*MATURE FANTASY*
Bound by fate, torn by betrayal.
Their souls are intertwined.
She is his mate, and he is hers, whether or not this is something they want.
Elara has spent her life hiding from the oppressive forces of the Light, a powerful cult th...
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As we entered the city of Daddu under the cloak of darkness, it was a relief that the sun had already set. The cover of night would hopefully afford us some anonymity as we made our way through the still bustling streets. The city was alive with whispered secrets and hidden dangers. This was not my first time in a city controlled by the Light and I knew all too well the misery that festered in its dark corners.
Leading through the maze of alleys, I sought out the nearest place to sleep, eager to find shelter for the night.
"The Stag Inn sounds cozy." Finnian nodded towards a sign hanging askew above a wooden door with light and music seeping through the crack beneath it. We made our way towards it.
Entering the warm glow of the inn's common room, I approached the keeper, a portly man with a bushy beard, and requested two rooms. His shrewd eyes studied us for a moment before nodding in agreement.
"How long do you intend to stay?" he inquired, his voice gruff but not unkind.
"Just the night." I did not want to idle any longer than necessary in this city. Elara's attention drifted through the Inn, surveying her surroundings. The closer we got to the city, the more I sensed the tension rising in her, and now, within its perimeter, unease clung to her.
"Food is in the dining hall behind me." He offered.
"Thank you." We had already eaten a measly meal while traveling. All we needed now was a place to rest.
With a nod, the innkeeper scribbled something in his ledger before handing me the keys. "Room five and six," he said, gesturing towards the staircase.
We moved up the creaking stairs in silence, the wood groaning beneath our weight. Gareth and Finnian split off with a quiet "see you tomorrow," but their eyes swept the corridor, noting every shadow and corner. None of us liked being this close to the followers of the Light.
"Finn," I murmured, my voice low. "Watch the hall for a while."
He gave a curt nod, already stepping into position. His back against the wall, arms crossed, but his gaze scanned the space, tracking every door and exit, every flicker of movement.
Once inside our room, I moved through the small space, ensuring that the space was secure while Elara waited by the door. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary and I turned to Elara, meeting her gaze.
"I can ask for some food to be brought up, if you are hungry," I said quietly. "It's best if we avoid unnecessary interaction with anyone here so no eating in the common area."
Shaking her head, no, Elara settled onto the edge of the bed, her expression guarded.
"Alright then. I am going to use the restroom." I walked to the door. "Finnian is in the hall," I said over my shoulder in warning, not wanting her to get any bright ideas of running while here.
