The Eclipsed Bloom

As the three walked in silence, Patricia led them to the edge of the curb, where a sleek, glossy black object waited under the dim glow of a flickering streetlight.

Grace stopped in her tracks, frowning. Her eyes scanned the strange box with suspicion. "Patricia, why are you stopping in front of this... thing?"

Patricia blinked, then gave a polite, professional smile. "Miss, this is the carriage used in this realm. They call it a car."

Grace tilted her head in mild confusion, looking at the ’car’ as if it were some exotic beast. "But how do they drive it? There’s no horse pulling it. And can’t we just fly instead?"

Patricia chuckled softly. "Unfortunately, Miss Grace, flying is not recommended in city areas. These days, nearly everyone carries small ’camera’ devices. They capture us—and the Church does not wish for us to be exposed so carelessly."

Grace crossed her arms and scoffed. "Hmph. Let them try. We’re not so weak we’ll be captured by a few humans."

Patricia’s eyes widened slightly at the misunderstanding. "N-no, Miss. I didn’t mean that kind of capture. I meant the kind with ’catcher lens spell’—or what they call photography. A captured image, not imprisonment."

"Oh..." Grace blinked. "That kind of capture..."

Lilith, still cradling Zara in her arms, frowned as the conversation dragged. "Grace. You can ask about their strange machines later. We need to find out what’s wrong with our wife."

Grace flinched slightly, then nodded sheepishly. "R-right. Sorry. Let’s go, Patricia."

Patricia gave a small bow and walked to the side of the long black vehicle. She pulled the back door open with a smooth gesture, stepping aside respectfully.