Chapter 463: 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?"
Luxxa met his gaze directly. "If it’s alright, I’d like to look around. This is a hostile place for us, and I’d rather not encounter any surprises."
"I would never!" the innkeeper protested, his voice rising in indignation. But then his eyes fell on me, and he seemed to notice the lingering pain and worry etched on my face. His shoulders slumped, and his voice softened. "I understand. But I truly mean no harm toward you. You’re our savior, after all."
"How do they know?" I whispered to Jenna as Luxxa and Gith disappeared up the stairs.
She shrugged. "Word travels fast when someone’s moving around with three thirty-foot-tall elementals. It’s only natural for people to be curious, and I’m certain our soldiers were more than happy to brag about your accomplishments. I’d be surprised if anyone didn’t know by now."
"Oh." I sank back into my chair, my tail flicking nervously. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing that everyone knew, but the weight of their expectations and admiration felt heavy on my shoulders. The more attention I garnered, the less confident I felt, and the stronger I felt I had to appear. Even now, all I wanted was to curl up and sleep, but how could I with so many eyes on me?
The arrival of dinner brought a welcome distraction, but as the innkeeper lingered, watching me eat, I froze, my fork halfway to my mouth.