Gale stepped through the Teleportation Portal and returned to her people to gather intelligence.
Annan's feelings had shifted subtly once he began thinking of Gale as one of his own.
He worried she would face suspicion and interrogation among the Ratfolk.
In a way, Annan had changed Gale, leading her to embrace Free City's ways. But hadn't Gale changed him too, making him accept her?
He had Lilith check him from head to toe to make sure no Ratfolk Fel Energy had been used against him, then went to see Maria.
"You're worried about Gale?"
"If you went back, I'd be even more worried about you!"
"That's not what I meant... Never mind." Maria couldn't suppress her smile. "There's no need to worry. Ratfolk chaos exists only at the bottom. Gale is a Priest, the equivalent of a human Noble. Her place in their society is no less orderly than ours."
"That's good... So why haven't the Stuen Rats approached you?"
Maria had spent far longer in Free City than Gale and had a deeper bond with Annan. By any measure, she was the better choice for a spy... Yet the Stuen Rats had sent a Grayfur Rat Priest on a mission they might never get her back from rather than entrust Maria with it.
Unless...
Annan narrowed his eyes.
"Because I'm a Brownfur Rat. To them, I'm as lowly as dirt," Maria said with a smile.
Annan froze, then said softly, "You're not lowly. Neither is dirt. The dirt that looks filthiest can grow the most beautiful flowers..."
"Are you going to comfort me the way you comforted Gale?"
A flush spread visibly across Annan's still somewhat babyish face.
"H-how do you know about that?"
"I happened to pass by and heard you." Maria lowered her head and studied