The sun had just begun to dip below the horizon, bathing the rooms of Chataya's in a warm golden glow. Marei reclined on a velvet chaise near the hearth, her long silvery hair unbound and cascading over her shoulder as she sipped a goblet of watered wine. Dancy sat cross-legged on the floor beside her, idly polishing her black pearls, her eyes flitting toward the door.

"He's a first-timer," Dancy said with a sly grin, nodding toward the nervous young man in the common room below. "I’ll wager a silver stag he picks Alayaya. Men like him always go for the sweet ones."

Marei smirked, setting her goblet down. "You give him too much credit. He’ll pick Jayde. He’s trying too hard to look confident, and she’ll flatter him just enough to make him feel like a man."

The two exchanged knowing glances as they watched the boy fumble with his cloak, his face flushed even from a distance. They were still debating when Chataya appeared, moving with her usual grace and authority.

"Marei," the madam said, her tone calm but firm, "he's asked for you."

Marei raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised, though she masked it quickly with a cool smile. Dancy let out a bark of laughter, shaking her head. "Well, I’ll be damned. The little pup has taste after all."

Marei stood, smoothing out the folds of her dress, and gave Dancy a small, amused shrug. "I take it as I won." she said lightly before following Chataya out of the room, her steps measured and serene, she smiled at him as she approached.