Chapter 619

Chapter 619: Everything Normal, Yet Different

When Jesse woke the next day, it was nearly 10 o’clock. He jolted upright, staring out the window at the ash-gray tower of Stormwind Prison visible in the sunlight, and remembered he no longer needed to attend classes or meet Malin for cleaning duties.

Running fingers through his tangled stubble and bird’s-nest curls, he couldn’t help but recall how Vereesa had held him at Booty Bay’s docks. He winced awkwardly, rummaging through his bag for a knife or dagger—only to find the Blade of Eternal Darkness. Its faintly drifting Shadow Power seemed subdued now, nothing like when he’d first wrenched it from a demon’s gut in Eldre’Thalas’ depths.

"Master, will you carve Mageweave for me now?" Molofeel inquired.

"No," Jesse said. "Shaving."

The succubus’s brow slanted as Jesse slammed the door behind him.

No sudden giant bears, half-orcs, or gnolls leaping from shadows. No giant insects, Thunder Lizards, harpies, Cloud Serpents, Kodos, hyenas, lions, ogres, or Night Elf sentries watching unseen. Only Stormwind Guards chatting along the canal’s opposite bank, and blue birds chirping on high eaves—too timid to dive and ambush him. Not that they needed to.

Jesse eyed the birds, crouched by the canal, and shaved while studying his wavering reflection. No hurry, no need for caution. Just quiet patience…

*Hiss…*

Fingertips brushed his cheek, finding warm blood. He squeezed his eyes shut, bracing himself before looking. Red. Good.

"What’re you squatting here for?"

"Huh?"

Jesse glanced up. Sunlight silhouetted the Wildhammer dwarf like a dark boulder beside him. "Shaving."

"What’s to shave? Grow it long like mine," the dwarf grunted. "Makes you look more a proper warrior."

"Gets in the food. Annoying," Jesse replied.

"Fair point." Greed pushed off his knees. "Done? Drinks?"

Jesse rubbed his stubbled jaw. "Enough. Let’s go."

They ambled along the canal to The Gilded Rose, claiming a quiet corner. Jesse eyed the busy barmaid—he’d never liked her. When he and Vereesa first dined here, this woman had overcharged them. But after encountering goblins in Booty Bay and Steamwheedle Port, her tricks felt petty. His earlier disgust had faded.

Returning his gaze to Greed, he noticed the dwarf seemed leaner without his armor, helm, cloak, and heavy coat. Their grueling Kalimdor trek with scarce rations would thin anyone. Yet acquaintances claimed Jesse himself had filled out since leaving Stormwind. If anything explained it, it was the life force drained from Dethmoora.

"Need a favor, Greed."

Greed’s eyes widened. "Eager for another job already?"

"No." Jesse leaned in. "I’m house-hunting these next days. Come with me? I know nothing about this."

"Never bought one either," Greed said.

"Two eyes spot more than one. Right?"

The dwarf nodded. "When?"

"Couple days."

"Not waiting for Vereesa’s coin?"

"Saved enough. I’ll browse while waiting."

"Just holler when ready. Usual spot."

"One more thing."

"Out with it," Greed said.

Jesse watched the barmaid set down a murloc and two ciders. He shoveled fish into his mouth, gulped the cold brew, and exhaled. "Bring my parents here."

"Sure," Greed said. "After the house?"

"Yeah."

The dwarf hummed, swallowing a broth-soaked bite. "Ever think, Jesse—if I fetch ’em to Stormwind, might the Kirin Tor follow? Or stop me from bringing ’em altogether? Keep you from seeing them daily?"

"That’d be too much."

Jesse paused. Greed’s worry wasn’t unfounded.

"Worst case, I won’t visit. Just get them out of Lordaeron. Kirin Tor won’t seize my house, right? Even if they ban me from Stormwind, my folks need shelter."

"Just guessing. Be ready." Greed shrugged.

"Something’s off, Greed. You seem low."

"Thinking ’bout Mosa." Greed stared into his cider. "What if centaurs catch her again?"

"She had nothing once," Jesse said. "Horde gone. Kin dead. Lived for revenge. Now she’s got you. Different."

"Maybe."

"You’re serious this time."

"Tell me months ago I’d fall for a Tauren?" Greed chuckled darkly. "I’d have knocked your head in. Mosa changed everything."

"Knew it watching her fight those centaurs. Just wouldn’t admit fancying a cow—or a lioness." He shook his head. "Can’t explain it now."

"Who could say?" Jesse smiled.

Dusk fell as they left The Gilded Rose. After grabbing sundries at the market, they reached home by evening. Jesse nibbled dry bread, stuffed cheese crumbles into his Warlock Pack, and eyed the smirking succubus. "Move, Molofeel. Don’t forget Vyletongue’s demon skin."