Legacy of The Enchanted

The Price of Worthlessness

(Taryn's P.O.V.)

As we arrived in Mystral Point, the town was vibrant with life. The sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the bustling streets filled with fishermen preparing their boats, vendors hawking their goods, and children darting between stalls. The salty air carried the scent of the sea and the sound of distant waves crashing against the shore. Despite the lively atmosphere, I couldn't shake the unease gnawing at my insides. The stares from the townsfolk were intense, their eyes lingering on us with suspicion and curiosity.

Alex led our small group, her posture regal and expression cool as she absorbed the surroundings with calculated calm. She was in her element, her royal blue gown billowing behind her as she dismounted her horse with practiced grace. Roan followed her lead, his sword strapped securely to his back, his eyes scanning the area for potential threats. Archer and I exchanged a glance, both of us on edge. Something about this town felt off, despite its outward charm.

As we approached the inn, the murmur of conversation inside abruptly died down, and all eyes turned toward us. The innkeeper, a large, burly man with a scowl etched into his weathered face, stood behind the counter, his dark eyes narrowing as Alex approached.

"Good day, sir," Alex began with a polite but firm smile. "We'd like to purchase a room for the night."

The innkeeper's eyes flicked over her, lingering on her daggers, then moving to the rest of us. His lips twisted into a sneer. "One room, eh? You're traveling light for a lady of your stature."

"Actually, we'll need two rooms," I cut in, stepping forward before Alex could speak. I caught the flicker of irritation in her eyes but ignored it. 

The innkeeper's eyes darkened as they landed on me, his lips curling into a sneer of pure disdain. He looked at me as if I were something vile stuck to the bottom of his boot. His gaze was cold, filled with a hatred that sent a shiver down my spine. "Well, well," he drawled, his voice low and dripping with malice. "A filthy little elf, daring to speak up. Don't you know your place, girl?"

My mouth went dry, but I held my ground. "There are four of us," I said, trembling slightly but firm. "We need two rooms."

The innkeeper's sneer deepened, his eyes gleaming with a sick kind of pleasure. "Two rooms? For your kind? What a waste." He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, meant only for me. "You should be grateful for any scraps you get, elf. Maybe if you beg, I'll let you sleep in the stable, where you belong."

I tried to hold my ground, but fear gripped me tightly. The innkeeper's hand shot out, gripping my chin roughly and forcing me to look into his cold, hate-filled eyes. "You think you can come in here, demand things like you're somebody? You're nothing. Less than nothing. And I'm going to enjoy teaching you that lesson."

I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened, his fingers digging into my skin. "You're going to learn your place, bitch," he hissed, his breath hot and foul against my face. "And I'm going to make sure you never forget it."

He released me suddenly, shoving me backward, and before I could react, his hand cracked across my face with a force that sent me sprawling to the ground. Pain exploded in my cheek, stars dancing in my vision. I tasted blood, my head spinning as I struggled to push myself up.

The innkeeper loomed over me, a twisted smile on his face as he spat on me, the wetness landing on my cheek, mixing with my blood. "See?" he sneered, his voice full of sick satisfaction. "That's where you belong."

I could barely breathe, the humiliation and fear choking me. He stepped closer, towering over me, and I could see the sick pleasure in his eyes. "You think you're special because you serve some rich human? You're still just a worthless little elf, nothing more. And don't you ever forget it."