𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝘧𝘦𝘮!𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘹 𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘵

04 | 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬

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The village was small and unassuming, its cobbled streets winding between weathered stone buildings and wooden shacks. Smoke curled from chimneys, mingling with the earthy scent of hay and livestock. Despite the calm exterior, Roseanne felt an unease settle over her. Something here wasn't right.

Teddy clung to her hand as they walked through the main square, his eyes wide as he took in the sights. Geralt led the way, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings with practiced vigilance. Ciri trailed behind them, her steps light but purposeful, her hand never far from the hilt of her dagger.

Villagers stopped to stare as they passed, their gazes lingering on Geralt's swords and the strange family that accompanied him. Roseanne caught snippets of murmured conversations—words like "witcher," "cursed," and "strangers" spoken in hushed tones. She wrapped an arm protectively around Teddy's shoulders, ignoring the curious stares.

"Not the warmest welcome," she muttered under her breath.

"They're wary," Geralt replied without looking back. "Too many monsters, too many disappearances. Strangers are just another threat to them."

Roseanne frowned, her fingers tightening on Teddy's shoulder. She had faced her share of distrust back in her world, but this felt different—sharper, more palpable.

"Do you think they'll let us stay?" Ciri asked, her voice low.

"They will," Geralt said simply. "For the right price."

They stopped in front of the local inn, a modest building with a faded sign hanging above the door. The innkeeper, a stout man with a thick beard, eyed them warily as they approached.

"A witcher and his...companions," the man said gruffly, his eyes flicking between Roseanne and Ciri before settling on Teddy. "Don't see many families traveling with your kind."

"We need a room," Geralt said, his tone flat. "And information."

The innkeeper hesitated, his gaze lingering on Roseanne's wand, which peeked out from her cloak. "Magic users, too?" he muttered, shaking his head. "This village doesn't need more trouble."

"We're not here to cause trouble," Roseanne said, her voice firm but calm. "We just need a place to rest. We'll be gone by morning."

The man considered her words for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Fine. One room. But don't go stirring up anything."

As they entered the dimly lit inn, Roseanne let out a small sigh of relief. The room was simple but clean, with a single bed and a modest hearth. Geralt dropped his pack by the door, while Roseanne helped Teddy out of his sling, setting him gently on the bed.

"I'm hungry, Mama," Teddy said, his voice small but insistent.

"I know, love," Roseanne replied, brushing a hand through his messy hair. "Let me see what I can do."

Ciri perked up, already heading toward the door. "I'll see if there's anything worth eating downstairs."

"Be careful," Geralt called after her.

"I will!" Ciri replied with a grin, disappearing down the stairs.

Once they were alone, Geralt turned to Roseanne, his expression unreadable. "You felt it, didn't you?"

Roseanne nodded, her eyes flicking to the window. The village seemed quiet, but there was an undercurrent of something dark—like the hum of an unfinished spell or the lingering presence of a curse.

"There's something here," she said. "Something powerful. I don't know if it's a curse or a creature, but it's close."

Geralt leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "The villagers might know more. They're hiding something—they always are."

Roseanne moved to the window, her gaze scanning the village square. She could see the villagers bustling about their day, but their movements were hurried, their eyes darting to the shadows as if expecting something to emerge.

Before she could speak, the door creaked open, and Ciri returned, carrying a tray of bread, cheese, and a small jug of water.

"It's not much," she said, setting the tray on the small table. "But it's better than nothing."

Teddy scrambled off the bed, his face lighting up as he grabbed a piece of bread. Roseanne smiled, sitting beside him and helping him with the cheese.

As they ate, Geralt spoke. "We'll split up tomorrow. Roseanne, you and Ciri should talk to the villagers, see if you can get them to open up. I'll check the woods for tracks or signs of a creature."

"And what if it's not a creature?" Roseanne asked, her voice quiet.

Geralt's gaze met hers, his golden eyes sharp. "Then we deal with it. Together."

That night, as the others slept, Roseanne sat by the window, her wand resting in her lap. The village was quiet now, the only sound the faint rustle of wind through the trees. She stared out into the darkness, her mind racing with questions.

Why had she been brought to this world? Why now? And what was this force that seemed to pull her closer to danger with every step she took?

She glanced at Teddy, who was curled up beside her, his small hand clutching her cloak even in sleep. Whatever lay ahead, she would face it—for him, for Ciri, and for the strange thread of destiny that tied her to this place.

For now, all she could do was wait and prepare, knowing that the shadows held secrets she would soon be forced to uncover.

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