Magnus knelt down beside Floyd's lifeless body, his gaze fixed on the pendant that had played such a crucial role in their battle. Carefully, he picked it up, feeling an immediate vibration the moment it touched his skin. The pendant hummed, resonating in perfect harmony with the magical bracelets on his wrists. It was as if they were calling out to each other, recognizing their connection as parts of a greater whole.
He hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should bring these two powerful artifacts together. But a deep, instinctive urge pushed him forward, compelling him to unite them. Slowly, Magnus lifted the pendant and placed it around his neck. The instant it settled into place, the resonance between the pendant and the bracelets intensified, sending a powerful surge of energy through his body.
It was as though the artifacts were unlocking a hidden potential within him, their combined power amplifying his strength and sharpening his senses. The energy was overwhelming yet felt incredibly right. He could feel the power of the artifacts merging, creating a force greater than he had ever imagined.
Above him, the announcer's voice boomed across the arena, cutting through the cheers and murmurs of the crowd. "And there you have it, Demons and Monsters! Our new champion has claimed his prize! As always, viewers can exit through Gate 1 and Gate 2. Stay tuned for the announcements about next season's fight—who knows what surprises await us next time!"
The crowd's reaction was mixed. Some cheered loudly for the new champion, while others voiced their displeasure, shouting at the announcer for not showing the rewards they had expected. "We want to see the prize!" someone yelled from the stands, echoed by others who felt cheated out of the spectacle they were promised.
The announcer’s tone turned firm, trying to manage the growing dissatisfaction. "Patience, patience! Our champion's journey is far from over, but for now, the show must end! Please exit through Gate 1 or Gate 2. We appreciate your enthusiasm, and trust me, next season will be even more thrilling!"
Despite the grumbling from the audience, the crowd slowly began to disperse, some still casting curious or frustrated glances back at the arena. Meanwhile, Magnus, Cedric, and Tristan remained on the arena floor, their senses still heightened from the battle. The energy from the pendant and bracelets continued to hum through Magnus, making him aware of the power that had now become a part of him.
Magnus turned to his friends, seeing the weariness in their eyes, but also a shared understanding. They had survived, and whatever came next, they would face it together.
"Meet me in the preparation hall," the announcer's voice echoed through the arena. The three men exchanged weary glances before making their way back into the long hallway lined with rooms. Their steps were slow, the exhaustion from the intense battle weighing heavily on them.
As they walked, Cedric spotted a familiar figure. "Tristan! Magnus! Cedric!" Elysia's voice called out, carrying with it a mix of relief and urgency. She was holding Liora in her arms, and beside her were a few guards and a small, chubby cat with an air of authority.
"Hello!" the cat greeted them, his tone surprisingly chipper. "You sure made for an impressive fight, big guy," he continued, looking at Magnus. Cedric’s eyes narrowed as he recognized the voice—it was the same one that had been narrating the fight. The announcer.
The cat’s whiskers twitched as he continued, "Well then, if you want to rest, you have the biggest room at the end of the hall. You also have access to luxury meals, a massive bathroom, and—"
"What are you talking about?" Magnus cut him off, his tone sharp.
The cat blinked up at him, seemingly unperturbed. "The champion's benefits, of course. Since you've won, you're the new champion. Or, if you prefer to rest somewhere else and come back later, I don't mind that either."
Magnus looked taken aback. "Hold on a minute, I didn’t come here to stay. We’re just passing through."
The cat’s eyes narrowed in realization. "Then why did you register for the figh—oh, Felix, that sly snake!" the cat exclaimed, realization dawning on his round face. "No wonder you all were sleeping! Well, since you killed instead of knocking out my champion, how about we negotiate a contract?" The cat’s voice turned almost pleading, but Magnus cut him off with a firm shake of his head.
"Just give us the prize and we'll be on our way," Magnus said resolutely.
The cat purred softly, his tail flicking with irritation. "Purr, well, I'm going to lose a lot of money because of those two! Hey, big guy! You're planning to travel, right? If you find them, please hit them a few times for me."
Magnus nodded, his thoughts already drifting to this "Felix" and the mess that had landed them in this arena. He needed to have a word with this so-called friend.
Just then, Cedric's legs buckled, and he fell to his knees. Tristan was quick to react, grabbing hold of him, while Elysia rushed forward to help.
"Cedric!" Elysia exclaimed, her voice tinged with concern as she knelt beside him. Cedric’s face was pale, his body trembling with exhaustion. The adrenaline that had fueled him through the fight was finally wearing off, leaving him utterly drained.
"I’m… I’m fine," Cedric managed to say through gritted teeth, though it was clear he was anything but.
Elysia placed a hand on his forehead, her expression softening. "You’ve pushed yourself too far. We need to get you some rest."
The cat watched the scene unfold with an almost bored expression. "I suppose the offer of a luxury room doesn’t sound too bad now, does it?" he mused aloud.
Tristan shot him a glare but didn’t respond. Instead, he and Magnus carefully lifted Cedric to his feet, supporting him between them as they headed toward the room at the end of the hall.
Inside the room, Cedric was carefully placed on one of the massive beds, its plush surface sinking slightly under his weight. The room itself was a picture of luxury, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and walls draped in rich fabrics. A grand chandelier hung overhead, casting a soft, warm light that made the gold accents on the furniture gleam. There were multiple beds, each large enough to accommodate more than one person comfortably, along with a generous seating area filled with plush sofas and armchairs. Various other amenities were scattered around—ornate dressers, a large mirror, and a table laden with fruit and refreshments.
Elysia immediately began tending to Cedric, her hands glowing softly as she used her power to ease his pain and replenish his energy. The strain on her face showed her concern, but she worked diligently, murmuring soothing words as she did so.
Meanwhile, Tristan and Magnus sank into one of the luxurious sofas, their bodies finally able to relax after the harrowing events of the day. The chubby cat who had greeted them earlier settled himself on a small leg rest cushion directly in front of them, his large eyes observing them with curiosity.
The silence in the room was thick, the three of them exchanging glances that carried a mix of weariness and unspoken questions. Finally, the cat seemed to realize the tension in the air. "Ah! Where are my manners? I never gave you a proper greeting," he said, hopping onto the table with surprising grace for his size. "My name is Thranak. I'm the one managing this arena, including all the rewards." He paused to lick his paw delicately before continuing.
"Magnus," Magnus replied simply, his tone still laced with lingering frustration.
"My name’s Tristan," Tristan added, offering a small nod of acknowledgment.
Thranak’s ears perked up. "So, if you’re not planning to stay here, do you have anything in mind for your rewards?" he asked, his tone businesslike yet oddly cheerful.
Tristan thought for a moment before replying, "We had a wagon… Most of our supplies and money were in it. Can we get that back?"
Thranak tilted his head thoughtfully, his whiskers twitching. "Ah, I didn’t see any wagon when you were brought in. Felix dropped you off, said you’d signed up for the fight but had a bit of a party last night and couldn’t wake up. Asked for compensation for bringing you here, but no wagon or anything came with you."
Tristan and Magnus exchanged worried glances. Losing most of their supplies meant losing a significant portion of their means for survival. The tension between them grew, but before it could escalate, Tristan took a deep breath and asked, "Could we get another wagon and some of the winnings?"
Thranak nodded, a soft purr rumbling from his chest. "Of course, you gave the viewers an impressive and thrilling fight today. I can arrange a wagon for you and ensure it’s well-stocked with the essentials. Consider it a reward for entertaining my patrons."
Relief washed over Tristan, and he let out a long sigh. At least some of their needs would be met, even if they had to start over in other areas.
"Well, if there’s nothing else, I’ll get started on preparing your rewards," Thranak said as he hopped down from the table. "Feel free to rest here for today. And if you reconsider my offer," he added with a sly wink at Magnus, "I’ll be in my office." With that, Thranak exited the room, his small, chubby tail managing to close the door behind him with a delicate flick.
"Well, I suppose we can rest for a while," Magnus said to Tristan, grabbing an apple from the tray on the table and taking a big bite.
"I think so, yeah," Tristan replied, his voice heavy with exhaustion. He got up, made himself a drink from the nearby table, and then brought one over to Elysia. She accepted it with a grateful nod before returning her focus to Cedric.
Meanwhile, Liora climbed onto the sofa beside Magnus. Seeing her reach for something, he picked up a banana and handed it to her with a small smile. "Here you go, little one."
As they all settled into a brief moment of peace, Elysia noticed a subtle movement beneath Cedric’s shirt. Curious, she leaned closer for a better look, and to her surprise, a small, glowing blue fox suddenly flew out from beneath the fabric. "What is that?" Elysia exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise as the fox hovered protectively near Cedric.
"Mew!" the fox let out a soft noise, catching everyone’s attention.
"What’s it saying?" Tristan asked, frowning slightly as he tried to interpret the creature's intentions. None of them seemed to understand what the fox wanted.
"Is it hungry?" Magnus suggested, offering the fox a piece of fruit.
"Mew! Mew!" The fox shook its head and refused to nibble on the fruit, instead cuddling itself closer to Cedric, as if seeking comfort. "Maybe it’s worried about Cedric?" Tristan mused, watching the little creature’s concerned behavior.
The fox seemed to notice Elysia’s glowing hand on Cedric’s chest. With a determined little push, it nudged her hand toward Cedric’s injured arm. "You want me to heal his arm first?" Elysia asked, trying to gauge the fox’s intent.
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"Mew!" the fox responded, its small eyes focused on Cedric’s injured limb.
Though unsure, Elysia decided to follow the fox’s apparent wishes. She began channeling her healing magic into Cedric’s arm, watching as the blue glow from her hand slowly mended the damaged bone and tissue. The little fox seemed to relax a bit, its anxious hovering calming as it settled down near Cedric.
"I guess he made a new friend while separated from us," Magnus remarked, sitting back down next to Liora. He glanced at the fox with mild curiosity before letting out a long yawn. "Well, if you don’t mind, I’m going to take a nap for a while," he added, closing his eyes and leaning back into the sofa.
The room grew quieter, the only sounds being the crackling of the fire and the faint, soothing hum of Elysia’s healing magic. For now, they were safe, and for the first time in what felt like ages, they could all take a moment to breathe.
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“Ugh,” Cedric groaned as he woke up the next morning. His arm still throbbed with pain, but he noticed it felt significantly better. A splint and bandage were now wrapped around it, holding it securely in place. He attempted to sit up, only to realize that Faylinn was curled up on his chest, her small body rising and falling gently with his breathing. As he moved, she stirred and immediately cuddled against his face.
“Hey, Fay,” Cedric said softly, smiling at the little fox. It was clear she had been worried about him.
He looked around the room, taking in the sight of his friends slumbering peacefully. Tristan and Magnus were sprawled on the sofa, while Elysia and Liora were asleep on the other bed next to his. The luxurious surroundings of the room seemed almost out of place after everything they had been through, but for now, it was a welcome respite.
“Mew?” Faylinn greeted him, her small, curious eyes watching him closely.
“That’s right, Fay,” Cedric nodded at her. “These are my friends.”
Faylinn fluttered around the room, her excitement evident now that Cedric was awake. She hovered near Elysia’s pouch, sniffing curiously at the contents inside. “Mew, mew?” she asked Cedric, tilting her head inquisitively.
“The plants in the woman’s pouch?” Cedric repeated, glancing at the pouch hanging from Elysia’s belt. “Probably some spices and drink mixtures. Elysia often brews drinks for us.” He gestured to each of his friends in turn, introducing them to Faylinn. “That’s Tristan, the big guy over there is Magnus, and Elysia is the one sleeping next to Liora. They’re my friends, Fay.”
“Umm,” Magnus mumbled as he stirred from his sleep, stretching his arms and letting out a big yawn. He blinked sleepily at Cedric. “You look a lot better now,” he greeted him.
“Hey, Magnus,” Cedric replied “Anything happened while I was out?”
Magnus rubbed his eyes and sat up, still looking a bit groggy. “We were trying to find your whereabouts, but then someone put us to sleep, and we ended up here. The rest… you can probably guess,” he explained. “Also, apparently Thranak, the cat that manages this arena, is preparing a wagon and some supplies for us.”
“What about you? Where were you?” Magnus asked, his tone curious as he handed Cedric a drink.
Cedric took a sip before launching into his tale. He recounted how he had ended up in the forest, the escape from the strange creatures in the cave who claimed he was their "savior" and how he had met Faylinn. He described the intense fight with the dragon, the struggle to survive, and how it had left his arm in such a bad state.
Magnus listened intently, nodding along. “Seems like you’ve been through a lot. That explains why your arm was so messed up!” He clapped Cedric on the back, a gesture meant to cheer him up. “Well, congratulations on the dragon slaying, Sir Cedric,” Magnus teased with a grin.
Cedric chuckled, appreciating the lighthearted moment. “Much appreciated, coming from the champion himself.”
But the mention of the arena brought a more serious question to Cedric’s mind. “And the previous champion, was that Garrick?”
Magnus’s expression darkened slightly as he shook his head. “No, that was Floyd. He wasn’t as much of a prick as Garrick, but he wasn’t a good person either.” He paused, a shadow crossing his face. “But he’s dead now, so you don’t have to worry about it.”
Faylinn hovered around Magnus, her curious eyes taking in every detail of the big man. She seemed particularly interested in his size compared to her own small stature. Magnus chuckled, watching the tiny blue fox examine him. “So this little thing is Faylinn,” he said, extending a hand toward her slowly. “She seems to have quite a bit of power despite her small size.”
Faylinn hesitated for a moment, then tentatively nudged Magnus's hand with her nose, earning a soft laugh from him. The rest of the team began to stir, waking up one by one. They greeted each other with tired but relieved smiles, the weight of recent battles still evident in their expressions, but a sense of camaraderie filling the room.
Breakfast was a simple affair, with everyone gathered around the luxurious room's table, sharing the food provided. Cedric took a moment to feed Faylinn, holding out small pieces of fruit for her. She mewed softly, her voice filled with gratitude as she communicated with Cedric in her unique way.
The team watched the interaction, fascinated by the bond Cedric and Faylinn seemed to share. “You understand what she’s saying?” Tristan asked, leaning forward with interest.
Cedric nodded, a small smile on his face. “I can’t explain it, but somehow I do. She’s been a good companion.”
Liora, who had been watching Faylinn intently, finally spoke up, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Can I pet her, Mister Cedric?”
Cedric glanced at Faylinn, who seemed to consider the request before letting out a soft, agreeable mew. “She says it’s okay,” Cedric replied, gently guiding Liora’s hand towards Faylinn.
Liora’s face lit up with excitement as she carefully reached out, her small hand brushing against Faylinn’s soft fur. The little fox closed her eyes, clearly enjoying the gentle touch. “She’s so soft!” Liora exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.
Magnus, watching the scene, couldn’t help but smile. “Looks like Faylinn’s already part of the team.”
Tristan chuckled, nodding in agreement. “She fits right in.”
As they continued their breakfast, the group engaged in light-hearted conversation, sharing stories and memories of their past adventures. The atmosphere in the room was warm and comforting, a stark contrast to the harsh battles they had faced recently. It was a rare moment of peace, and they all savored it, knowing that such moments were few and far between in their journey.
At one point, Elysia excused herself and moved to a small table on the side of the room and began preparing drinks for everyone, her movements calm and methodical as she mixed a few ingredients together.
After a few moments, she returned to the main table, carrying a tray with several cups filled with a warm, fragrant brew. "I made something for everyone," she said with a casual smile, setting the cups down in front of each of them. "It’s a simple brew, good for your health."
Cedric accepted his cup with a nod of thanks. "Thanks, Elysia" he said, bringing the cup to his lips. The drink was warm and soothing, with a rich, earthy flavor that left a pleasant warmth spreading through his body.
Magnus and Tristan also took their cups, exchanging a few words of appreciation as they sipped the drink. The conversation flowed easily as they continued sharing stories, laughter filling the room as they enjoyed their breakfast together.
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A moment later, the group emerged from the room, satisfied and ready to resume their journey. Their spirits were higher, and their bodies were rested after the much-needed respite. They made their way to the exit gate, where Thranak was waiting for them with a sizeable wooden wagon, loaded with supplies.
Thranak greeted them with his usual charming smile, gesturing to the wagon with a flourish. "Here it is, as promised—a wagon embedded with Tree Stone from the Sylvan Enclave and Molten Stone from the Bloodfang Clan. You can be sure of its durability, no matter what you face on your journey."
Tristan looked at the wagon with appreciation, nodding in approval. "Thank you, Thranak. This will help us more than you know."
Thranak waved a paw dismissively. "No need for thanks. Just doing my part. But if you ever find yourselves in the area again, do drop by. The arena could always use fighters of your caliber."
He then turned his attention to Magnus, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "And you, big guy, still not interested in my offer?"
Magnus shook his head with a firm smile. "No thanks. We’ve got our own path to follow."
Thranak sighed theatrically. "Well, good luck to you humans, then. And if you happen to run into Felix, be sure to give him my…gratitude." His tone carried a hint of sarcasm, and a mischievous grin spread across his face.
With that, Thranak stepped aside, allowing them to board the wagon. The group climbed aboard, Tristan taking the reins as Magnus and Cedric settled in with their supplies. Faylinn hovered around the wagon, her bright blue glow contrasting with the earthy tones of the wooden structure.
As they began their journey, the arena's gates closed behind them, and the familiar sounds of the bustling arena faded into the distance. They were on the road once more, their destination uncertain, but their resolve stronger than ever.
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Fortunately, the arena was not too far from human territory. After a few days of travel, they arrived at the forest marked on their map, now able to continue their journey toward the port city. The path had taken them through dense forests, over rolling hills, and across rocky roads. The wagon, sturdy and well-crafted, navigated the terrain with ease, its enchanted wheels absorbing the bumps and jolts of the rough landscape. The sound of the wagon's wooden wheels creaking was a constant companion, mingling with the rustling of leaves and the occasional call of distant wildlife.
They traveled under a canopy of towering trees, their branches forming a natural archway above the road. As the sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, the forest seemed alive with the whisper of the wind and the murmur of unseen creatures. Occasionally, the path would lead them out of the woods, revealing vast stretches of grassy hills, the wagon’s wheels crunching over loose gravel as they descended into valleys and climbed steep inclines. The journey was both arduous and peaceful, the beauty of the landscape a stark contrast to the battles they had recently endured.
As they traveled along the rugged path, Tristan's thoughts wandered back to the swirling lights that had engulfed them after the incident at the manor. The memory was vivid—falling through that chaotic void, desperately trying to hold onto something tangible while the world shifted around them. It was unlike anything he had ever experienced, and he knew that Cedric was at the center of it all. Cedric’s powers were beyond anything Tristan could fully comprehend, and it was clear that they were tied to a greater purpose, one that transcended the immediate dangers they faced.
Tristan turned to Cedric, who was sitting beside him on the wagon’s front seat. “Cedric,” Tristan began, breaking the comfortable silence, “after all of this is over, have you thought about staying in the capital? I could offer you a position if you’re interested. You’ve done so much; it’s the least I can do.”
Cedric shook his head, a small, wistful smile playing on his lips. “I appreciate the offer, Tristan, but I probably won’t stay. There’s always another place I need to be.”
Tristan raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Another place? What do you mean?”
Cedric’s gaze drifted toward the horizon, his expression thoughtful. “I’ve been to many places, Tristan. Helping people, guiding them, fighting for them. I’ve been… tasked, I suppose, to help them. It’s not something I can easily explain, but it’s what I do.”
Tristan thought back to the swirling lights, the desperate moments when they were all spinning out of control, and how Cedric had been the one to try to anchor them to safety. He had always sensed that Cedric possessed something extraordinary, a duty or a purpose that went beyond anything he could fully grasp. It was clear that Cedric’s path was not one that could be confined to a single place or position. Sensing the weight of Cedric’s words, Tristan decided to shift the conversation.
“So, where did you start? What was your past like?” Tristan asked, trying to learn more about the enigmatic man beside him.
Cedric hesitated for a moment before sharing stories of the people he had met. He spoke of a man who had accidentally become a duke, accompanied by a sarcastic, talking cat. He told of a girl he had helped escape from a deadly banquet. He recounted the tale of a troubled king, burdened by the weight of his crown, and the many others whose lives had intersected with his own.
But when the conversation turned to Cedric himself, he seemed to struggle, his words faltering as if there was something holding him back. It was as if he wanted to share more, to reveal the truth about himself, but an invisible barrier prevented him from doing so. Tristan noticed the hesitation and decided not to press further. Whatever Cedric was carrying, it was something he would share in his own time, if ever.
Instead, they allowed the conversation to drift into lighter topics, sharing tales of their adventures and the camaraderie that had formed between them.
After several hours of travel, the sun began its slow descent beyond the horizon, casting long shadows across the dense forest. The wagon creaked as it rolled over the uneven terrain, and a thick fog started to rise from the forest floor, winding its way through the trees like ghostly tendrils. The visibility grew worse with each passing minute, making it increasingly difficult to see the path ahead.
Magnus and Tristan, who were driving the wagon, exchanged concerned glances as they studied the map. According to their calculations, it would take a few more days of heading north before they could leave this forest behind.
“We should find a place to rest for the night,” Tristan suggested, scanning the surrounding trees for any sign of an open area suitable for camping. The fog swirled around them, obscuring their view and making the already dense forest feel even more oppressive.
Just as Tristan was about to suggest continuing a bit further, a faint light flickered at the edge of his vision. He turned his head quickly, focusing on the glow that seemed to cut through the fog. “Wait… do you see that?” he asked, pointing toward the light.
Magnus narrowed his eyes, then nodded. “Looks like a village. Let’s check it out.”
They carefully guided the wagon toward the light, their hearts lifting slightly at the prospect of finding shelter. As they approached, the outline of a small village came into view. The houses were modest, their wooden walls weathered by time. Despite the relief of finding civilization, there was an unsettling stillness to the place. No one was out, and the village seemed eerily quiet, as though its inhabitants were in a deep slumber.
Tristan brought the wagon to a stop in the middle of the village and glanced around, noticing that all the houses were dark, save for one—a small, old building that looked like an orphanage. The warm glow of a lantern spilled out from the windows, casting long shadows across the cobblestone path.
“Maybe they’re all asleep,” Tristan mused, but the lack of any movement made him uneasy.
With a cautious glance at Magnus, Tristan approached the orphanage and knocked on the door. The sound echoed in the quiet night, and for a few moments, there was no response. Just as Tristan was about to knock again, the door creaked open, revealing an elderly woman with kind eyes and a warm smile.
“Yes?” she asked, her voice soft but welcoming.
Tristan cleared his throat, trying to shake off the unease he felt. “We’re travelers, and we were hoping to stay here for the night. We saw the light from your village and thought it would be a safe place to rest.”
The woman’s smile widened, and she seemed genuinely pleased to see them. “New faces are always welcome here. My name is Sibylia, and I take care of the children in this village. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like, son.”
Relieved, Tristan returned the smile and nodded. “Thank you, Sister Sibylia. We appreciate your hospitality.”
Sibylia opened the door wider, gesturing for him to come inside. Tristan turned back to Magnus, who was already helping to set up the wagon near the orphanage. With the wagon secured, the group made their way into the warm interior of the orphanage, where the scent of a home-cooked meal lingered in the air.
Despite the welcoming atmosphere, Tristan couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about the place. The children were all well-behaved, their eyes bright with curiosity as they watched the newcomers, especially Liora, who seemed to captivate their attention. But there was an undercurrent of something… strange.
As they sat down for dinner in the large dining room, filled with the sounds of chattering children, Tristan leaned over to Cedric and whispered, “Keep your guard up. Something doesn’t feel right.”
Cedric nodded subtly, his senses already on high alert. Faylinn, who had been resting quietly in Cedric’s shirt, suddenly stirred. The little blue fox poked her head out, her glowing eyes wide as she scanned the room. Cedric could feel her unease, a subtle tension in the way she clung to him, her soft fur bristling slightly.
“What is it, Fay?” Cedric whispered, his voice low so as not to draw attention. Faylinn let out a faint mew, a sound that conveyed her discomfort. She nestled closer to Cedric, her tiny body trembling with anxiety.
Cedric gently patted her head, trying to soothe her. “I feel it too,” he murmured. Faylinn’s ability to sense danger had proven invaluable before, and he trusted her instincts. The sense of unease that had been nagging at him since they arrived now felt more tangible, more urgent.
The feeling only grew as the night went on. Sister Sibylia was attentive and kind, ensuring that everyone was comfortable and well-fed, but the weight in the air was impossible to ignore. Faylinn remained alert, her eyes darting around the room, never fully relaxing.
After dinner, they were shown to a spacious room where they could rest for the night. The beds were comfortable, and the warmth of the room was inviting, but Cedric found it difficult to relax. The unease gnawed at him, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched.
Faylinn, usually the first to fall asleep curled up by Cedric’s side, stayed awake, her gaze fixed on the door. Her unease mirrored Cedric’s own, making it even harder for him to let his guard down.
As he lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, Cedric couldn’t help but wonder what secrets this quiet village held. And as sleep finally claimed him, his last conscious thought was that he needed to be ready for whatever might come next.