Spreading Scars

The moment we stepped into the Hollowstream Inn, a roaring fire greeted us, its warmth pushing back the encroaching evening chill. I shivered involuntarily as the heat washed over me, not even realizing how cold I'd become. Accustomed to the Anomaly's perpetual chill, I'd forgotten the bite of a real winter settling over the land. Summer had come and gone, and autumn was now painting the world in hues of gold and crimson.

"Gith, anyone here?" Luxxa's voice, sharp and alert, cut through the cozy atmosphere.

Gith's eyes narrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line. I caught a faint pulse of mana emanating from his soul before he relaxed and shook his head. "No, it's clear. A few souls in the back rooms, but that's it."

"I'd still like to look around," Luxxa muttered, her hand instinctively drifting towards her sword hilt.

The innkeeper, who'd been hovering nearby, glanced between them, a worried frown creasing his brow. "Is something the matter?"