Chapter 6

After losing herself in her work at the desk, time seemed to slip away from Milia like sand through her fingers. It wasn't until the bright sunlight outside had dimmed to a faint glow that she realized she couldn't make out the words on the paper anymore. With a heavy sigh, she decided it was time to take a break and search for some food and candles in the dining hall.

Walking from the corridor to the dining hall's entrance, Milia was greeted by the gentle moonlight spilling onto the courtyard grass, accompanied by the soothing melody of nocturnal birds. In the distance, she noticed a dark figure moving inside the dining hall; he was attempting to escape through the window. Beyond lay a path leading to the courtyard wall and the back door. Milia, realizing she hadn't brought her sword with her, called out, "Who goes there? Stop!"

The figure paused momentarily, startled, before hastily fleeing through the window and disappearing into the night. Milia gave chase, driven by an inexplicable courage even though she lacked weaponry. This was her sanctuary, her haven, and she refused to be intimidated by intruders. Though the man vanished into the darkness, Milia remained undeterred, determined to uncover the truth behind Kenny's mysterious death.

The morning in Laurence unfolded as it always did, with sunlight piercing through the clouds, casting a golden glow over everything. Milia packed her belongings in her room, carefully stowing away her clothes and unread scrolls in a soft leather backpack. She also packed some pastries provided by Mrs. Antai for the journey ahead. After organizing her things, she slung the backpack over her shoulders and stepped out into the courtyard, feeling a pang of sadness as she closed the oak gate. Was this the last time she'd leave this beautiful home? Would she ever have the chance to return? Uncertainty clouded her thoughts. But one thing Milia knew for certain: from this moment on, she was reverting to the young, independent Milia of years past, navigating the world on her own. She had hoped she wouldn't have to return to such a nomadic life, but as fairy tales often go, endings aren't always happy.

Alec awaited her in a corner of the square. Upon seeing Milia, he nodded and led her down a secluded alleyway. Milia was grateful for Alec's assistance; without him, her investigation would stall. They briskly navigated through narrow alleys, where craftsmen were toiling away, forging and repairing weapons and harnesses. Many of the houses were small and dimly lit, some serving as storage units.

Alec brought Milia to an abandoned shed, where he had found an empty room. Inside, there was nothing except a few rickety wooden frames on the floor, barely suitable for a makeshift bed. Milia placed her leather pack on one of the frames, then glanced out the window. The area was secluded, distant from other sheds, providing the perfect hiding spot.

Milia heard the latest news from Alec. The Cheno tribe claimed their messenger had suddenly fallen ill and died, requiring them to return for burial. They also stated they would return after selecting a new leader for their tribe. Milia wasn't surprised by the news, but it hinted that the Cheno tribe had no intention of investigating the cause of their messenger's death; they just wanted to sweep it under the rug. After all, to them, the death of one messenger in their tribe might not be a significant matter.

"Did Ethan leave with them?" Milia asked.

"No, we didn't see anyone named Ethan among those who left. But we didn't make a fuss," Alec replied.

"Alright, let's see what this guy wants," Milia said, deciding to take turns following Ethan and pass him a message at the right time.

If Ethan truly was a wandering werewolf from the Riverlands, he might have many answers Milia sought. She pulled out two gold coins from her pack and handed them to Alec as bait for Ethan. After Alec left, Milia tidied up the shed. She planned to stay here for a while. To the people of Laurence, she might just be a grieving widow wandering off, not attracting much attention. But her concealment gave her an advantageous position. Hidden away, like a wounded beast catching its breath, she could observe her enemies lurking in the shadows and plan her next move. Just as she didn't believe Chief Thomas would simply abandon the massive debt and leave Laurence, Milia believed the dark hands lurking in the shadows would once again stir the mystery of Kenny's death.

A silent night, punctuated by the cawing of crows, three short, one long—the agreed signal. As she passed through an alley, Milia spotted the silent Alec standing at the corner of the stone steps. He glanced around warily, then hurried over, reaching into his pocket to pull out a small cloth bag and handed it to Milia. "We found that guy Ethan. He's been asking around about someone named Joseph. He says he can meet you near the edge of the forest, close to the Antelope Horn. He refused to take these gold coins."

"Distribute them among the brave warriors who helped me, and buy them some good wine for me," Milia said, passing the small bag back to Alec.

"The Antelope Horn is quite remote. But Ethan insists that you go alone if you want to meet him. Milia, I should accompany you. It's too dangerous," Alec urged.

Milia shook her head. For a werewolf, keeping promises was essential, and she had a peculiar feeling that Ethan wouldn't harm her. Perhaps it stemmed from Ethan's fierce yet honest gaze, distinguishing him from the truly bloodthirsty killers.

"Tonight then? To the Antelope Horn?" Milia looked up at the sky, where the clouds had cleared, leaving the moonlight bright. Alec nodded.

Milia tightened her grip on the sword at her waist and turned towards the depths of the forest. She was familiar with this forest, even though she hadn't hunted with the hunters. Branches cast mottled shadows over her head, and the low growls of unknown beasts and dark green eyes watched from unseen corners. Her steps were light on the damp moss.

Running through the woods, she felt like a teenage girl again, back to the days of wandering alone, finding solace in the wild like a creature of the forest. These woods, with their tangled roots and hidden paths, were her familiar haunts. She could smell the traces of animals that had passed through the damp air. In her hurried pace, she felt a surge of strength, as if a wild spirit was stirring within her once more.

Three hours later, Milia reached the edge of the forest, at a place called the Antelope Horn. It was a narrow valley with a towering cliff where Kenny had fallen. Milia turned her focus to the task at hand, suppressing her emotions.

The valley was quiet, but soon the clouds parted, revealing the full moon. It was the night of the full moon when werewolves would transform. Milia wasn't one of them.

She knew what she would find. Only savage beasts, devoid of reason, prowled the night in their wolf forms. Yet Milia pressed on. If Ethan or anyone else was trying to set a trap for her, she would show them she was more than just the chief's wife; she was a warrior.

In the distance, a black wolf stood silhouetted against the moonlight. It turned to face Milia, its deep green eyes piercing the darkness. The wolf was massive, its black fur shimmering in the moon's glow.

Milia couldn't tell which wolf it was. Even though she had seen many werewolves running free on full moon nights, including Kenny's transformation, she couldn't rely on appearances alone. Only their scent, the familiar scent of a werewolf, could she detect.

The werewolf had sensed her presence. It stood up, its massive form and muscular limbs imposing. Slowly, it began to approach, and Milia's heart quickened.

Suddenly, another figure emerged from the shadows, a ghostly wolf charging forward with deadly intent. Milia reached out to warn of the danger, but it was too late. The leading wolf, perhaps sensing the threat, dodged at the last moment, avoiding the attack.

The two werewolves engaged in a fierce battle, teeth bared, claws slashing in the moonlight. Milia watched, her heart pounding with anticipation.

As the battle reached its climax, one wolf lunged forward, biting the other's shoulder and slashing its chest with its claws. Milia cried out in shock. Who was injured?

The wolf about to deliver the final blow heard Milia's cry and paused. It turned to look in her direction, its silhouette illuminated by the moonlight. Who was it? It pushed aside its wounded opponent and fled over the hill.

Milia rushed to the injured wolf's side, applying a herbal remedy to its wounds. Soon, the bleeding stopped, and the wolf began to regain its human form. It was Ethan. Milia watched as he lay there, his face softened by injury.

After what seemed like an eternity, Ethan woke up. He looked at Milia, then down at his bandaged chest. "Are you an elf?"

"No, I'm not," Milia replied softly.

"Now, do you know who your husband is?" Ethan sneered.

"What do you mean? My husband is dead. Why would he try to kill you?" Milia's voice trembled with disbelief.

"You haven't figured it out yet? Your husband was the one who attacked me. He wanted me dead."

"You recognized him?" Milia's breath caught in her throat.

"Yes, madam. Regardless, you saved my life, and you don't even know about your husband's affairs."

Milia was in turmoil. She didn't know whether to believe Ethan's words. She hadn't seen Kenny's face when he died, and the body was destroyed beyond recognition. The only proof she had was the moonstone ring. So, did the high priest know nothing? Milia also thought of Heidi's advice to give up seeking the truth. This tangled puzzle seemed to grow larger, ensnaring her until she could hardly breathe.