The Time Keeper

Chapter 22 - A Sudden Task

I couldn't help but facepalm. Was Caius really joking in a situation such as this?

I gave Caius a stern look. "This is not the time for jokes," I said, my voice filled with worry. "Who could have done this? Why would someone break into your place and tie you up?"

Caius rubbed his wrists, looking a little sheepish. "Sorry, I couldn't resist," he said, his voice muffled from being gagged. "I was just getting back from an evening walk when I heard a noise inside. I came in to investigate, and before I knew it, someone attacked me from behind and tied me up. I didn't get a good look at their faces either."

I helped Caius to his feet, and we both looked around the house. The place was a mess, with broken glass, scattered papers, and overturned furniture. It looked like whoever broke in was searching for something, but what they were after was unclear.

"Nothing looks to be missing, why would they break in and leave without taking anything at all? It just seems odd," Caius exclaimed.

"Maybe they didn't find what they were looking for?" That would make sense if they were looking for me or the brooch in my possession, but I can't confirm it. If they didn't get what they came for, they would likely be back soon enough. I should move as soon as I can.

Caius sighed with his hands behind his head looking across the messy hallway. "Maybe I'm just being paranoid. A regular break-in isn't out of the ordinary around these parts of town." He looked up at my pondering face, "Why don't we just clean up for now, it's getting late."

I nodded and started to help clean up the mess made up of glass, papers and overthrown furniture. I should tell Darius about this tomorrow, it could be linked to whoever he was trying to hide me from the day I joined the Huntsmen.

As we worked to clean up, I couldn't help but feel uneasy. I had a feeling that this break-in was not just a coincidence, especially with everything that had been happening lately. I made a mental note to be more cautious and keep my guard up.

Once we finished cleaning up, having dinner and making sure the doors were properly locked, we both retired to our respective rooms. I lay in bed, trying to piece together the events of the day. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was happening, something much greater than it seemed.

The next morning, I woke up early, feeling restless. I got dressed in my black suit with the sash and headed via carriage to the Den to talk to Darius about the break-in.

As I arrived at the Den, I noticed that Jean wasn't in his usual spot. Fleur was at the meeting table, poring over some documents with a serious expression on her face. I approached her, and she looked up, acknowledging my presence. Before I could ask if Darius was in, she spoke up.

"Elias, there's been a last-minute mission," Fleur said without wasting any time. "You're coming with me and we're leaving right away."

I was taken aback by the suddenness of it all. "What mission? What's going on?" I asked, trying to wrap my head around the situation.

"I'll explain on the way," she said as she grabbed her things and walked past me to the door. "Go get your uniform on and meet me outside. I've already got a carriage ready for us."

I quickly nodded, although confused. I rushed to put on my Huntsmen uniform—the black suit, gloves and shin-high boots. I then joined Fleur outside where the carriage was waiting, the horses impatiently pawing at the ground.

Where were Darius, Lucas, and Jean? Were they on their own missions? I mean, Lucas was probably just late but the others are usually there before me. This made things annoying, I wouldn't be able to let Darius know about last night until later.