steal your glowing skin potions." 

Jonah gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Radiance Elixirs! I have other products too, you know! Like... like Chorus Drops! Makes your voice echo perfectly on command." 

"What would anyone need that for?” Darius asked with a huff. 

Jonah huffed. "For dramatic speeches, obviously. Or public proposals. Imagine confessing your love while your voice reverberates like a choir of angels! Not everything is about practicality, Darius." 

Eliza, who had been lingering behind and weaving in and out of the crowd like a wraith, suddenly reappeared beside them, handing each a fish skewer without a word. 

Darius blinked in surprise. "Uh... thanks?" 

Jonah juggled the wooden stand he had been holding, attempting to free a hand to eat his. "Wait, wait, I need a strategy here—Eliza, hold my stick—" 

She deadpanned, "Not a chance." 

He gave her a mischievous grin, finally managing to balance the skewers between his fingers while keeping the stand from slipping off his shoulders. 

"Speaking of coins, Eliza..." Jonah said, his grin turning sly. "Since you’ve been a bit... flush lately, how about a little investment? A few silver, and I’ll put your name on the Jonah & Co. Official Potions Catalog." 

Eliza snorted, biting into her fish. "Yeah? And what’s my cut if you actually manage to sell something that isn’t designed to turn people into human lanterns?" 

Jonah gasped again. "I'll have you know my Luminous Locks Serum was a hit last month!" 

Ben raised an eyebrow and signed, You sold it to one person. 

"She bought two bottles!" 

Eliza rolled her eyes, and Darius, still suffering under the weight of the sacks, grumbled, "Yeah, and her hair glowed bright green for a week. You called it a side effect." 

Jonah's grin faltered. "Creative marketing... Look, I’ve got other things too! Frostfresh Breath Mist—guaranteed to keep your breath minty for a whole day." 

Eliza snorted. "Or burn your tongue off." 

Jonah wagged a finger. "It tingles, okay? Besides, I’m a businessman, not a miracle worker." 

Jonah's stand was now proudly displayed on the sandy beach, its cloth banner flapping slightly in the salty breeze. Bottles of colorful potions lined the table—some neatly labeled, others looking suspiciously experimental. The vibrant chaos of the festival stretched out before them: children laughing, music playing, and the scent of grilled seafood filling the air. 

Eliza stayed back at the stall, arms crossed and eyes scanning the crowd like a hawk. Darius could tell she was half-expecting someone to jump out and douse her in one of Ben's more... questionable potions. 

Meanwhile, Ben and Darius wandered through the festival, watching the various events. A fruit-eating contest had just finished, with a burly man groaning on the sidelines while children cheered on the next competition—melon smashing with blindfolds. 

“Y’know, we could be enjoying ourselves instead of working,” Darius muttered as they strolled past a fire-juggling act. 

Ben signed back, I am enjoying myself. No work, no potions, no stress. 

Darius raised a brow. “You’re working, you just don’t realize it yet.” 

When they returned to the stand, a small crowd of women had gathered, all whispering excitedly. 

Jonah stood proudly in the middle of it all, his skin—Darius blinked—glowing. It looked unnaturally smooth and radiant, like the man was being lit by the sun itself. 

Ben paused, squinting suspiciously. 

Darius muttered, "What... what happened to your face?" 

Jonah, without breaking his strained smile, leaned in and whispered, "Radiance Elixir. Sells like crazy." 

Darius narrowed his eyes, then nodded approvingly. 

“Good job, Ben. You're getting better.” 

Jonah motioned for them to come closer, his grin tight. When they did, he spoke under his breath, "We have a small—tiny—problem." 

Darius frowned. "What problem?" 

Jonah coughed. "So... to set up here... you need to pay a two silver fee. To, uh, remain a legitimate vendor." 

Darius blinked. "You don't have two silver?" 

Jonah looked genuinely offended. "Do I look like I have two silver? Do you?" 

Darius scowled. "Obviously not!" 

Jonah clapped his hands together. "Okay, new plan. We make sales fast. The Radiance Elixirs are selling well, but we need... more." 

His eyes trailed over the display, spotting a bright blue potion tucked among the rest. Without warning, he grabbed it, turned to Darius, and shoved it into his hands. 

“Drink this.” 

Darius froze. “What? No! What even is this?!” 

Jonah, however, had already shifted into showman mode, arms wide as he began addressing the crowd. 

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! Witness our latest marvel—The Elixir of Bravery!” 

Darius choked. “Jonah—” 

Jonah whispered fiercely, "Just drink it. Trust me. Sales depend on it." 

Too many eyes were on him. The crowd leaned in expectantly. Darius could feel his ears burning as the pressure mounted. He sighed, muttering, “I swear, if this kills me—” 

He downed the potion. 

There was a moment of silence. Then— 

POP! 

Darius' hair turned violently purple. 

The crowd gasped. 

POP! 

His entire face tingled and began glowing bright green. 

The crowd burst into laughter. 

Jonah whispered, horrified, “Oh no.” 

Darius's stomach churned. 

POP! 

His entire body sparkled like glittering emerald dust. 

Ben facepalmed as Darius collapsed onto the sand, groaning. 

As the crowd jeered and dispersed, Jonah waved his arms frantically. "No, no, temporary side effects! Come back! It’s just... uh... aesthetic enhancements!" 

Nobody stayed. 

Ben knelt beside Darius, already flipping through his small potion journal, muttering (or, more accurately, signing in frantic bursts) about side effects and antidotes. 

Jonah stared helplessly at the few lingering potion bottles and then—two large, burly men with crossed arms watching the stand closely. 

“Okay,” Jonah whispered, his voice an octave higher. “We’re in trouble.” 

Darius squinted through his neon glow. “What... now?” 

Jonah pointed subtly. “Those two? Festival enforcers. If we don’t pay the fee by the end of the event... let’s just say we’ll be leaving with a lot fewer teeth.” 

Eliza finally reappeared, watching Darius sparkle with obvious amusement. “How’s your bravery holding up?” 

Jonah groaned. “We’re out of options. The only way to win enough coin is... the swimming competition.” 

Darius blinked. “You’re kidding.” 

Jonah turned to Eliza. "You're up." 

Eliza raised a brow. “Not a chance. I don’t do water.” 

Jonah’s eyes locked on Ben. 

Ben blinked. 

No. 

Jonah clasped his hands. "Ben, buddy, pal! You have the swimming skill! You told me! You can do this!" 

Ben shook his head violently. I got it accidentally! It doesn't mean I'm good at it! 

Jonah whispered harshly, “If you don't, they’re going to beat me up!” 

Ben hesitated. Then sighed, defeated. 

The festival announcer bellowed, "LAST CALL FOR THE SWIMMING RACE!" 

Ben, looking like a man facing his doom, shuffled toward the water with all the enthusiasm of a prisoner marching to the gallows. 

Jonah clapped him on the back. "You got this! Just... float or something." 

Ben stepped into the water, grimacing as if he’d stepped in something foul. 

Darius, still faintly glowing green, crossed his arms with a sigh. “This is a disaster.” 

Jonah whispered, "Have faith!" 

The whistle blew. 

Ben flailed forward... and was immediately last. 

Jonah paled. "Oh, we're so dead." 

The crowd roared as the other swimmers surged ahead. Ben, meanwhile, looked like he was inventing a new form of backstroke. 

Darius frowned and scanned the crowd, his eyes narrowing as he realized something—or rather, someone—was missing. 

“Eliza?” he muttered under his breath. 

She was nowhere to be seen. 

His first instinct was to be concerned, but then he shook his head. This was Eliza, after all. Disappearing and reappearing was practically her signature move by now. 

He focused back on Ben... just as their friend somehow overtook a struggling swimmer. 

Jonah straightened. “Wait... WAIT—" 

Another swimmer slowed, coughing and thrashing. 

Ben surged past. 

Darius blinked. “Is this... actually happening?” 

The crowd was cheering now. 

Ben's strokes, clumsy as they were, began overtaking more competitors as fatigue hit the others. 

Suddenly, he was first. 

Jonah grabbed Darius. “He’s winning!” 

Darius blinked. “I can’t believe it...” 

Ben’s hand slapped the finish buoy. 

He had won. 

Jonah and Darius erupted into cheers, hugging each other and practically jumping up and down in the sand. 

Eliza, reappearing beside them without warning, smirked and muttered, “I knew he could do it.” 

Jonah laughed breathlessly. “That makes one of us!” 

Ben emerged from the water, soaked from head to toe, resembling a drowned rat. His soaked tunic clung awkwardly to his round frame, his hair plastered to his forehead, and his face was a comical mix of embarrassment and bewilderment. He blinked owlishly, dripping water as he stumbled onto the sand. 

Before he could register what had happened, Jonah tackled him with a hug, his arms flailing as he was crushed between Jonah's excitement and Darius's broad frame joining the pile. 

"You did it! Ben the Barracuda! I knew you had it in you!" Jonah exclaimed, ruffling Ben’s hair with a wide grin. 

Ben waved his arms wildly, trying to sign something, but Jonah kept talking. 

"And as promised, from the winnings, I'll spend two whole silvers on those fancy ingredients you keep begging me for. See? I'm generous!" 

Before Ben could respond, a soft metallic click echoed. 

Eliza stood a few steps away, a dagger twirling lazily between her fingers. She gave Jonah a sweet but unmistakably threatening smile. 

"You should think better of it," she said, eyes narrowing playfully. 

Jonah blinked. "Wha—?" 

The dagger spun faster. 

Ben grunted and nodded, pointing firmly at her with a waterlogged scowl. 

Jonah, raising his hands in surrender, stammered, "Fine! Five silvers! Two for the festival enforcers and three to our shop fund." 

Ben nodded smugly, dripping all over the sand while Eliza slid the dagger back into her boot with a wink. 

With the business deal settled, the group spent the rest of the afternoon helping Jonah relocate his stand to a busier part of the beach. The potion sales continued briskly—without any more experimental samples being forced down Darius's throat. 

As the sun dipped low, the festival music changed, and the real fun began. 

They ate roasted meats on sticks, stuffed themselves with sweet buns, and drank fruity concoctions that left sticky residue on their hands. Jonah somehow convinced Darius to enter a dancing competition. 

To no one’s surprise, he finished dead last, his movements more like stomping than dancing. 

However, the real surprise came when Eliza, with her typical grace and flair, won the contest. The prize? A garish, oversized hat decorated with colorful feathers and dangling seashells that clinked together obnoxiously with every step. 

The laughter was endless as they teased her about it the rest of the evening. 

Later that night, the four of them lay sprawled in the cool sand, the waves gently lapping nearby. The festival lights flickered in the distance as the scent of sea salt mixed with the lingering aromas of food. 

Jonah was sipping his third fruity drink, sighing contentedly. "You know... that was a fun day." 

Darius grunted, stretching his aching limbs. "Yeah... it was. Except for the part where you poisoned me." 

Jonah waved a dismissive hand. "Small details. Oh, by the way, Darius, you owe me." 

Darius blinked, lifting his head. "What?" 

Jonah grinned wickedly. "I bet you I could get Ben into the swimming competition! And guess what? I won! So you owe me." 

Darius snorted and shook his head. "Yeah, not giving you anything for that." 

Suddenly, there was a loud smack. 

Jonah yelped, clutching his forehead, while Ben glared at him, fists on his hips and his face flushed red with fury. 

The four of them burst into laughter, the sound echoing across the beach under the starlit sky.