The inn was quiet, its walls humming faintly with the echoes of footsteps and whispers. The gang had gathered their gear, their cloaks folded, their weapons sharpened. The plan was set: Elaine and Carmine would move toward the Lavender estate directly, while Francis and Viremont would sneak from the back, cutting through the forest paths. The split was necessary, the danger unavoidable.
Elaine lingered in the hallway, her mind restless. She turned toward June's room, her steps deliberate, her breath shallow. She knocked once, then pushed the door open.
June was seated by the window, her smirk already curling across her lips as if she had been waiting.
Elaine's voice was sharp, trembling with suspicion. "I know something was between you and Carmine. What is it?"
June burst out laughing, her voice loud, mocking. "There is nothing going on with me and her."
Elaine's eyes narrowed, her voice cutting in quickly. "Not right now. You two obviously know each other from the start."
June tilted her head, her smile widening. "You just have to ask her yourself. And as far as it comes to me…" She leaned back, her tone dripping with mischief. "I've seen her naked once or twice."
Elaine's face flushed with anger, her fists tightening. She turned abruptly, storming out of the room, frustration burning in her chest. June's laughter followed her down the hall, echoing like a taunt.
On the other side of the inn, Carmine pushed open the door to Francis's room. He was seated at the desk, papers scattered, his cloak folded neatly beside him. Carmine leaned against the frame, her voice sharp, teasing.
"So, looks like you were with someone? Huh."
Francis looked up, his eyes narrowing. "No. Nothing like that." His voice was firm, dismissive. "I think you might want to focus on something important here. It matters more than gossip."
Carmine stepped inside, her arms crossed, her eyes glinting. "So Viremont's here. That's new."
Francis's jaw tightened, his voice low, dangerous. "I'll kill her if there's anything suspicious going on with her."
The words hung heavy in the air, sharp as a blade. Carmine's lips curled faintly, but she said nothing more.
The gang gathered in the common room, their gear strapped, their cloaks drawn. Elaine's frustration lingered, her eyes avoiding June's. Carmine's silence was heavy, her thoughts hidden. Francis stood tall, his resolve unbroken, while Viremont's gaze remained steady, her sword at her side.
The path was clear. The Lavender estate awaited.
Elaine and Carmine would move forward, their route direct, their pace swift. Francis and Viremont would slip through the shadows, their path winding, their approach silent.
The split was final.
They stepped out into the night, the air sharp, the wind biting. The inn faded behind them, swallowed by darkness. The estate loomed ahead, its towers shadowed, its halls waiting.
The storm was near.
TO BE CONTINUED…
NEXT CHAPTER ON 25th MARCH 2026