Outside the inn in Ebonmere, Irene was meticulously adjusting the saddle of Senka, who was leisurely munching on clover while she prepared him for the day’s activities. As Irene fussed over the horse, the door of the inn creaked open, and Jaxith emerged, his hands tucked into the deep pockets of his coat.

“Getting ready,” Jaxith remarked casually as he approached Irene. She glanced at him briefly before returning her focus to Senka.

“Yeah, but I need him to eat well first,” Irene replied, her fingers gently stroking Senka’s mane.

“You’re taking excellent care of him, aren’t you?” Jaxith observed, his tone calm but approving.

“Of course, why wouldn’t I? He’s a good boy—the best horse ever,” Irene said with a soft smile, her hand brushing against Senka’s face. The stallion responded by nuzzling her cheek, and Jaxith couldn’t help but notice the profound bond between the two.

“It’s commendable to see you taking such responsibility. This is a marked improvement in how you handle duties,” Jaxith said, his voice steady and measured.

“I’m not that bad, Jax,” Irene retorted, her attention shifting back to the saddle.

“You’re far from bad. The current circumstances demand growth, and that’s not your fault. Don’t mistake my words for criticism,” Jaxith clarified, his gaze fixed on her.

“Don’t worry, I’m used to your style. I know you don’t mean any offense,” Irene replied, securing the final strap of the saddle.

“Good. Here, take this,” Jaxith said, pulling his right hand from his pocket and extending it toward Irene. She turned to him slowly, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

“Take what?” she asked, watching as Jaxith dropped a handful of coins into her palm.

“Keep them with you. You shouldn’t be out without any money. If you’re hungry, grab something from the bakery, or if you want to enjoy yourself, go have some fun with your friends,” Jaxith instructed, his tone firm but kind.

“But this is more than I’d need. I don’t want to spend from our limited resources. You always say we need to be cautious,” Irene protested, her brow furrowing.

“I know, but there’s no harm in indulging a little. You deserve it. Buy something for your friends if you like—make them appreciate you even more. Let them know they didn’t make a mistake in letting you join them. Go on, I have enough to get to Lance,” Jaxith insisted. Irene’s lips curled into a smile at his words.

“If you think it’s fine, then I won’t refuse,” Irene said, tucking the coins into her small pouch. She glanced at Senka, who had finished his meal.

“Looks like you’re ready to go,” Irene said, mounting the horse with ease.

“Don’t stay out too late, and of course, I don’t need to remind you that leaving the village for leisure is off-limits,” Jaxith said, crossing his arms.

“I know, Jax. I won’t take any unnecessary risks,” Irene assured him.

“Exactly,” Jaxith replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. She was echoing his words, and that was precisely what he wanted—for her to learn.

“And, Jax, thank you,” Irene said, her smile widening.

“Just go, and don’t waste any more time,” Jaxith said, his smile lingering as Irene nudged Senka into a trot. Jaxith watched her ride off, his expression softening as she disappeared into the distance. He glanced up at the sky for a moment before turning back and reentering the inn.

Later, near the lumberjack’s shop, John was being guided by Shisk. The village was picturesque, and John couldn’t help but admire the view as they walked.

“We’re nearly there, Mr. John. It’s that wooden cottage over there, close to the market if you need anything,” Shisk explained.

“No, I don’t want to waste any more time,” John replied curtly.

“Whatever you say, Mr. John,” Shisk said, leading the way. As they approached the shop, a familiar voice caught John’s attention. He stopped abruptly, his eyes scanning the area until he spotted Irene chatting with a group of children, Senka standing patiently behind her.

“I’m telling you, he’s the fastest horse I’ve ever seen,” Irene declared proudly.

“I saw him running, and our horse can do better,” one of the kids retorted.

“That wasn’t even running. Senka’s physique is superior because of his breed. He’s a black Legnican stallion—a rare species,” Irene explained, parroting what she’d heard from Jaxith and Desmond. In truth, she didn’t know much about horses, but Desmond had always insisted that Senka was special.

“No way! I remember my uncle talking about them,” another child exclaimed in awe.

“Are they really that different?” the first kid asked.

“Yeah, he told me they can outrun even the fastest beasts. He mentioned the long hair on their necks and their distinctive hooves,” the second child added.

“Whoa!” the first kid gasped.

“Can I touch him?” asked a younger girl, her voice timid.

“Of course, come closer,” Irene encouraged, her enthusiasm evident. The girl hesitated.

“Won’t he be mad? He looks angry,” the girl said nervously.

“Don’t worry, he may look fierce, but he’s very gentle. Here, take my hand,” Irene said, extending her hand to the girl, who slowly reached out and grasped it.

“Now, approach him slowly and rub his face gently. Senka, be nice to Lilly here,” Irene instructed, guiding the girl’s hand to Senka’s face. The stallion lowered his head, allowing the girl to pet him.

“He’s so sweet!” Lilly exclaimed as Senka nuzzled her hand.

“Told you he’s the best,” Irene said, though she noticed Senka wasn’t as enthusiastic with Lilly as he was with her. When Irene touched him, she could feel his contentment, a bond that had formed after she saved his life. Did he understand what she had done for him?

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John, meanwhile, was stunned. Irene was right there, within reach, but he quickly averted his gaze as Shisk approached.

“It’s open, Mr. John,” Shisk said.

“Then let’s go,” John replied, his voice steady as they continued toward the shop.

“Better not linger. If I stare too long, he might grow suspicious. He must be close Stick to the plan. She’ll be mine soon enough. Just wait, hunter. You’ll regret crossing Lord Blamore,” John thought, his jaw tightening as they reached the shop’s entrance. He stepped inside first.

“No one’s here,” John remarked, glancing around.

“They’re at the back, cutting wood into smaller logs. If you listen closely, you can hear the chopping,” Shisk explained. John paused, hearing the rhythmic sound of axes striking wood.

“I think you’re right. How did you notice it so easily?” John asked, heading toward the back of the shop with Shisk trailing behind.

“I can detect those sounds easily. My father was a woodcutter,” Shisk replied politely.

“That’s odd. How did you end up as a guard for our family?” John inquired.

“Mr. Alphonse helped my mother a long time ago when she fell ill. My father had already passed away due to a beast attack. I think you can piece the rest together, Mr. John,” Shisk said. John nodded, understanding that Alphonse had likely provided financial aid, and Shisk was repaying the debt by serving as a guard.

They stepped outside into an open field where three men were chopping wood. Two of them bore light bruises on their faces—remnants of their encounter with Jaxith. The third, a bald man with a bandaged nose, was Larry. He noticed John and Shisk approaching.

“Who left the door open?” Larry grumbled, eyeing the newcomers.

“I left it open so people would know we’re back,” one of the men behind Larry said.

“Yet we still don’t have enough wood for customers. Idiots,” Larry snapped, tossing his axe aside and striding toward John and Shisk.

“Welcome, gentlemen. I’m afraid I don’t have enough wood yet. Maybe come back in an hour, or better yet, wait for the market tomorrow. There’ll be plenty then,” Larry said, his tone calm but laced with annoyance.

“We’re not here for wood. I’m here to discuss something else, and I was told you could help me with it—or rather with him,” John said, gesturing subtly. Larry eyed him suspiciously, and the two men behind him set down their axes, sensing tension.

“Listen, gentlemen, I can only talk about my job right now. I don’t have time for riddles. If you’re not here for wood, then why are you here?" Larry asked, his tone growing impolite.

“You’d better watch your tongue when speaking to Mr. John, woodcutter, or I’ll make sure your entire face is bandaged, not just your nose,” Shisk growled, clenching his fists. Larry glanced at the imposing guard, recalling the previous day’s altercation, and decided against provoking him further.

“Or we could help you deal with the one who caused that bandage,” John said with a sly smile. Larry’s interest was piqued.

“Are you here to mock me, or what?” Larry asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

“Nothing of the sort. I need your help, and if you provide what I need, you’ll never see that man or the girl with him in this village again,” John said. Larry weighed his options carefully.

“What makes you think I need your help?” Larry asked cautiously.

“You’re not the only one who despises the demon girl’s presence here. In fact, it’s to your credit that you’ve stood alone against this corruption. Even if others are too afraid to speak out, that fear shouldn’t stop you from standing up to this hunter. But if there’s still hesitation among you, then you should be grateful we’re here now. Everything will be resolved,” John said, his words calculated. Larry was taken aback, unsure how to respond.

“What do you want from the hunter? You seem like a respectable gentleman, yet you’re not from here. Why do you care about us?” Larry asked, his confusion evident.

“He has something that belongs to my family,” John replied.

“And what does that have to do with the hybrid?” Larry pressed.

“She was the one who took it,” John said. Larry’s eyes narrowed as he considered the implications. This could be his chance to exact revenge on Jaxith and Irene for humiliating him in front of the villagers.

“What do you want from me?” Larry asked, his tone serious.

“Information. What do you know about the hunter? What’s he doing here? What’s his relationship with the innkeeper?” John asked. Larry hesitated for a moment before deciding to cooperate.

“It’s not the first time I’ve seen him. He’s been here before, but the demon wasn’t with him then. This is the first time we’ve seen someone like her in the village, which is why we blame Miller for harboring them,” Larry explained.

“So he’s a regular visitor?” John asked.

“I wouldn’t say regular. The last time I saw him was a couple of years ago. He was alone then, staying with Miller,” Larry said.

“Is he a close friend of Miller’s?” John inquired.

“He saved Emelia, Miller’s daughter, a long time ago. This was before she married. Bears were ravaging the nearby woods, and the kingdom didn’t care much about small villages like ours. Emelia was attacked, but the hunter was there. If he hadn’t intervened, she would’ve died. That’s why Miller holds him in such high regard,” Larry explained.

“I see. So the hunter stays with Miller at his house?” John asked.

“No, he stays at the inn. Miller usually sleeps there, rarely going home, especially since his wife passed. He only goes home when Emelia visits, as she lives with her husband in a nearby town,” Larry said.

“So he’s alone most of the time, even his daughter doesn’t live here,” John mused.

“Exactly. She visits him at the end of every couple of weeks, and I’ve heard she’s been helping the hunter with something recently,” Larry added.

“So the innkeeper’s daughter is here,” John thought, a sly grin forming.

“What could she be helping him with?” John asked.

“I’m not sure. Probably something related to alchemy. She’s quite skilled in it. She even has a small lab in their house here. Miller told me he keeps it for her because she needs it occasionally. She’s made several potent potions from local ingredients. She even helped me with a back problem I thought was incurable,” Larry said.

“Good. Do you know anything else about the hunter?” John pressed.

“I’m afraid not. If you want more, you’d have to ask Miller, but I doubt you’d want to approach him,” Larry said.

“Actually, I might,” John replied.

“But you said you’d rid us of the hunter and the hybrid,” Larry said, his tone serious.

“I didn’t say I’d kill them. I just need enough information to deal with the hunter properly. You’ve seen what he’s capable of. I need someone with his skills. I’ll take him away, and then I’ll handle the hybrid. Just tell me where Miller’s house is. Since his daughter is here, he’ll return home tonight. I need to speak with him without the hunter’s presence. He seems like the man with the most information," John said. Larry began to doubt John’s intentions, but this was their only chance to rid the village of the demon girl. Her presence was a danger, especially after the incident at Orstone and the screams from the inn the first night. The villagers were terrified, and Larry couldn’t risk waiting for another disaster.

“It’s the house behind the inn. You’ll find a high wall beside it,” Larry said, his voice firm.

“Perfect. I think I’ve got what I need. Have a good day,” John said, turning to leave.

“Sir, please handle this matter carefully. Only the gods know what they’re plotting. We don’t want chaos here. We’re simple people who just want to live in peace, but since she arrived, we haven’t been able to sleep soundly. Something sinister is happening, and Miller blindly trusts that hunter. Please, help us,” Larry pleaded, his fear palpable. His companions exchanged uneasy glances, surprised by Larry’s desperation. One of them lived near the inn and had heard the screams too. The fear was justified.

“I will. Everything will be taken care of. By tomorrow morning, you’ll see that the matter has been resolved,” John said without looking back. He walked out of the shop, passing by Irene and the children without so much as a glance. He kept his focus forward, Shisk trailing behind him.

“Now I have everything I need. Tonight, I’ll be victorious. Soon, you’ll be in my hands, fulfilling your destiny. I’ll prove myself worthy as a follower of Lord Blamore’s cause. Tonight, the hunter will die, and all loose ends will be tied. You’re almost there, John. Just a few more hours," John thought, a wicked smile spreading across his face. He suppressed the urge to laugh, knowing the time wasn’t right.

Whatever John had planned was undoubtedly well thought out. He was determined to kill Jaxith and had gathered all the necessary information. Would he succeed in his second attempt to capture Irene for the Cragmoore zealots’ mysterious plans? Or would Jaxith once again thwart his efforts? One thing was certain: this night would be a tumultuous one in Ebonmere.