After their deep conversation the other night, Noah found himself unsettled by the weight of the knowledge he’d gained. The concept of corruption—how it could silently creep in and unravel everything—lingered in his mind like a shadow. He glanced toward the sapling in his backyard, its delicate leaves glowing faintly in the sunlight, and felt the pressure of his responsibilities settle more heavily on his shoulders.

  He was pulled from his thoughts by Nova’s voice calling from inside the house. “Noah, we’re running out of this… sun juice!” Her tone carried a mix of urgency and confusion.

  Noah blinked and turned toward the open window. “Sun juice? What are you—” He paused, then sighed, realizing what she meant. “Nova, it’s just orange juice. And already? Damn, I thought I bought a big bottle.”

  “Well, your ‘big bottle’ didn’t last long,” Nova quipped, her voice laced with playful exasperation. “This stuff is ridiculously good. Do you have anything else made from these ‘oranges’?”

  Noah chuckled, shaking his head as he leaned against the doorframe. “We’ll swing by the shops later today. And no, before you ask, oranges aren’t enchanted or magical—they’re just fruit.” He paused, pulling up his quest log. His eyes scanned the glowing text of the newest objective that had popped up that morning.

  The words stared back at him, a stark reminder of how much work lay ahead. A “magically barren” town sounded more ominous than he’d expected, especially after everything Nova had explained about magic-rich environments.

  “Magic-generating plants…” Noah murmured to himself. He swiped through the quest interface, trying to find more details, but there was nothing beyond the barebones instructions. “I wonder.”

  “What are you muttering about?” Nova asked, stepping into the doorway. She held an hallway empty glass in one hand, her other resting on her hip. “You look like you’re plotting something.”

  Noah showed her the quest notification, and Nova’s brows furrowed as she read it. Her expression grew serious, her usual composure giving way to concern.

  “This isn’t surprising,” she said after a moment, setting the glass on the counter. “Your world isn’t just magically barren—it’s starved. I’ve felt it since I arrived. The air here feels… stagnant, like something vital is missing.”

  Noah frowned. “You’ve mentioned that before, but I didn’t think it was this bad. My world’s always been like this—or at least, that’s what I thought. Are you saying it wasn’t always barren?”

  Nova nodded slowly. “No world starts out this way, Noah. Magic is as natural as air or water in most realms. Something must have happened here to sever that connection—to drain the magic until nothing was left.”

  Her words settled heavily in the room, the implications gnawing at Noah’s thoughts. He looked back at the quest notification, his mind racing. “If that’s true, then these magic-generating plants could be the start of fixing things, right? Like… jump-starting the flow again.”

  “Maybe,” Nova admitted, her tone cautious. “But it won’t be easy. Magic-generating plants rely on the environment to sustain themselves, and in a place like this, they might struggle to take root. You’ll have to nurture them carefully, and even then, there’s no guarantee they’ll thrive.”

  Noah sighed “I have some seeds but I going need something that looks normal, maybe the store has some.

  Nova tilted her head, considering his words. “Normal-looking? You mean plants that won’t draw attention to themselves?”

  Noah nodded. “Exactly. I can’t exactly go planting glowing vines or trees with floating leaves around town without raising questions. If the people here notice anything too strange, it might create more problems than it solves. I need something subtle, something that blends in but still generates magic.”

  Nova crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. “That’s not a bad idea. Discretion could buy you time to get these plants established before anyone starts poking around. But finding something like that won’t be easy. Magic-generating plants are usually… well, obvious. Their properties tend to make them stand out.”

  “I know,” Noah admitted, running a hand through his hair. “But maybe I can find something at the store that looks normal but has potential. I’ve got a few seeds from my experiments in the backyard, but they’re too experimental to rely on yet. I need backup.”

  Nova smirked slightly. “Backup seeds. That’s a new one.”

  Noah chuckled despite himself. “Yeah, well, desperate times call for desperate measures. Let’s see what the store has. Worst case, I’ll figure out a way to crossbreed something myself.”

  She nodded, a hint of respect in her eyes. “Alright. check it out. But don’t expect me to stop asking questions about every strange device we pass.”

  Noah grinned. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  Noah tapped through the store’s interface on his tablet, his fingers gliding over the screen as he navigated to the "Seeds" section. The familiar categories loaded quickly: flowers, vegetables, herbs, and then a section labeled "Exotic." Beneath that, a small icon caught his attention—"Magical Seeds."

  He tapped it, and a search bar appeared. With a quick keystroke, he typed: “Magic-generating seeds.”

  The results loaded in an instant, displaying a variety of options with detailed descriptions and images. His eyes scanned the screen, a mixture of curiosity and frustration bubbling up as he read through the listings.

  “I think I won’t purchase any seeds until we find locations that suit them well,” Noah said, closing the store interface with a thoughtful expression.

  “That’s not a bad idea, Noah,” Nova replied, nodding in agreement. “That might actually be a smart move. Rushing into planting them without understanding the environment could waste resources—and worse, the seeds might not survive.”

  Noah leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table. “If we’re going to revive this town’s magic, we need to be strategic. Maybe we should start by mapping out potential areas—places where these seeds could thrive without drawing attention.”

  Nova folded her arms, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You’re thinking like a Guardian already. It’s not just about planting seeds—it’s about giving them the best chance to grow. Let’s figure out what parts of the town might work for each type. Shade, water, open fields… all of it.”

  “Right,” Noah said, his tone firm with determination. “We’ll scout the area first and make a plan. No point rushing if it means losing the chance to make a real difference.”

  Nova tilted her head, watching him with a mix of approval and curiosity. “You’ve got a good head on your shoulders, Noah. But remember, it’s not just about the plants. The town itself needs to adjust to the magic, and that’ll take time.”

  Noah nodded, her words settling heavily on him. “I know. But if this is what it takes to bring magic back, I’m willing to put in the effort.”

  “Good,” Nova said with a grin. “Then let’s get my sun juice”.

  Noah chuckled, shaking his head as Nova's grin widened. “Priorities, huh?” he said with a smirk.

  “Absolutely,” Nova replied, raising the empty glass as if it were a prized artifact. “You can’t expect me to think clearly about magical plants without my sun juice. A Guardian’s assistant needs her energy.”

  “Assistant?” Noah teased, arching an eyebrow. “I thought you were supposed to be my mentor.”

  Nova shrugged, feigning indifference. “Mentors can have priorities too, you know. And mine is ensuring I don’t wither away like one of those magical seeds without the right care.”

  “Fine, fine,” Noah said, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. “We’ll get your juice first. Then, it’s back to mapping out the town.”

  Nova’s grin softened into a warm smile. “See? That’s teamwork. Now, let’s get moving before I have to ‘mentor’ you on the dangers of dehydration.”

  With a shake of his head and a faint smile, Noah grabbed his keys, and the two headed out the door

  they walked through the entrance of the only real shop in town, the sliding door opened with a soft hiss, as the blast of icy cold aircon hit Nova making her groan in joy,"oh that hits the spot" making her shiver at the unexpected drop in temperature. as she wrapped her arms around herself, feeling the chill seep through her clothes.

  “I thought you said your world didn’t have magic,” she remarked, her breath forming a small cloud in the cold air. “But this...I know it's not magic but dam”

  Noah chuckled, watching her reaction with amusement. “Come on let's get your juice. this time I grab a few bottles for you”

  Nova's eyes opened as she glanced around the shop’s entrance, her gaze sweeping over the walls, searching for her sun juice.

  Nova’s eyes lit up when she spotted the drinks section further down the aisle. Her excitement was almost palpable as she marched forward with purpose, scanning the rows of brightly coloured bottles with determination.

  “Here it is!” she declared triumphantly, plucking a bottle of her treasured sun juice from the shelf. The label was adorned with a cheerful sunburst design, and the liquid inside glowed a vibrant orange under the store's fluorescent lights.

  Noah laughed at her enthusiasm, grabbing a few more bottles and adding them to their basket. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone so obsessed with orange juice before.”

  “Sun juice,” Nova corrected, holding up the bottle like a trophy. “And can you blame me? It’s the closest thing to liquid sunshine your world has to offer.”

  “You’re not wrong,” Noah admitted, grinning as he reached for a pack of snacks on a nearby shelf. “Anything else you want while we’re here?”

  Nova glanced around, her curiosity pulling her toward the unfamiliar items that lined the aisles. She wandered over to a shelf packed with small, colourful bags, picking one up and inspecting it closely. “What’s this? Some kind of enchanted food?”

  “Those are chips,” Noah explained. “They’re just crunchy snacks, no enchantments involved. Want to try some?”

  Nova tilted her head, the corners of her mouth curving upward in interest. “Sure. Can’t hurt to expand my palate.”

  Noah added a bag to the basket, his mind briefly shifting back to the quest as they strolled through the store. The magical generator plants weighed heavily on his thoughts, but Nova’s lively energy was a welcome distraction.

  As they headed toward the checkout, Nova’s attention was drawn to a small display of trinkets near the register—keychains, magnets, and other simple souvenirs. She picked up a keychain shaped like a miniature koala, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

  “What’s this? Some kind of charm?” she asked, holding it up for Noah to see.

  “Nope, just a souvenir,” Noah replied with a chuckle. “Something people buy to remember places they’ve been.”

  Nova examined it thoughtfully before slipping it into the basket with a satisfied nod. “I’ll take it. Might as well commemorate my time exploring your strange, magicless world.”

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “Magicless?” Noah teased, gesturing to the cold blast of air from the air conditioning above. “You’re the one calling this place magical every five minutes.”

  Nova grinned, clutching her bottle of sun juice like a prized possession. “Fair point. Your world has its quirks, I’ll give it that.”

  With their items in tow, they made their way to the register. The cashier gave them a polite smile as Noah paid for the goods, and soon they were stepping back out into the warm sunlight.

  Nova took a long sip of her sun juice as they walked, her expression one of utter satisfaction. “Alright,” she said, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “Let’s figure out where to plant those seeds. Your town’s magic levels aren’t going to fix themselves.”

  Noah chuckled, at her enthusiasm. “Let’s do it.”

  As they continued walking, a small electronic beep interrupted their conversation, coming from an overhead speaker. A cheery voice announced, “Attention shoppers: All frozen foods are on sale in aisle five!” The announcement echoed through the store with a clear, friendly tone.

  Nova froze mid-step, her gaze darting around as if searching for the source of the voice. Her grip tightened instinctively on Noah’s arm, her wide eyes brimming with a mix of confusion and alarm. “A talking spirit?” she whispered urgently, her voice barely above a breath. “Is it friendly?”

  Noah’s laughter bubbled up immediately, light and full of amusement. “No, no,” he reassured her, trying to suppress his grin. “It’s not a spirit—it’s just a recording. Like… a pre-recorded message that plays back for everyone to hear. Completely harmless.”

  Nova relaxed slightly, though her brow furrowed as she tried to wrap her head around the concept. Her eyes scanned the ceiling, half-expecting to see some ethereal figure lingering above. “So… it’s not alive? It’s just… a voice trapped in a box?” she ventured, still wary.

  “Something like that,” Noah replied, grinning at her reaction. “Just another one of our little technological quirks. You’ll get used to it.”

  Nova tilted her head, her curiosity visibly overtaking her unease. “Your world is so strange… but fascinating. It’s like you’ve found ways to mimic magic without actually using it.”

  Noah chuckled, guiding her down the aisle. “Stick around, and you’ll see just how many little surprises we’ve come up with.”

  As they moved further into the store, the tantalizing aroma of baked goods wafted through the air, drawing them toward an open section lined with waist-high shelves. Nova stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening as she took in the dazzling display of pastries and bread. Her earlier apprehension seemed to vanish, replaced by childlike wonder.

  “What are all these?” she asked, her voice tinged with awe as she gestured toward the rows of muffins, croissants, and danishes. Her fingers brushed over the edge of a shelf, as if hesitant to disturb the delicate arrangement.

  Noah smiled, picking up a small box of assorted pastries. “These,” he said, holding it up like a prize, “are some of life’s greatest treasures. Muffins, croissants, danishes… take your pick.”

  Nova’s face lit up, her gaze darting between the brightly colored pastries, each one more enticing than the last. “They look so… intricate. Are they enchanted?”

  “No enchantments,” Noah replied, laughing softly. “Just good ingredients and a little skill.”

  She reached for a muffin topped with ruby-red berries, her fingers brushing over the sugary surface. “This looks like something out of a fairy tale,” she murmured, turning it over carefully as though it might crumble under her touch.

  “That’s a berry muffin,” Noah explained, adding a few more to their basket. “Probably one of the best ways to start the day.”

  As they continued walking, a small electronic beep interrupted their conversation, coming from an overhead speaker. A cheery voice announced, “Attention shoppers: All frozen foods are on sale in aisle five!” The announcement echoed through the store with a clear, friendly tone.

  Nova froze mid-step, her gaze darting around as if searching for the source of the voice. Her grip tightened instinctively on Noah’s arm, her wide eyes brimming with a mix of confusion and alarm. “A talking spirit?” she whispered urgently, her voice barely above a breath. “Is it friendly?”

  Noah’s laughter bubbled up immediately, light and full of amusement. “No, no,” he reassured her, trying to suppress his grin. “It’s not a spirit—it’s just a recording. Like… a pre-recorded message that plays back for everyone to hear. Completely harmless.”

  Nova relaxed slightly, though her brow furrowed as she tried to wrap her head around the concept. Her eyes scanned the ceiling, half-expecting to see some ethereal figure lingering above. “So… it’s not alive? It’s just… a voice trapped in a box?” she ventured, still wary.

  “Something like that,” Noah replied, grinning at her reaction. “Just another one of our little technological quirks. You’ll get used to it.”

  Nova tilted her head, her curiosity visibly overtaking her unease. “Your world is so strange… but fascinating. It’s like you’ve found ways to mimic magic without actually using it.”

  Noah chuckled, guiding her down the aisle. “Stick around, and you’ll see just how many little surprises we’ve come up with.”

  As they moved further into the store, the tantalizing aroma of baked goods wafted through the air, drawing them toward an open section lined with waist-high shelves. Nova stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening as she took in the dazzling display of pastries and bread. Her earlier apprehension seemed to vanish, replaced by childlike wonder.

  “What are all these?” she asked, her voice tinged with awe as she gestured toward the rows of muffins, croissants, and danishes. Her fingers brushed over the edge of a shelf, as if hesitant to disturb the delicate arrangement.

  Noah smiled, picking up a small box of assorted pastries. “These,” he said, holding it up like a prize, “are some of life’s greatest treasures. Muffins, croissants, danishes… take your pick.”

  Nova’s face lit up, her gaze darting between the brightly colored pastries, each one more enticing than the last. “They look so… intricate. Are they enchanted?”

  “No enchantments,” Noah replied, laughing softly. “Just good ingredients and a little skill.”

  She reached for a muffin topped with ruby-red berries, her fingers brushing over the sugary surface. “This looks like something out of a fairy tale,” she murmured, turning it over carefully as though it might crumble under her touch.

  “That’s a berry muffin,” Noah explained, adding a few more to their basket. “Probably one of the best ways to start the day.”

  Nova opened the packet, as she took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise as the soft, sweet flavour filled her mouth. “This is incredible,” she said, her voice muffled by the mouthful. “You’re telling me this is made without magic?”

  Noah turned toward Nova, catching sight of the open muffin packet in her hands. He raised an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and mock disapproval on his face. “You’re not supposed to open that yet,” he said, shaking his head. “But yes, every bit of it—no magic involved.”

  Nova paused mid-bite, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she chewed. “Worth it,” she said after swallowing, her grin unapologetic. She waved the muffin slightly. “See? Told you your world has its charms.”

  Noah chuckled, unable to stay annoyed. “Fine. But try to wait until we’re out of the store for the next one, alright?”

  She nodded enthusiastically, taking another bite and savoring the soft, sweet flavors as they continued down the aisle. Her gaze soon landed on a tray of glossy danishes, their centers glistening with vibrant fruit fillings. She reached for one, her expression lighting up. “This might actually rival some of the spells we use for celebrations back home,” she said, holding it up like a newfound treasure.

  “High praise from someone who’s used to real magic,” Noah replied with a grin as he tossed a pack of chocolate croissants into their growing basket.

  Nova’s curiosity only deepened as they browsed further. She marveled at the variety of colors, shapes, and textures on display, her hands brushing over the packaging of snacks and treats with an almost reverent fascination. By the time they reached the checkout, their basket was nearly overflowing, stuffed with pastries, drinks, and an assortment of other items she had insisted on inspecting.

  As they stood in line, waiting for the cashier to finish scanning the items for the woman in front of them, Noah and Nova couldn’t help but overhear a hushed conversation behind them. The voices were casual, yet the words carried a weight that immediately caught their attention.

  “I heard the mayor’s heading over to Noah’s place while he’s not there,” one voice said, a woman’s tone laced with gossiping glee. “Reckons there’s some natural water spring under his land, and they want to do some testing.”

  “Yes, my husband Rick said they’re going today,” another voice chimed in, a man’s tone conspiratorial. “He said the mayor’s gonna call Noah soon, something about claiming someone dug up his father’s grave or some nonsense to distract him.”

  There was a pause before the first voice replied, a smug edge creeping into her words. “Hmm, serves that man right. Sticking out like he does, always so odd.”

  Noah’s stomach tightened, his heart sinking at the casual cruelty in their words. But his attention was quickly drawn to Nova, standing beside him. Her usual curiosity and playfulness had evaporated. Her face twisted with an anger he’d never seen before, her eyes blazing as her hands curled into fists at her sides. It was a raw, seething rage, and Noah couldn’t help but feel a chill run down his spine at the intensity of it.

  “Nova,” he said cautiously, his voice low. “What’s wrong?”

  She didn’t answer immediately, her focus locked on the pair behind them, her jaw clenched tight. Her breathing had quickened, and the sharp, controlled energy radiating from her was almost tangible. It wasn’t just anger—it was fury, the kind that came from something deep and visceral.

  “Noah,” she finally said, her tone low and dangerous, “you’re telling me this isn’t a magical world, but people here—people like that—think it’s okay to toy with someone’s family, their home? That’s… unforgivable.”

  Her words carried a weight that made Noah realize she wasn’t just upset—she was ready to act.

  As they exited the store, their purchases safely tucked away, Noah guided Nova toward a quieter part of town. He walked with purpose, his expression unreadable, but the slight tension in his posture gave away his thoughts.

  It wasn’t long before they approached the graveyard, its broken fence and overgrown grass a sharp contrast to the lively streets they had just left behind. Nova glanced around, her curiosity piqued by the sudden change in atmosphere. The place had an air of abandonment, its somber silence broken only by the rustle of the wind through the wild grass.

  Noah’s phone beeped as they crossed the threshold, the sound snapping him out of his quiet contemplation. He checked the screen and sighed, his face hardening.

  “What’s wrong?” Nova asked, noticing the shift in his demeanor.

  “I need to stop by somewhere,” he replied, his gaze scanning the overgrown landscape. “You can wait here if you’d like, but I need to check something.”

  Nova’s eyes drifted to the faded, leaning sign at the graveyard’s entrance. The letters “Ceme—” barely clung to the rotting wood, a stark reminder of time’s wear. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she followed Noah as he stepped onto the cracked stone path winding through the grass.

  The graveyard was in a sorry state. Tall, unruly grass obscured much of the area, creeping over toppled headstones and broken monuments. Here and there, weeds sprouted through the cracks in the stone path, their wiry stems stubborn against neglect. The air hung heavy, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and something older, something forgotten.

  As they walked, Nova took in the details: the rusted gates hanging askew, the worn inscriptions on crumbling stones, the evidence of a place long left to decay. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was an undeniable reverence—a lingering echo of lives once cherished.

  Noah came to a stop in front of a small, well-maintained grave. The sight was a stark contrast to the rest of the graveyard. The grass around it was neatly trimmed, and the headstone stood upright, its polished surface catching the faintest glimmer of sunlight.

  Nova approached, her footsteps slowing as her gaze fell on the inscription:

  She looked back at Noah just as he crouched beside the grave, pulling a small bouquet of fresh yellow and purple flowers from the bag. He replaced the withered flowers in the glass pot with the new ones, his movements careful and deliberate. Beside the flowers, he placed a small glass bottle, its contents shimmering faintly in the sunlight.

  “Happy Father’s Day, Dad,” Noah murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He bowed his head, his shoulders trembling slightly as he fought back tears.

  Nova felt her chest tighten at the rawness of the moment. She hadn’t seen this side of Noah before—this quiet, vulnerable piece of him that carried a weight she hadn’t fully understood until now.

  She closed her eyes and let her mana flow outward, a warm and steady pulse that brushed against the neglected landscape. Determination settled over her as she whispered a quiet incantation, the wind stirring in response to her words.

  A gust of magical wind swept through the graveyard, slicing cleanly through the overgrown grass. The unruly blades fell away in waves, revealing long-hidden stones and forgotten names. Nova guided the clippings toward a rotting shed at the edge of the graveyard, its weathered boards creaking under the gentle impact.

  The transformation was swift. Where chaos had reigned moments before, order and respect now stood in its place. The graveyard felt lighter, as though the weight of neglect had been lifted.

  Nova knelt and placed her hand on the cool stone of a nearby grave, her voice soft but resolute. “To those who have been forgotten, know you never will be again.”

  When she turned back to Noah, he was standing, his eyes red-rimmed but filled with gratitude. “Thank you,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And… I’m sorry you had to see this.”

  Nova shook her head, offering him a gentle smile. “There’s no need to apologize. I’m glad I could help.”

  The two stood in silence for a moment, the stillness of the graveyard settling around them. It wasn’t heavy anymore; it was peaceful.

  As they made their way back toward the entrance, Nova glanced over her shoulder at the somewhat restored graveyard. The sunlight broke through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the stones. For the first time, the space felt less like a place of sorrow and more like a tribute to lives that mattered.

  Noah glanced at her, his expression softer now. “Let’s head home. I owe you a proper thank-you. Maybe I’ll even share a few more of my world’s little wonders.”

  Nova chuckled, the warmth returning to her demeanor. “I think I’d like that,” she replied, her eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

  Noah frowned as he brought the phone to his ear, the unfamiliar number giving him pause. The voice on the other end was calm but carried an edge of formality that immediately put him on alert.

  “Hello, is this Noah?” the voice asked.

  “Yes,” Noah replied cautiously, his tone laced with suspicion. “Who’s this?”

  There was a brief pause, and the sound of papers shuffling came through the line. Then the voice continued, “This is Rick Harris. I’m a member of the local council. I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time?”

  Noah’s brow furrowed. He couldn’t recall ever meeting anyone by that name, let alone someone from the council. “What’s this about?” he asked, keeping his tone even.

  “Well,” Rick began, his voice measured, “I’ve been informed of an unfortunate incident regarding your father’s grave. It seems someone may have tampered with it. I thought it best to notify you immediately.”

  The words hit Noah like a punch to the gut. His grip on the phone tightened as his heart raced. “What are you talking about? Tampered how?”

  “It’s difficult to say over the phone,” Rick replied smoothly. “I’d suggest you come down to the cemetery to take a look for yourself. We’ve already contacted the proper authorities, but as the next of kin, it’s only right you’re informed.”

  Noah’s stomach churned, unease creeping up his spine. Something about the man’s tone felt off—too rehearsed, too deliberate. He glanced at Nova, who was watching him intently, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity.

  “Fine,” Noah said after a moment. “I’ll head over now.”

  “Thank you,” Rick said, his voice calm but distant. “I’ll meet you there.”

  The call ended with a soft click, leaving Noah staring at his phone, his mind racing with questions.

  “What’s going on?” Nova asked, her sharp eyes scanning his face.

  Noah exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. “Apparently, someone’s tampered with my dad’s grave.”

  "you don't think it's about what we overheard?" Nova asked knowing full well they just left the graveyard.

  "yeah I think it is, and since we were just there 20 minutes ago, it's not long enough for anyone to try to die his grave up" Noah paused before an evil smirk pasted on his face.

  "I thinking I go and act like I knew nothing at all, while you stay here and deal with any undivided guest"

  Nova raised a brow, a flicker of intrigue crossing her face as she caught Noah’s smirk. “So, you’re going to play dumb while I handle anyone who decides to drop by uninvited?” she asked, crossing her arms. “Interesting strategy. Care to share the rest of your plan?”

  Noah chuckled, the smirk still lingering. “If they’re bold enough to send me off on a wild goose chase, they might be planning to use that time to check my property. It’s not a bad diversion tactic—if I were in their shoes, I’d try something similar.”

  Nova nodded slowly, her expression hardening as her fingers tapped against her arm. “And what happens when you confront Rick or whoever shows up at the cemetery? You think they’ll just admit to whatever they’re up to?”

  “No,” Noah admitted, his grin fading into something more serious. “But I want to see how much they give away. Sometimes, people reveal more than they mean to when they think they’ve got the upper hand.”

  “And me?” Nova asked, tilting her head. “What should I do if someone does show up?”

  Noah’s gaze met hers, steady and confident. “You’re good at keeping things… contained,” he said. “Just make sure they don’t snoop where they’re not supposed to. And if they start acting shady, feel free to let them know they’ve overstayed their welcome.”

  A mischievous glint flickered in Nova’s eyes. “Oh, don’t worry. If anyone tries anything, they’ll wish they hadn’t.” She glanced toward the window, her stance shifting into something more alert and ready. “You’d better get going. If this is a setup, we don’t want to make them suspicious.”

  Noah grabbed his keys and slipped them into his pocket. “Thanks, Nova. Keep an eye on things.”

  As he stepped toward the door, Nova’s voice stopped him. “Noah,” she said, her tone softer now. He turned back to see her watching him with a mix of concern and determination. “Be careful. If they’re playing games, they might have more tricks up their sleeve.”

  “I will,” Noah promised. “And don’t hold back if things get messy here. We’ve got enough to deal with without letting them poke around.”

  Nova smirked, her hands already crackling faintly with a hint of magic. “They won’t get past me.”

  Noah nodded once before stepping outside closing and locking the door.