"A curse upon them, and their children, and their children's children." whispers arose from the dark.

I'm here again. Like routine.

Darkness envelops. Limbs numb. Breath stolen. Suffocating. I cry.

They're coming.

The whispers gain shadowy forms. Humanoid and mutated. Faceless and angry.

Torment. Torture. Curses. Cast into this void.

They're coming.

Please spare me. Let me go. Release me.

"A peaceful death is too good for you." They murmur.

Their hands smother me as my consciousness fades into the abyss.

----------------------------------------

"Scruff. Wake up. Scruff."

Anton Krendel was woken by a coarse but quiet voice. In a half-conscious stupor, he sluggishly jolts his groggy head about, blinky with heavy eyelids. He was camping in a cave, sprawled on a spread of rags and his woolen cloak messily arranged as though they were shoved about. Hunched over above him was Charlotte. Her cat ears twitched in the crisp morning air as she looked down on him.

"Scruff. We go soon. Eat now." She bluntly commanded.

Anton wiped his brow, sweat clinging to his forearm as he dragged it across. Despite the cold breeze circulating in the cave, he was sweating profusely, and he knew why.

"Shadow dreams." Charlotte answered him as if reading his mind.

Anton reeled back. Now fully awake and surprised.

"You... know?"

"I have them too."

Charlotte's blank stare didn't break off from Anton, unnerving him but also giving him a closer look at her unblinking eyes. Her mustard irises were slightly dilated, and her sclera had a tinge of red. They were bloodshot.

"How long was she up on watch duty last night?" Anton thought to himself. "Or perhaps, she's just averse to sleeping at all?"

He cleared his throat. "So you have those nightmares too? With the... uh..." His mind ached and became foggy when he tried to recall the dream, the details leaving him like a colt from a nest. He had never thought very hard about it before, perhaps because he never could. All he knew was the genuine fear and anguish he felt, and the unexplainable weight that followed him to the waking plane.

Charlotte shook her head. "Don't bother. Can't remember either." She looked down, breaking her sharp stare, and Anton thought for a moment he could see her expression turn glum for the very first time since he knew her.

"Rise and shine Mr Krendel." Raum's soft voice echoed from the back of the cave. "I apologize for waking you so early, but dawn is here. We must be on our way."

He turned his attention towards the dark-robed priest who stood there, leaning against the cavern wall with a gleaming smile across his pale face, exuding an attitude that seemed to be dawn in itself. Anton sighed at the gross incandescence and wrenched himself up.

"Wha-" Before he could say a word. Charlotte shoved a strip of griffonhare jerky into his mouth.

"Eat."

Anton chewed the gamy tough jerky. The discomfort of his teeth gnawing was eclipsed only by the overpowering salty taste. Though he wished to spit it out, he fought against his compulsions so as to not be rude to Charlotte.

Raum spoke of his plan. "We will be making the journey to Verhnsburg, the last city before the Bolerian mountain lines. There we will stay the night and stock up on equipment and supplies for the rough expedition in the mountains."

Charlotte grabbed a handful of jerky and tore into it, her sharp fangs having little issue tearing the fibers apart. She seemed to have no qualms or questions about the plan. In fact, she never really stood in opposition to what Raum said. Anton, on the other hand, felt obligated to give his opinion to his employer.

"Back in my adventuring days, I only ever climbed the Bolerian mountains once. I lost a few companions from my party due to the weather alone." Anton warned grimly. "The frigid winds up there are brutal. Whatever new Y'ashi ruin was discovered probably isn't worth the risk."

"That is where you are wrong Mr. Krendel. Gro Goroth's guidance has already shown me that the solutions we seek lie in those ruins."

"There you go speaking cryptically again. Would it hurt to be a little more specific? I've already come with you this far without so much as a single coin. The least you could do is tell me-"

"In good time, Mr Krendel. I understand your frustration with the lack of forward information and payment for this job, but all I can do is promise you that you will feel more than compensated by the end of this."

"I feel like this is the dozenth time you've said that." Anton conceded, yet again finding unexplainable difficulty to argue with Raum, an enigmatic wall he could not push through. After a week of traveling with them, Anton still felt skeptical about Raum and his control over Charlotte, especially after he witnessed what they were capable of. The fact alone that Raum was an occultist should've deterred Anton from taking his job, and yet he agreed out of a promise that compelled him in lieu of trust.

"Off to Verhnsburg then."

----------------------------------------

The streets spiraled around the courtyard in an endless circle of winding roads that connected to the city's main gate, bustling with the life and noise of a marketplace. Anton stood in the shadow of a massive wrought iron gate with six sets of guards gripping spears at the base of it, peering into the distance and scanning the crowd. It was late afternoon, with a chilly breeze blowing from the north and light layers of snow permeating across the edges of the pavements as well as thin icicles hanging from rooftops.

The trio was shuffling among the line of travelers and merchants to make it across the checkpoint at the city's main gate. Each individual and their stock was searched by the Head Guard using a wisplight lantern while being questioned by accompanying officials armed with quills and parchment rather than swords and spears.

The standby guards stood so still that one might mistake that they had frozen over. Anton could tell they were more disciplined than the average Rovanian guard, perhaps hardened by the climate, or because of Verhnsburg's economic significance to the Rovanian empire.

"It gets stricter and stricter each time I've passed through." Raum comments. His breath lacked any form or visibility as he spoke, despite the cold air. Anton had seen undead with warmer breath.

"What kind of contraband are they searching for?" Anton asked.

"I'm not quite sure. I think they just want to make the impression that Verhnsburg's security is tight. It's the center of the empire's mining industry, after all, with all those new iron veins being exposed in the mountain quakes."

"Do you think they'll consider her a problem?" Anton gestures to Charlotte standing between them. Her hooded head did not even measure up to either of their shoulders. She bore no reaction to the mention of her name, only staring blankly ahead.

"Because she's a Felidaen? True, the likelihood of them accepting any demi-human into the city is considerably low..." Raum paused, a grin creeping across his face. "... but worry not, I have a plan."

Anton didn't like that look. Not one bit.

The trio made it to the front of the line.

"State your names, purpose of visit, duration of stay, and declaration of any volatile or dangerous goods or wares." The city official demanded with a nasal voice.

"Our names are Raum, Charlotte, and Anton Krendel. Our purpose here is to stock on supplies before passing into the mountains. We will be staying one night. Our only declarations are the weapons that we carry on ourselves." Raum answered politely.

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The head guard brought the wisplight lantern up towards Raum's chest, abdomen, arms, and legs while the Official scribbled away. The lantern's azure hue radiated onto Raum's black cloak as it brushed by.

"He's clean" The guards boomed with baritone. "Tell the girl to take off her hood." He pointed at Charlotte.

Anton shifted nervously. If they see her ears it'll be a dead giveaway, but how would they react? Rejection? Detainment? Demi-human prejudice varies from city to city, but the strictness of Verhnsburg could spell the worst-case scenario. They may need to prepare to run.

"She's dreadfully cold I'm afraid" Raum retorted, placing his arm around Charlotte to cradle her. Anton heard a quiet tongue click beneath the hood. "You wouldn't demand this poor sweet girl to expose her cheeks to the chill would you?" He pleaded with foggy puppy dog eyes.

"What's your relation?" The official asked.

"Why, she's our daughter of course." Raum boastfully answers, shooting a cheery smile at Anton.

"Oh... uh... yeah. Our daughter. We... we love her so much." He replied with an awkwardly forced smile. Picking up on the improvisation while wincing and laughing nervously.

The official squinted and side-eyed Anton's performance.

"She's clean, there's nothing under the hood." The Head guards commented while circling the lantern around Charlotte's head.

The official turned to face Raum"Why are you bringing your child up to the mountains then?"

"It's a religious pilgrimage for her coming-of-age ceremony."

"What religion?"

Raum paused for a second.

"Cerebellion."

"This is a Cerebellion custom?"

"It's a tradition from our specific sect."

Raum winced and cringed slightly. This was the first time Anton saw him with even a single trace of disdain on his face.

Before he could inquire further, the Head Guard interjected. "Poisoned weapon detected!"

Anton looked down at his satchel, the wisplight lantern was pressed against it, emitting a stronger glow.

"Fuck, that's right, I have Jergal's dagger in there." Anton cursed to himself in his head. He had completely forgotten about it.

"Move slowly and take it out!" The Head Guard placed his other hand on his sword's hilt, and the other guards raised their spears in unison.

Anton exhaled, complying and bringing the dagger out from the satchel in its wrapping.

"Poisoned? Please, it's a family heirloom." Raum argued, snatching the dagger away and unwrapping the blade.

The official stumbled back in fear as the Head guard unsheathed his broadsword and raised it against Raum's neck.

"Do not move!"

"There is no need to fear, my friends," Raum reassured.

"I am merely going to prove that it is not poisoned." He gripped the blade with his other hand and slashed it, rending a deep slit flowing with blood.

The guards and Anton looked at the priest with bewilderment.

"See? I'm perfectly fine. I suggest you do a checkup on those lanterns, they might be lacking in maintenance." Raum rewrapped the bloodied dagger and returned it to Anton. His relaxed attitude attempting to de-escalate the situation. "Any more questions? I'm sure there are plenty of people behind us who are fed up with waiting."

Charlotte sighed to herself.

----------------------------------------

The trio were reluctantly admitted into the city after the checkpoint debacle, despite the suspicions raised.

Now out of earshot of the guards, Anton voiced his concerns as they walked down an alley. "That's concentrated hydra venom. How are you still alive let alone standing?"

"I used a sacrament to neutralize it."

"That can't be that simple."

"For me it is."

Anton scoffed. "You're unbelievable"

"True." Charlotte chimed in. "And ridiculous. And stupid. Don't play his games. Scruff."

Raum chuckled. "Apologies for calling you our daughter. It was amusing though, you must admit."

"I am many moons older than either of you."

"Of course my dear. I meant no disrespect."

"Lies. You trick. You ridicule. You-"

Anton began to tune out of the conversation, his mind being brought back to the dagger. Perhaps it would be wise to sell it in the city before it gets him in any more trouble. But it might still have its uses, especially if he gets ambushed or caught off guard. With a growing list of potential enemies like his, Anton thought it wasn't unreasonable to suspect such things after what happened with Jason. It only pays to be cautious with House Driev, although a poisoned dagger might still be unnecessary for practical use.

Nevertheless, Anton butted back into the conversation and asked Raum, "Does Arlak company have a presence in Verhnsburg nowadays?"

Raum glanced at him and reassured, "You needn't worry, Mr. Krendel. Neither Arlak company nor House Driev have much influence in this city. Why do you ask?"

"Bad blood. Also, I didn’t mention House Driev, but you’re wrong about them. The Drievs are everywhere, getting their hands into everything. Laundering, fraud, bribing, blackmail, all while keeping the pretense of a noble House."

"Like that Jason fellow?"

Anton exhaled. "He was among the worst of them, more bandit than knight. He gravely abused his power and his posse followed his example with even less self-control."

"I heard they were wringing several farming villages dry through their 'protection rates' for years."

"That's just scratching the surface of the vile shit his gang got up to."

"But then one midsummer night, a lone mercenary came along while they were all drunk and indulging in revelry before... liberating them of their vices." Raum regaled with the oratory talents of a storyteller. "Except for Jason himself who was caught naked and unarmed but managed to be the only one to escape. Fleeing to his father Ulric and bringing shame upon himself and his family. He was consequently banished from the House, with his only chance of redemption being to challenge the mercenary to a duel and bring home his head."

Anton stopped Raum from walking further. "How much do you know?"

"I know that It didn't end well for Jason, and I know that the Drievs have Arlak company trailing you now as a result, like what happened with those ruffians at Brehella. That's what you're truly concerned about, is it not?"

"You knew a lot of details and kept quiet until now. Can I ask why?"

"Hmmm. Perhaps later." Raum clapped his hands together, his wound still open and untreated. "For the time being we should split up to make up for lost time. I will search around for an Inn for us, why don't the two of you secure supplies? Rations and elixirs and what not."

"Always dodging huh?"

"Still not used to it. Scruff?" Charlotte asked with a semblance of sarcasm.

----------------------------------------

Anton and Charlotte were walking down the main street, shuffling along crowds of coats and wagons. For a moment, Anton thought he had lost Charlotte in the ocean of bustle, only for her to appear on his other side, clutching onto her hood. Although Anton couldn't see it, he could already picture her furrowed brow and growing snarl beneath it.

"Let's move off the main street. Over there, to that corner." Anton suggested.

Charlotte responded with a nod. The two of them made their way across the crowd to the street corner next to a sleeping beggar wrapped in a blanket.

"Too many." Charlotte exhaled.

"This isn't even that big of a crowd. At least we could still move without being squeezed against other people."

"It can be more than this?"

"A lot more."

Charlotte shuddered, whether because of the thought or the cold, Anton wasn't sure.

"There are so many of you. So many noises. So many scents. It's too much."

"Welcome to human cities." Anton laughed. "A swirling pit of business and troubles."

"I hate it." Charlotte scanned the crowd. "Humans just breed and breed. More than any race. You make strength through numbers. Because alone you are weaker. Your lives are shorter. So you keep breeding."

Anton stopped and thought about her staggered words before realizing that this was the first time he'd been alone with Charlotte, without Raum's digressions and tangents getting in the way. He could actually learn about her now.

"What are dem- I mean -Felidaen villages like then?"

"Not as savage as you think."

"I don’t think that way about them."

"Does not matter. We choose to live with nature. Under trees. In huts. Hunting and gathering. We have keen instincts. We speak old tongues. And humans call us animals.

Anton felt a lump in his throat. "That's true if we're going by public belief, but not for everyone. Most of us have never even met a demi-human before because you all stay isolated from our society."

"Isolation is our defense against your corruption. To keep us safe from being slaves. Because humans rule everything they see. So we hide in our forests."

"So why are you out here then? In a human city, traveling with humans?"

Charlotte turned her head away from Anton, taking a large breath before replying.

"Chieftain exiled me. Not my fault. I am cursed."

Anton knew precisely what she was referring to. "Shadow dreams?"

Charlotte nodded. "They came to me twenty moons ago. I could not sleep well. Village could smell the curses. Bad Omen. So they exile me."

"Can you ever go back?"

"Maybe. If the curses disappear."

"And Raum promised that he could help you with that? So you're with him for the same reason as me."

Charlotte looked over towards the beggar, curled in his blanket and shivering. "I'm with him because of debt."

"Is he blackmailing you? I knew there wa-."

"No. He saved me." Charlotte's gaze did not break off the beggar. "At my lowest. He found me. Healed wounds. Gave shelter. Gave name. Made promise."

Anton was taken aback by her confession. She spoke with her usual bluntness but with a hint of shame and vulnerability.

"I do not know what he wants. He has a dark scent. Different from ours. Stained with blood. He chose his scent. But I don't believe he is evil."

"So you trust him?"

"Yes." She turned back to Anton, locking eye contact with him. Her expression was stern but her eyes were gleaming as if they were sprinkled with snow crystals. "He is strange. And annoying. But he wants to help. I will help you too. We are both cursed. We must rely on each other." Charlotte's voice began to quiver. "I have no one else but you two."