The Villainess' Mischief (Fate's Transgression Series, #6)

TVM 20: Without Warning

CHAPTER 20:
Without Warning

OMNISCIENT POINT OF VIEW

The quiet of the night was shattered by the faint creak of the inn’s door, slowly opening. The only sounds that followed were the rustling of leaves outside, the distant hum of the city, and the soft shuffle of footsteps. Nux, standing firm, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, narrowed his gaze at the darkened figure in the doorway. His body was tense, waiting.

On the other side of the room, Pyra stood in the shadows, her fingers gripping the gems tightly, her breath held in anticipation. The unease she’d felt all day had only grown since they’d entered the inn, and now, as she watched the figure cautiously move further into the dimly lit room, it was clear that something was off.

The figure stepped forward, their silhouette barely visible against the darkness of the hallway. A slight glimmer of moonlight caught the edges of their features, revealing a face that was neither human nor beast. There was an ethereal quality to them, and the faint shimmer of ether power swirled around them like an invisible cloak.

"Who are you?" Nux’s voice was low, demanding, but not without a dangerous calm. He wasn’t one to give a warning twice, and Pyra could feel the gravity of the situation building with every passing second.

The figure didn’t speak at first, their eyes scanning the room with an intensity that sent a chill down Pyra’s spine. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they spoke in a soft, almost melodic tone.

“You’re far from where you need to be.”

Nux took a slow step forward, his eyes not leaving the figure for a moment. “And what does that mean?”

The figure’s lips curled into a faint smile, almost like a knowing smirk. “The path you walk… is not your own. You carry more than just gems, Pyra Veronica Eldridge. The weight of this quest is not something you can bear alone.”

Pyra tensed at the mention of her name, her heart skipping a beat. How did they know her? And how did they know about the quest? She felt a shiver creep up her spine, her instincts screaming that this was no ordinary traveler.

“I don’t know what you want, but I suggest you leave,” Nux said, his grip tightening around the hilt of his sword.

“Now.”

The figure’s smile faded, replaced by an unreadable expression. They tilted their head to the side, as if studying Nux, and then slowly stepped back into the shadows.

“Perhaps you’ll understand soon enough,” the figure murmured, their voice fading as they retreated into the darkness. “But the answers you seek are not in this realm.”

Before either of them could react, the figure was gone, slipping away without another word.

Nux exhaled slowly, his stance loosening but his vigilance never waning. He glanced at Pyra, who had yet to speak. Her eyes were wide, her breath still shallow, but her gaze was fixed on the door.

“That was...” she trailed off, trying to find the words. “Who were they?”

Nux didn’t answer immediately. He stepped toward the door, checking the hallway outside with a quick glance, but finding nothing. The figure had disappeared without a trace, leaving only the lingering feeling of their presence.

“Someone who knows more than they’re letting on,” Nux replied, his tone hard and grim. “But we don’t have time to figure it out now.”

He moved back to the bed, his expression still thoughtful. Pyra stood there for a moment, processing what had just happened. The weight of their quest felt heavier now—more ominous. She could feel the weight of those words pressing down on her, mingling with the questions that had been plaguing her since the start of their journey.