Whims of a Quiet Dreamer

Chapter 37: Allies in the Shadows

The rain began to fall as Sithu and Jaren walked through the quiet streets, the distant roll of thunder echoing overhead. They were headed to a meeting in the back room of a bookstore that Jaren had discovered through one of his contacts. There, they hoped to find answers about the Krevathians' next move—and perhaps an ally in this increasingly dangerous fight.

Sithu adjusted her scarf as they approached the shop, her thoughts swirling. She had felt the presence of a new force in town, someone who seemed connected to Nymbrelis but shrouded in mystery. Whoever it was had sent them an anonymous message with an address and a time. It was a risk, but one they had to take if they wanted to stay ahead of the Krevathians.

Jaren pushed open the door, and they were greeted by the soft chime of a bell. The shop was small, filled with rows of dusty books and the faint smell of old paper. An elderly man behind the counter glanced up at them but said nothing, simply nodding toward a door in the back.

They exchanged a look and walked through, finding themselves in a dimly lit room. Sitting at a round table was a figure draped in a long, hooded cloak, their face obscured by shadows.

"You came," the figure said in a low, smooth voice, their accent carrying the faint lilting tone of Nymbrelis.

Sithu's hand instinctively went to her necklace, the soft glow from the pendant offering some comfort. "Who are you?" she asked, stepping forward cautiously.

The figure pulled back their hood, revealing the face of a woman with sharp, ethereal features. Her silver eyes glinted in the dim light, and Sithu felt an immediate kinship—a recognition that this woman, like her, was not from Earth.

"My name is Kaelin," the woman said, her gaze steady. "I've been sent by the Queen to help those of us fighting on Earth. I know about the Krevathians and their plans."

Jaren crossed his arms, his tone skeptical. "And why should we trust you?"

Kaelin's lips curved into a small smile. "Because I have no reason to lie. And because time is running out."

Sithu could feel the truth in her words, but she still had questions. "What do you know about the Krevathians' plans? Why are they focusing on our town?"

Kaelin leaned forward, her voice lowering to a near whisper. "The Krevathians have grown more desperate. They know they're losing their grip, especially in places where people like you are fighting back. But they've also realized that the Nymbrelins raised on Earth are their biggest threat—because you understand both worlds. You've built connections here that they can't break easily."

She glanced between Sithu and Jaren. "They're planning a coordinated attack. It won't be random, like the skirmishes you've faced so far. They're targeting the strongest opponents—those who've already started to weaken their influence."

Sithu felt a chill run down her spine. "So they're coming for us directly?"

Kaelin nodded. "They're gathering their forces, and they'll strike soon. If you're not prepared, they'll overwhelm you."

Jaren frowned, looking between Sithu and Kaelin. "We've already dealt with five Krevathians, but there are twenty-five left. How can we stop a coordinated attack with just the two of us?"

Kaelin's eyes narrowed. "You won't be alone. There are others, allies you haven't met yet. And there are ways to weaken the Krevathians before they strike."

Sithu leaned in, her heart racing. "What do we need to do?"

Kaelin's voice was grave. "First, you need to disrupt their plans. They're meeting in secret, using local leaders to spread fear and division. If you can expose those meetings and stop them from gaining more influence, you'll buy yourself time."

Jaren's eyes lit up. "I've already started gathering intel. There's a local leader who's been meeting with some unusual characters lately. It's all very hush-hush, but I can dig deeper, find out what they're planning."

"Good," Kaelin said, her voice firm. "Use whatever resources you have. Find out where they're gathering and stop them. The Krevathians thrive on chaos, but they're vulnerable when their plans fall apart."

Sithu nodded, determination hardening her resolve. "And what about you? Will you be fighting alongside us?"

Kaelin smiled faintly, her silver eyes glowing in the dim light. "I'll be nearby, watching, and helping when I can. But this is your battle, Sithu. Your sense of justice is your greatest weapon, and you'll need it more than ever in the days to come."

Jaren stood, his expression resolved. "Then we'll need to move fast. I'll start gathering more intel and figure out who's behind these secret meetings. We don't have much time."

As they left the shop, Sithu couldn't help but feel the weight of what was coming. The Krevathians were closing in, and the town was more vulnerable than ever. But with Jaren by her side and the mysterious Kaelin watching from the shadows, Sithu knew they had a chance.

The storm was approaching, but they would be ready.