26 - The Meeting at the Inn: Part 1

*Nemesia's POV*

As the 'Red Riding Wolf' Inn loomed before us, shrouded by the encroaching dusk, a shiver of anticipation ran through me. It was more than just the chill of the evening; it was the weight of what this night might hold.

Orion returned from his scouting with a cautious all-clear.

"It seems quiet, almost too quiet for an inn during this time of the year, but there's no sign of a trap," he reported in a hushed tone as he rejoined us among the trees. His eyes met mine, seeking confirmation.

It was early summer and although it's indeed the time of the year when many people travel as it's easier, the road next to the inn wasn't one of the common routes, nor the merchant route. So it could be possible that the only customers would be some rare travellers, and mostly hunters.

"Good, let's not let our guard down though," I responded, feeling the familiar grip of my dagger at my side, reassured by its presence.

We approached the inn together, the gravel crunching softly under our boots. The old wooden sign of the inn creaked as it swung gently in the breeze, a sombre welcome. I could feel Evar's presence close behind me, a silent pillar of strength.

Stepping inside, the inn's musty smell mixed with the aroma of pine and a faint trace of tobacco was oddly comforting. It was a typical wayfarer's refuge, with a few patrons scattered about, their conversations a murmured backdrop to our tense anticipation.

"We'll take two rooms," Jenna announced to the innkeeper, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of steel. "One for the ladies and one for the gentlemen."

As the innkeeper, a burly man with a suspicious glance, handed us the keys, I felt Evar's hand lightly touch my back—a brief, reassuring contact. "We'll handle the check of the perimeter," he whispered, just for me to hear, making me shudder again.

Athena snickered in my mind. "You having some trouble handling Evar's closeness?" She sounded overjoyed by this.

"Oh hush you hungry wolf. I was... cold... that's it." I told her in my mind, feeling that she didn't believe me... well who would lie to 'themselves'?

Once settled into the dimly lit privacy of our room, I paced by the small window, peering out into the twilight.

"We need to be prepared for any outcome tonight. Whatever or whoever waits for us, we can't afford to be caught off guard."

Jenna, who was checking her own equipment, nodded in agreement.

"I've checked out the perimeter of our rooms inside and outside and also placed some traps under our windows and at the entrance to the room. Nothing lethal, just some strings to make sound and alert us if anyone tries to approach undetected."

I turned from the window, considering her words.

"Good thinking. We need all the advantages we can muster."

The quiet of the room was suddenly disrupted by a soft knock on the door. My hand instinctively went to the dagger concealed under my cloak as Jenna swiftly moved to my side.

"It's me," Evar's voice came through the door, low and calm. Jenna opened it, watching out for the sound trap, allowing him entry.

"The common room is full of local travellers and a couple of hunters passing through," Evar reported as he stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room before settling on me. "No one seems overly interested in our group. Still, I'll keep an ear out for any unusual conversations."

"Thank you, Evar," I said, feeling a momentary relief at his thoroughness. "Let's try to blend in for now. We'll meet here in an hour to go over the final details before the meeting."

As Evar and Jenna left to mingle and gather more information, I sat down on the edge of the rickety bed, allowing myself a moment to gather my thoughts. The familiar words that were passed to us by the messenger...

"Beneath the crescent moon, the past seeks to amend," I whispered and sighed.

"Do you think it's possible?" Athena asked in my mind.

"Well... But why? I mean... they are a family after all, right?"

"I think our mate has proven to us that being a family doesn't always mean everything..." Athena's words struck me. It's true...

The hour passed quickly, and soon my room was filled again with the presence of my allies, each one carrying a mixture of tension and resolve. After creating some backup plans and deciding how should I act if anything was happening and I'd like to warn my team, I raised and put my cloak on.

"It's time," I announced, standing and smoothing the front of my cloak. "I'll head to the meeting room."

Orion stood up and placed his hand on my shoulder.

"Remember, no matter what happens, we stick together. We'll have your back. Just call us."

As I exited our room and made my way down the narrow hallway of the inn, each step felt like moving deeper into a carefully laid web. But this time, I was not alone in facing the unknown that awaited us. I knew that my team was close by.

The meeting room at the inn was just a normal room at the end of a long corridor, its heavy wooden door marked by a single, flickering lantern hanging above it. As I approached, my heart pounded with a mixture of dread and anticipation. This was it—the moment that could define the next phase of our struggle.

I reached out to open the door, my movements deliberate and controlled. It was closed, so I knocked. I heard some movement and suddenly a cloaked man opened the door to let me in and then walked outside to guard the entrance.

The room beyond was dimly lit, the only light coming from a pair of candles on a sturdy wooden table. Seated at the table was a figure cloaked in shadows, the outline of their features obscured by the dim candlelight.

Stepping into the room, I felt the weight of their gaze on me, heavy and evaluating. Suddenly I wished Evar was close by my side, his presence was always a silent vow of comfort.

The figure finally spoke, their voice a low, controlled murmur.

"Nemesia, thank you for coming. You look rather good for what you've been through. I trust you found the journey here... enlightening?"

Moving closer, I could finally see the face of the person who had summoned me. Just like I thought... it was the Queen herself, her expression composed, yet I could sense a tumult beneath her regal exterior.