"Lord," I groan. "At least he can help us catch the demon."

"For sure. With Ze and Cer by our side, we'll definitely win in no time," Thea adds enthusiastically.

As Thea helps me to my feet, I'm happy to see that my ankle is fully healed. But since my gown was destroyed, I need to find something else to wear.

A little snooping through the wardrobe and I find a pair of pants and a loose blouse that should be comfortable for the remainder of our sojourn here.

The men agree to wait outside while we change, and Cer tries—rather pointlessly—to convince Ze to change into some non-glittery clothes too. Of course, he immediately refuses, going on a soliloquy about how worthless human clothes are, not worthy of touching his skin. I barely hold my laughter as they exit the dressing room, Ze's voice still booming from a distance.

"Ze is quite the character, isn't he?" I chuckle when we're alone in the room.

"I told you this is him at his best. Back home, no one likes him. Well, except Cer and Aethon, and sometimes Molokai."

"I can't imagine why." I crack a smile, which she returns.

"He's...different. Don't take his words to heart. He doesn't realize if he says something offensive or how his words might come across to someone else."

"Why's that?" I frown.

Thea's lips flatten into a thin line. She looks as if she wants to tell me more but cannot, perhaps from a sense of loyalty—they are friends, after all.

"He doesn't socialize much." She eventually shrugs. "I'd be willing to bet this is his first time in this world."

"Now that would make sense. He thought the makeup was dangerous." I point to the broken makeup containers on the vanity.

Thea laughs.

"Just don't judge him too harshly. He might be a bit of an asshole, but he's not that bad. My brother wouldn't be friends with someone he didn't like or respect, and against all odds, Cer looks up to Ze the most."

"He said he was his superior?"

She nods.

"They're part of the military—or the equivalent of a military in your world. Cer has been with Ze since he was little. He trained under him, and he not only sees him as his best friend but also his beloved mentor."

"He's that old?" My brows go up.

"I'm not sure how old he is, but yes. He's much older than Cer and me."

I nod slowly while I shrug the blouse over my head and button up my pants.

"I think I'm done," I tell her, and she wastes no time in calling the men back into the room.

Ze walks in first, his spine straight, his hands behind his back as he assesses me with narrowed eyes. Cer trails behind him, maintaining a protective stance.

"What is that monstrosity you're wearing?" he demands.