I blink a few times as I focus on my surroundings. The plane is... empty. There's only me, Ze, and the flight attendant glaring aggressively at Ze.

"Where's everyone else?" I ask, worried something might have happened while I was passed out from sheer exhaustion.

"Everyone else has left already. Half an hour ago," she enunciates each word clearly. "Everyone but you two because your boyfriend refused to move and disrupt your sleep."

"What? He's not my boyfriend," I immediately reply. "Ze, what's happening? What did you do?"

"You were sleeping," he comments, folding his arms across his chest.

"I'm so sorry about the inconvenience," I hurry to say, getting to my feet and taking Ze along with me. Since the only luggage we have has been checked in—including his precious sword—it takes us only a few seconds to scramble out of our seats and leave. "So sorry," I repeat as I give a guilty smile to yet another flight attendant on our way out.

Just as we exit the aircraft, I spot a few security guards heading our way—intent on forcefully evacuating us, no doubt. We walk briskly before they can question us, though Ze looks more than ready to wage war.

"Where are Thea and Cer?" I ask as I pull Ze along by his hand.

"They left."

"And they just left us behind?" I frown.

"They did," he answers.

"Goodness, Ze, you can't just do whatever you want! The planes run on a schedule and people have to do their jobs."

"You were sleeping," he repeats.

"You should have woken me up when we landed."

"You were tired," he counters.

"It doesn't matter." I shake my head.

Stopping abruptly, I look up at him.

"Just as there are rules in your world, there are rules in mine too. You need to make an effort to respect that while you're here, okay?"

He studies me for a moment before he gives me a grunt—that I take as acknowledgment.

It doesn't take us long to find Cer and Thea.

Cer is grumpily trailing behind while Thea admires the many clothes and handbags available at the duty-free. She already has a few bags in her hands.

"I see you've been busy," I note with a raised brow.

"Oh, Luce. There are so many stores! I got you something, too. Look," she says excitedly as she opens one of the bags to show me a purple dress. Immediately, my anger melts away at her thoughtful gesture.

"Thank you," I murmur. "Still, you should have woken me up. I was so embarrassed to hold the plane behind."

"You're awake now. That's all that matters," she replies nervously, her gaze flittering from Ze to me.

I roll my eyes. Ze and his peculiarities. It will take me some time to get used to all of his quirks.