Revival Of Stars

17 | Auden's Affair

CHAPTER 17
•••

The ringing and pulsing beat of the party slowly fell into a soft hush as Dawn led the three further down the streets of The Inner. The music was barely audible; it was muffled, like hearing a blurry voice underwater, ears plugged and useless. Bursts of vibrant colors, feasts, outfits, and people morphed into that of a dull, murky, reticent ambience. And dark brown bricked buildings stood tall and silent, juxtaposing with the bright colors bouncing off the walls in the party-area.

As they continued to walk, questions roamed through Oran's head. "How is it so quiet here?" He couldn't help but inquire. "Back at the party, everything was loud—to the point where it could reach all corners of The Inner."

In front of them, Dawn walked fluidly, her steps smooth and fast. She barely casted a look towards him when she answered. "Witches. The Hum spell."

"Hum spell?"

"Precisely."

"It masks the noise within?"

"Yes. Some people need to sleep in other sections of the town."

"Interesting." He then recalled the words on the pages from Raya's bookshelf, noting about spells. "The witches—they must be the ones who are veiling The Inner. With the fog, it cloaks all the entrances in here. How is that?"

"Hmm."

"Well?"

Dawn stopped walking and turned her head, revealing two sharp-like daggers narrowing at the inquisitive boy. "Do you normally ask so many questions?"

Hiding behind a mask of composure, Oran stared back unwaveringly. "This secret town was just exposed to me. I'd like to know of its origins and how it works."

Lance sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. I just want to get to the damn RRR already and get it over with.

Slowly, a tight smile spread across Dawn's face as she stared at Oran's all-serious visage. "You're cute."

He wasn't expecting that. Oran stood still, appalled. Thankfully, he didn't have to think too long before she spun around and continued forward, her fickle face reverting back to a bored, blank expression.

They slowly followed her again.

"Hey," Oran whispered to Etta, who was currently staring wide-eyed at every passing scenery, lost in her own vacuum of a mind. "Do you know who she is exactly?" he asked, eyeing Dawn in front of them.

Upon hearing his question, Etta reluctantly tore her gaze from one of the buildings and turned. Her brows knitted together, and a guilty expression suddenly flooded her face. "I'm pretty sure she's the...hunter Great Raya was referring to before we fell down the tunnel," she whispered in reply.

"The one who she said not to encounter at all cost?"

"...Yep."

Lance couldn't help but glower from the side. "Why the hell are we following her then?"

Etta laughed nervously. "I mean..."