Chapter 51 – Inner Beast, Chained
Chapter 51
Inner Beast, Chained
Date: Day 30 of Harvestmoon. 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
They stood in front of The Exotic.
Roric’s luxurious shop faded behind them as they stepped back onto the street. Elise started walking. Her steps light and unhurried. Almost buoyant.
The night had grown deep. The dual suns had long since set. But magic lamps illuminated Akela's streets. Keeping the surroundings bright and safe. The artificial light cast a warm glow on the stone street.
She glanced to her side. Catching Hyoren's eye. A smile played on her lips.
"Now that we have a lot of starter funds, we can buy you proper armor. A new weapon."
Her voice was light. Almost giddy. She skipped a step. Then she stopped, turning to face Hyoren directly.
"I can buy a new leather tunic too!"
She swirled. Her emerald green dress fluttering in the night air. The fabric caught the light of the magic lamps. It was beautiful. Well made.
But it was not adventuring clothes.
Her leather tunic was already torn. One of the sleeves was gone. Ripped away during the battle with the Alpha. The fabric was stained. Worn. Damaged beyond repair. She needed a replacement.
"I was worried we won't have enough money. I always try to not get hit at all during battle."
She gestured at her dress.
"But of course I can't go to battle with this kind of dress, right?"
She chuckled. The sound was genuine.
Hyoren smiled. Then nodded.
He imagined Elise going to battle with that dress. The hems would catch on branches. She couldn't draw her bow properly. The fabric would restrict her movement. Get tangled. Get torn.
And he chuckled too.
"True. You also need new armor. Our shopping list suddenly becomes long, huh?"
Elise turned around, then walked again. Her silver hair swayed. Following her movement. Her pace still light.
Hyoren caught up with her. Walking side by side. Their footsteps echoing on the stones.
Elise face Hyoren. She put her fingers on her chin.
"That's right. That's right. Our money should be able to cover everything... I hope."
Elise looked up at the sky. The stars were visible between the buildings.
"Then maybe more convenient tools to make our journey more pleasant."
She smiled widely. A grin that stretched across her face. And glanced at her side. Her green eyes meeting his.
"What should we buy, Hyoren? We need tents, right? And cloaks!"
Hyoren nodded. His mind already working through the list. Essential equipment. Things he had gone without in the forest. Things that would make survival easier.
"Right. It's almost the end of autumn. If we're going to do quests outside the city, we need proper camping equipment, Elise."
The nights were already growing colder. The wind had a bite to it. Frost would come soon. And after that, snow.
Elise bobbed her head. Her silver hair fluttering with the motion. Catching the lamplight.
"That's right. That's right. What else, Hyoren?"
Hyoren sidestepped a bit. Making way for a group of adventurers to pass. They walked with the confident stride of experienced fighters. Armor clanking. Weapons at their hips. Returning from a late quest. Or heading to a tavern. He didn't know. He watched them pass. Then returned his attention to the conversation.
"What else... I want a better bag. My primitive bag can't hold too many things, and it's painful to wear in the long run. I can grit my teeth as I don't have an alternative. But I want a proper bag now."
He touched his shoulder. The spot where the leather strap had dug into his skin for over forty days. The ache had become familiar. A constant companion. But he didn't have to endure it anymore. Not with five million Kres in their shared fund.
Elise's emerald eyes shone. She was skipping her steps. Actually skipping. Like a child on a festival day.
"Bag! A bag... yes..."
She nodded. Then looked up at the sky. Thoughtful. Contemplating.
"I also want to buy a bag... maybe now it's the time to buy... that?"
Hyoren tilted his head. Looking at Elise. Confused.
"Huh, your bag is fine as it is, right, Elise? Why need to buy another bag?"
Elise smiled. Not answering his question. A mysterious smile. Knowing. Like she was keeping a secret. She had a plan.
Seeing that, Hyoren just nodded. Maybe Elise wanted to buy a bigger bag. More space. More capacity. He shrugged it off. It wasn't important.
Elise seemed to sense his confusion. She tried to change the conversation. Her face beamed. Bright with excitement.
"The Alpha sure gave us trouble and almost killed us. But it was actually a blessing in disguise!"
Hyoren chuckled. The bag already went away from his mind. Replaced by the memory of the battle.
"I don't know if I want to agree with that or not. I definitely don't want to face the Alpha again."
He shuddered. The horror of that fight still lingered. The overwhelming power. He had nearly died. They had nearly died. The memory was not something he could easily dismiss.
"But yeah, those Alpha materials gave us this much wealth in one transaction... So maybe you're right."
He smiled. The battle was harsh. Brutal. Terrifying. But it had paid off. In ways he could never have imagined.
Both of them walked back to the inn with light hearts. The magic lamps guided their way. The night air was cool but not cold.
They had money. They had supplies. They had a plan.
***
Not long after, Hyoren and Elise entered their inn. Wanderer's Rest.
The familiar scent of wood and cooking filled the air. Warmth enveloped them as they stepped through the door. A welcome contrast to the cool night outside. The common room was quiet. Only a few patrons remained. Scattered at tables.
Martha looked up from behind the counter. Her face brightened when she saw them. A motherly smile spread across her features.
"Welcome back, you two."
She set down the cloth she had been using to wipe the counter.
"Are you going to eat dinner here or in your room?"
Elise pondered for a moment. Her brow furrowing slightly. Then she looked at Hyoren for confirmation. A silent question in her green eyes. He simply nodded. Leaving the decision to her. Trusting her judgment.
Elise smiled.
"Give us two portions of dinner, Martha. We're going to eat in our room. We're still tired."
Martha giggled. Her motherly laugh filling the small common room. A sound that seemed to chase away the weariness of travel.
She turned to the kitchen and prepared two plates of thick steak. The meat was perfectly seared. Juices still glistening on the surface. Two mugs of ale accompanied the meal. Everything arranged on a wooden tray.
"Sure. Two portions. Here we go."
She slid the tray across the counter. Steam rose from the plates. The aroma of roasted meat and spices filled the air.
Hyoren took the tray. He nodded his thanks.
"Thank you, Martha."
She watched them with warm eyes. Following their movement as they climbed the stairs to the third floor. Her gaze lingered for a moment, almost maternal gaze. Then she returned to her work.
Elise opened their room with the brass key. The lock clicked. The door swung open. They stepped inside.
The room was small but cozy. A single bed dominated one wall. A table and two chairs sat near the window. A rack for weapons and bags. The faint smell of lavender hung in the air.
Elise placed her bow and quiver on the rack. Then she tossed her now almost empty bag onto the floor. Without hesitation, she jumped onto the bed. Bouncing slightly on the mattress.
"Ahh... All that walking and talking made me tired and hungry."
Her voice was muffled by the pillow. Her silver hair splayed across the fabric. Her body sank into the softness. Finally letting go of the tension.
Hyoren set the tray on the table. The ceramic plates clinked softly against the wood. He looked at Elise. Sprawled on the bed. Completely at ease. He chuckled.
"Bad manners, Elise. Don't jump into bed like that."
Elise pouted. Though she was clearly not angry. Her lips pursed in mock indignation.
"Right. Right. You're like my father. Huft!"
She smiled. The pout dissolving into something warmer. Then she hopped off the bed. Her feet landing softly on the wooden floor. She settled into one of the chairs. Pulling it closer to the table.
"Okay, Hyoren. Let's eat quickly while this is still hot. I'm peckish."
Hyoren sat across from her. The chair creaked under his weight. He picked up his knife and fork.
"Sure... sure. Let's eat, Elise."
Both of them cut into their steaks. The knife slid through the meat. Juices pooled on the plate. They began eating. The first bite was heaven.
"Mmmm. I really love Martha's cooking."
Elise spoke between bites. Her eyes half-closed in satisfaction.
"There's nothing that beats squirrel meat. But a thick Ramtauro steak is a good choice for a tired body."
Hyoren took a bite of his own steak. The flavors exploded on his tongue. Perfectly seasoned.
"Yes. This slice is thick. Perfectly medium rare. And the spices actually enhance the natural flavor instead of overpowering it."
Elise chuckled softly. Her pointed ears twitching. A subtle movement that betrayed her amusement.
"Fufufu."
Hyoren tilted his head. Confused by the sound.
"Why the laugh, Elise?"
Elise set down her fork and knife for a moment. She looked at Hyoren's face. Studying him. Her green eyes glinting with mirth.
"Even when eating and enjoying food, you're still so analytical."
She shook her head with a smile. Her silver hair swayed with the motion.
"Instead of just saying 'it's delicious.' I'm just amused at you being you, Hyoren. Fufu."
Hyoren paused. His fork stopping mid-air. A piece of steak suspended on the tines. He hadn't realized. Hadn't thought about it. It was just how his mind worked. Breaking things down.
Elise continued eating. Seemingly unbothered by his silence.
Hyoren lowered his fork slightly. His brow furrowing.
"I see. I didn't even realize it."
He resumed eating his steak. The food was still good. But now there was a strange awareness. A consciousness of his own thoughts.
Elise smiled warmly. No judgment in her expression. Just acceptance.
"No need to be ashamed, Hyoren. It's not a bad trait. It's actually a good one."
She gestured with her fork. Emphasizing her point.
"You always analyze everything you can. From enemies, to civilization, to food."
Hyoren nodded. The words settling into him. A small warmth spreading through his chest.
"Thanks, Elise. For accepting me for who I am."
Elise's ears turned pink. A flush crept across her cheeks. She turned her face away. Hiding her expression.
"No need for thanks! I'm just stating the obvious!"
Her voice was louder than necessary.
Hyoren chuckled.
Both of them continued eating in a comfortable silence. The only sounds were the clink of utensils. The soft sounds of chewing. The occasional sip of ale.
They were done eating. They put down their utensils at almost the same time. A coincidence born of shared rhythm. Then they sipped their drinks. The ale was cool. It settled in their stomachs.
"Today was a good day."
Elise's voice was soft and relaxed. Her eyes were half-lidded.
Hyoren nodded in agreement. The ale warming his chest.
"Yeah. I was almost useless though. Only following you around while you did all the work."
Elise chuckled. The sound was light. Easy.
"Fufu. We just delegated, Hyoren. I'm good at negotiating. You're good at something else. We support each other."
She reached across the table. Her fingers brushed his hand. A brief but warm touch.
Hyoren finally smiled and nodded. The weight of his perceived uselessness lifting. Replaced by something else—partnership.
Elise stood from her chair. The wood creaking slightly. Hyoren looked up at her. Tilting his head.
"Where are you going, Elise?"
Elise walked toward the door in the corner. The bathroom. Her steps were unhurried. Relaxed.
"Shower. I want to sleep with a clean body. I always prefer to take a bath daily if I can."
Hyoren sipped his ale again. Letting the cool liquid settle in his stomach. The events of the day finally catching up to him. The exhaustion. The relief. The quiet satisfaction of a productive day.
"I agree. I'd like to take a bath too. Sleeping with a clean body will be nice."
Elise smiled. Then she disappeared behind the bathroom door. The click of the latch echoed softly in the quiet room.
Hyoren was left alone with his thoughts. The remnants of their meal. And the quiet peace of a day well spent.
***
The sound of running water filtered through the wooden door. Then came her voice, a hummed melody that drifted through the gaps in the frame. The same tune she always whistled in the wilds.
Hyoren swirled the last drops of ale in his glass, then emptied it.
"It seems when she's in a good mood, she keeps humming that."
He sat alone in the dim lamplight, listening to the distant melody mix with the sound of water. His mind wandered to the woman behind that door. The woman who had fought beside him, bled beside him, slept beside him for weeks in the wilds. He stared at the ceiling, forcing his thoughts toward safer grounds. Tomorrow's shopping. New armor. New weapons. Practical things.
The water stopped.
A moment later, the bathroom door creaked open.
Elise stepped out in a cloud of steam. Her silver hair was bundled loosely atop her head, held in place by a towel. Droplets of water still clung to the exposed curve of her neck. Her skin was flushed pink from the heat, glistening faintly in the lamp's warm glow. She was still wearing the same green dress as before. But her image was completely different.
Hyoren's breath caught.
"Okay, Hyoren, I'm done. The water felt good."
She stretched, arms rising above her head, and the motion pulled the fabric taut across her frame. Hyoren quickly looked away, fixing his gaze on the wall.
"Good. That's... good."
His voice came out strangled. He stood abruptly, the chair scraping against the wooden floor.
"I'll... I'll take my turn now."
He crossed the room toward the bathroom in quick steps. As he passed Elise, the scent hit him. Clean soap, something floral, and underneath it all, something that was her.
He didn't slow down. He couldn't. If he stopped, if he lingered even a moment longer, he wasn't sure what would happen.
The bathroom door shut behind him with a soft click.
"Get ahold of yourself…" he muttered.
The bathroom was small but well-appointed. A flushable toilet, ceramic basin, a mirror, and the shower fixture with its built-in magic tool for heating water. Hyoren turned the valve and poured a measured amount of Aethell into the mechanism. The water warmed instantly.
He stripped and stepped under the shower. The first shower of cold water was a blessing. It cooled his overheated head.
But his mind refused to cooperate. The image of Elise stepping out of the bathroom, flushed and glowing, kept intruding.
"Stop it. Stop."
He turned the water colder.
His thoughts drifted back to the wilds. The nights they had slept side by side, wrapped in furs and blankets, her body warm against his. The danger had kept his impulses in check then. Every moment had been survival. There had been no space for desire.
But now—they were safe. In a warm room. In a soft bed. And she had just bathed, and she smelled so good, and she was waiting for him just beyond that door.
"She trusts you," he whispered to himself.
"She trusts you to share a room with her. She doesn't expect you to..."
He couldn't finish the sentence.
He stayed under the cold water longer than necessary. Until he could think clearly again.
Finally, he shut off the water and reached for a towel. He dried himself. He dressed back on his clothes.
Then he stepped out of the bathroom.
Elise sat on the bed with the comforter pulled over her lower half, her damp hair now loose and falling around her shoulders. She smiled at him and patted the space beside her.
“Here Hyoren. Let’s sleep. Tomorrow we’ll walk around the city do a lot of shopping. Let’s rest early.”
Hyoren approached the bed. Each step felt heavy. The scent of her reached him again, stronger now in the enclosed space. Fresh and clean and impossibly inviting.
He gritted his teeth.
"Okay, Elise. Shopping. Tomorrow. Yes. Need to sleep early."
He couldn't help how stiff he sounded.
Elise laughed, a soft, musical sound.
"Fufufu. Why do you sound so stiff, Hyoren? Excited about getting a new weapon tomorrow? Well, me too."
She lifted the comforter.
"Then let's quickly sleep!"
She shifted, making room for him.
Hyoren slid into the bed. The mattress dipped under his weight. The sheets were cool against his skin, but the warmth radiating from Elise's body was immediate.
Before he could settle, she moved.
She snuggled against him. Her arm draped across his chest. Her head found its now-familiar place on his shoulder. Her leg brushed against his beneath the covers.
She looked up at him, her emerald eyes met his own eyes.
"Night, Hyoren... today was a good day."
Hyoren nodded. His jaw was so tight it ached.
"Good. Night. Elise."
His voice was still stiff.
She closed her eyes. Her breathing slowed. Her body relaxed. Within minutes, she was asleep. Her rhythmic breathing filled the quiet room. Her face was peaceful.
Hyoren lay frozen beside her.
His heart rate increased to an alarming rate. His hand could feel the gentle rise and fall of her breathing. The soft press of her chest against his side.
"Elise..." her name escaped him in a whisper.
"I hope you're not doing all this deliberately..."
He exhaled slowly, staring at the ceiling.
Her hair tickled his neck. Her breath touched his collarbone.
"If you are... then you truly want to unleash the beast inside me."
His voice was barely audible.
"I don't know how long I can actually hold back."
He closed his eyes.
Focus. Breathe. Think of something else.
He forced his mind through the breathing exercises he had learned from his father. Slow inhales. Slow exhales. Count each breath. Let the rhythm steady his racing heart.
Gradually, his body began to relax. The tension in his shoulders loosened. His jaw relaxed. His breathing slowed.
Not long after, two rhythmic breathing merged into one.