The warm glow of the hearth cast shifting shadows across the worn wooden tables and chairs of The Restful Boar's common area.

The fire crackled softly, filling the room with a comforting warmth that contrasted sharply with the unease still simmering inside me.

"Lila, it's time for bed," Gregor said, breaking the silence with a gentle but firm tone.

Lila, who had been clutching her broom as if it were a weapon, looked up at her father with wide, curious eyes. She hesitated, glancing back at me—the stranger in their midst—before finally lowering the broom.

"But Papa, I was just—" she began with her small voice trailing off as Gregor gave her a reassuring smile.

"Now, now, it's late, and we've had a long day," he continued warmly. "And we mustn't keep our guest waiting."

Lila's gaze lingered on me, curiosity evident in her blue eyes. Gregor, ever the attentive innkeeper, noticed the tension in the air and quickly moved to smooth things over.

"This is Ethan," Gregor introduced with his words carrying a note of warmth. "He'll be staying with us for a while."

I forced a polite smile, masking the unease that still simmered beneath the surface.

The inn's cozy ambiance—candle sconces flickering on the stone walls, the well-worn bar in the back, and the earthy scent of the thatched roof—offered a momentary reprieve, but I remained on guard.

"Hello, Lila," I said, keeping my tone light. "It's nice to meet you."

Lila's face softened at my words with her earlier wariness fading. "Nice to meet you too," she replied shyly.

Gregor placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, guiding her toward the creaky wooden staircase in the corner of the room. "Off to bed now. I'll be up soon to tuck you in."

Lila nodded, casting one last curious glance at me before she headed upstairs. The floorboards creaked under her light steps, blending with the gentle crackle of the fire.

Gregor watched her go with his face softening further before he turned back to me.

"Kids," he said with a chuckle, shaking his head. "Always so full of life, even when it's time for bed."

I nodded as the tension in my shoulders eased just a fraction.

The warmth of the exchange, combined with the inn's rustic charm, was a brief, welcome distraction from the thoughts that had been swirling in my mind.

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But even as I tried to relax, a part of me remained on guard, knowing that this moment of peace could be fleeting.

As Lila's footsteps faded up the creaky staircase, Gregor turned his attention back to me. His eyes studied me with a mixture of curiosity and kindness.

He motioned toward a chair near the hearth, and I took the silent invitation, easing into the worn but comfortable seat. Gregor followed suit, settling into a chair across from me with the fire's glow reflecting in his eyes.

"So, Ethan," he began with a casual tone, though I could sense the curiosity behind it. "What brings you to Hallowford? It's not often we get travelers passing through, especially ones like you."

I kept my expression neutral, offering a slight shrug. "Just passing through," I replied, careful to keep my tone light and nonchalant. "Looking for a place to rest and gather my thoughts."

Gregor nodded as his gaze never left mine. "Well, you've come to the right place for that. The Restful Boar's known for its peace and quiet."

I offered a polite smile in return, though my mind was far from at ease.

As Gregor continued with small talk—asking about my journey, commenting on the weather—I found myself slowly cooling down from the earlier anger that had gripped me.

The crackling fire and comforting ambiance of the inn were helping to steady my thoughts, but beneath the surface, my mind was still churning, processing everything I had learned earlier.

Tomas, Luca, Derek—those names echoed in my mind, each one a reminder of the threat they posed. They weren't just bullies anymore; they were members of the Ironbrand Guild, with power and influence that made them dangerous.

I had to tread carefully.

A single misstep could put me—and anyone associated with me—in grave danger. I couldn't let my anger cloud my judgment.

Not again.

Gregor's voice pulled me back to the present. "You seem like a man who's seen a lot," he said, his tone more thoughtful now. "I've met my share of travelers over the years, and you have that look about you—like someone who's been through more than most."

I met his gaze, forcing another smile. "Life has a way of throwing challenges at you," I said, keeping my voice even. "It's how you handle them that counts."

Gregor nodded slowly, as if weighing my words. "That's true enough," he agreed. "And from what I can tell, you've handled them well."

His words were meant to be reassuring, but they only served to remind me of the challenges still ahead. I had to be smart about this. Tomas, Luca, Derek, and now Lorian—I couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

Gregor leaned back in his chair with his eyes momentarily drifting toward the fire. The glow of the flames seemed to encourage him to open up a bit more, and when he spoke again, his voice was lower, more reflective.

"Hallowford might seem like a quiet town, but it has its share of troubles," he said as his gaze returned to me. "The Ironbrand Guild... well, they've got their hands in everything around here. It's best to stay on their good side if you can."

I listened carefully, acknowledging his words.

Gregor wasn't just offering casual advice; he was giving me a survival guide for navigating the power dynamics in Hallowford.

"I've heard a bit about the guild," I said cautiously, unwilling to reveal too much. "They seem to have a lot of influence."

Gregor's lips pressed into a thin line as he nodded. "They do. More than I'd like, honestly. They control the dungeon, the trade routes, even some of the town's leadership. If you're not careful, you can find yourself in a lot of trouble with them."

His eyes met mine, and I could see the sincerity in his face.

He wasn't just giving me advice.

He was warning me.