Hunting Wolfe

Jaca

I glance around, as we walk, taking in the surroundings of Caydon's friend's house. The place radiates an intense commitment to environmentalism. Vines snake across the walls, adorned with blooming flowers of every hue. Instead of conventional carpet, a lush expanse of green grass blankets the floor. In the middle of the room, where one might expect a coffee table to reside, a sturdy tree trunk as thick as a man's arm rises from the ground. Small, vibrant birds zip through the air, exchanging cheerful melodies. An older gentleman, with features that blend seamlessly into his environment, gestures for us to sit on an ordinary looking couch. So, this is Caydon's friend? What's going on with the house? Why do I feel like I'm outside? Not wanting to seem rude, I decide to keep my questions to myself.

The older gentleman speaks, his voice a blend of warmth and curiosity, "So, what is it that you want, Caydon? I'm always glad to see an old friend, but something tells me you aren't here for a social visit." His cape mirrors Caydon's, though his hood rests against his back, revealing a face etched with history. Specks of black hair hint at the color of his youth, while the rest has surrendered to white. His tanned face bears the marks of time, wrinkles carving paths across his skin, and dark circles shadow his piercing blue eyes.

Caydon, a familiar smile tugging at his lips, answers, "Jaca, my friend, you know me too well. I am helping this young lady locate her missing brother. He was part of a human military unit."

Jaca's eyes narrow, a flicker of recognition passing through them. "I've heard tell of a human military unit on Tenebris."

"We already tried there." I say. Without glancing in my direction, Caydon holds up a hand to silence me.

"Unfortunately, there was a breach in the dome wall." Caydon lowers his hand. "One of the native creatures was allowed into the city, and we had to flee."

"Native creature? Hm. I wasn't aware such a creature existed." Jaca pauses a moment. "And you are sure it was let in?"

"Yes. The hole was too neat. Expertly cut."

"So, someone is out to kill someone else."

"Me. Someone is trying to kill me." I say. Jaca turns and wordlessly stares at me before returning his look to Caydon.

"Were the Prophets there?" he asks.

"I saw at least two." Caydon says.

"Wait. What? Where?" I ask. This time Caydon turns and glares at me before turning back to Jaca.

"Please excuse her, Jaca. She knows not of our ways."

"Keep silent." Aceon whispers in my ear.

Caydon warned me of the ways of the Prophets, before we arrived. How outsiders are not to be trusted. How they are frowned upon and only useful for collecting information. But being silent has never been my strong suit, so I sit and bite the side of my cheek to prevent myself from asking anymore questions.

Jaca's eyes narrow as he leans forward, his voice a sharp whisper. "Who do you think the target was?"

At first, Caydon's expression is tense, but he shakes his head slowly. "I thought it was the girl, but that's not our way."

He nods, agreement flickering in his gaze. "No, it isn't."

Caydon pauses, glancing around the room, a thoughtful crease on his forehead. "Now, I wonder if the target was me or perhaps all the Prophets that were present."

Jaca's lips press into a thin line as he considers Caydon's words. "That's very possible. Many fear us. But... who would be willing to risk their own life to eradicate us?"

The room falls silent, a heavy stillness that drapes over each individual. Minds churn, attempting to unravel Jaca's question. The silence stretches until Caydon finally speaks, breaking the tension.

"What about the human military?"

"Last I heard, they went to Zynet."

Caydon rises, his movements measured and deliberate. He faces Jaca and bows slightly. "Thank you, Jaca. You have given me a lot to think about. I am forever in your debt." He motions for Aceon and I to rise to our feet. We follow him back through the house, to the door. We are greeted with warm humid air as soon as the door opens.

This place radiates an otherworldly beauty, yet the sweltering heat clings to my skin like a second layer. As I glance back, thinking I heard a sound, I realize how far we've traveled - Jaca's house has long vanished from sight. Suddenly, my gaze fixes on a group of men armed with guns, emerging from around the corner of a dilapidated building, their determined strides bringing them straight towards us. My heart quickens, and without turning my head, I mutter, "Uh, guys, we have a problem."

"Yeah, I kind of noticed that," Caydon's voice rings from behind, laced with a hint of strained calmness.

Facing forward again, the stark reality hits harder as even more men materialize, their weapons trained unerringly on us. Dread seeps into my chest. "What's going on?"

Aceon, standing to my right, eyes locked on the approaching threat, responds with a grim undertone. "I have a feeling we are about to find out."