Chapter 4: Whispers in the Dark
The tavern at the heart of Ebonveil was always alive with sound—shouts over dice games, mugs slamming against tables, barmaids weaving between hunters still wearing half-broken armor.
But when Kael pushed the door open, the noise thinned like mist in winter air. Conversations faltered. Eyes slid toward him.
"That’s him."
"The abyss survivor."
"Monster in human skin."
Kael’s jaw tightened. He pulled his hood lower and walked straight through the murmurs. Shade padded beside him, growling softly at anyone who stared too long.
Kael (muttering): “Easy. We’re here to eat, not start another war.”
Shade ignored him and jumped onto the bench of an empty corner table, tail wagging expectantly. By the time Kael sat, the wolf had already stretched across half the seat like he owned the place.
Kael (grumbling): “You’ve got more confidence than I do.”
---
The tavern door opened again. This time, the noise didn’t shrink—it swelled. Hunters cheered, mugs raised.
Seraphine had entered.
Cloak brushing the floor, hair gleaming beneath lanternlight, healer’s satchel at her side—she looked like she belonged in a temple, not this rowdy den. And yet she walked with poise, ignoring whistles and waves, her amber eyes locked directly on Kael’s table.
When she sat opposite him, Kael froze mid-sip.
Kael (flat, cautious): “…Out of all the seats here, you choose this one?”
Seraphine (calm smile): “Why not? You and Shade look like you could use some civilized company.”
Shade barked happily, tail thumping the bench. He even tried to climb onto the table toward her plate when their meal arrived.
Kael (dragging him down): “Traitor. You don’t even know her.”
Seraphine (laughing lightly): “I think he likes me.”
Kael: “…He likes anyone with food.”
---
The noise of the tavern faded as they ate, their little corner oddly quiet. Kael kept his eyes on his plate, but he could feel her gaze.
At last, Seraphine leaned in, voice low enough that only he could hear.
Seraphine (soft): “Kael. Those shadows of yours… they aren’t normal, are they?”
His fork froze halfway to his mouth. Slowly, he set it down, eyes narrowing.
Kael (flat): “What exactly are you asking?”
Seraphine: “I’m saying… whatever power you gained in that dungeon, it doesn’t frighten me. Not the way it frightens them.”
For a moment, Kael couldn’t breathe. Everyone else recoiled at his presence—yet she leaned closer. Closer to the abyss.
He forced his voice steady.
Kael: “…You’re either brave or foolish.”
Seraphine (smiling faintly): “Maybe both.”
---
The moment lingered too long. Kael’s chest tightened, something strange twisting inside. He shoved it down, grabbing his mug.
Shade, apparently tired of being ignored, hopped onto the table again, stealing Kael’s bread roll.
Kael (snapping): “I swear, one day I’ll starve because of you.”
Seraphine chuckled, covering her mouth. The sound was warm, unguarded—so out of place in the dark tavern that Kael found himself staring.
He looked away quickly.
Kael (muttering): “…Annoying wolf. Annoying healer.”
But his ears burned red.
---
That night, Kael dreamt of the dungeon again. Shadows swirled around him, a voice whispering like silk and venom.
"Devour… Rise… You belong to us now."
He woke with a start, breath ragged. Shade was sprawled across his chest, snoring loudly, drool soaking his tunic.
Kael (sighing, rubbing his face): “…Perfect. Haunted by demons in my sleep, smothered by wolves in my waking. My life’s a comedy for someone.”
But when he closed his eyes again, it wasn’t the abyssal whispers he remembered—it was Seraphine’s quiet laugh.
And for some reason, it made the night less dark.
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