Eclipsed

Chapter 25

Chapter 25: A Quiet Night

Ren trudged along the dark, uneven path, his body battered and bruised. Blood seeped through the hasty bandages he’d wrapped around his wounds, and every step was agony. He pressed a trembling hand to his side, forcing himself forward. The night was silent except for the faint rustling of leaves, and the cold air stung his skin.

His mind drifted to the rendezvous point he’d agreed upon with the others. It wasn’t far now, but fatigue clawed at him. He weighed his options and decided on a shorter route that cut through a quiet village. Perhaps he could find a place to rest there, even for a moment.

As Ren entered the outskirts of the village, the faint sound of laughter caught his attention. Ahead, he saw two children—a boy no older than eleven and his younger sister, who seemed around six—playing near a large oak tree under the dim glow of the moon. Ren stopped in his tracks, watching them for a moment.

He called out, his voice hoarse but firm. "This isn’t any time for children your age to be out."

The boy froze and quickly pulled his sister close, his protective instincts kicking in. He narrowed his eyes at Ren, who was cloaked in shadow with his hood up, his katana sheathed on his back. "Are you a soldier? Here to threaten my village again?"

Ren blinked, surprised by the boy’s boldness. He shook his head. "What? No, of course not. I’m just seeking a place to stay the night."

The boy studied Ren carefully, his grip on his sister loosening slightly. Finally, he nodded. "Well, sir, there’s a lodge down that road," he said, pointing towards the village square.

Ren offered a faint smile. "Thank you," he said, his voice soft. He continued down the path, following the boy’s directions.

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When Ren reached the lodge, he pulled his hood down slightly, revealing his silver hair and crescent-moon earring. His pale complexion was marred by fresh wounds and dried blood, and his weary eyes spoke of countless battles. The man at the front desk glanced at him, eyebrows raised in slight suspicion.

Ren stepped forward and cleared his throat. "I’d like a room for the night," he said.

The man at the desk gave him a once-over before stating the price. "That’ll be five silver coins."

Ren’s hand dipped into the pouch at his waist. His fingers brushed against a few remaining coins, and he winced as he handed them over. It was all he had.

As he counted the coins, Ren’s gaze shifted outside the lodge window. A young woman, no older than twenty-five, stood there with her daughter, who looked around five. The little girl pouted, tugging at her mother’s sleeve.

"But I want the doll, Mama! Please!" the girl pleaded, pointing to a shop window where a simple doll sat on display.

The mother knelt to her daughter’s level, her face tired but kind. "I know, sweetie, but we can’t afford it right now. Maybe another time, okay?"

The girl crossed her arms, her lower lip trembling in frustration.

The cashier’s voice interrupted Ren’s thoughts. "Excuse me, sir?"

Ren snapped back to attention but quickly raised a hand. "Sorry, I’ll be back." Without waiting for a response, he stepped outside and approached the shopkeeper near the doll display.

"That doll," Ren said, pointing to it. "How much?"

The shopkeeper gave the price, and Ren hesitated. It was exactly the amount he had just spent for his room. He reached into his pouch, withdrew his remaining coins, and handed them over without a second thought.