Chapter 32: Whispers
The forest path stretched before them, dappled in fading sunlight, but Allen’s mind was on the conversation they’d just had. Fina walked beside him, her claws idly flexing, while Rinni trailed behind, occasionally glancing over her shoulder.
"So," Allen began, breaking the silence, "if the world’s ruled by these four races, and they’re all so obsessed with their little hierarchies, does that mean every kingdom has its own set of rules?"
"Not just kingdoms," Fina replied, her ears twitching. "Even towns. Who’s allowed in, who’s not. Who’s free and who’s property. It’s all decided by who’s on top. Humans have their noble families, elves their bloodlines, dwarves their mountain clans. Demons..." She trailed off, her tone darkening. "Well, demons are just bastards."
"Ruthless ones," Rinni added softly. "They don’t even pretend to care about fairness. If you’re weaker, you’re theirs. That’s the only rule they follow."
Allen shook his head. "And I thought Earth politics were bad."
Before Fina could ask what he meant, her ears perked up sharply. She froze, glancing at Rinni, who had also stopped. Both beastkin turned their heads toward a dense cluster of trees off the path.
"Footsteps?" Allen asked, lowering his voice.
Fina shook her head, her lips curling in a faint snarl. "Whispers."
Rinni nodded, her eyes narrowing. "It’s them. The adventurers."
Allen followed their gazes, straining to hear. Sure enough, faint voices drifted through the trees. He couldn’t make out the words, but the tone was unmistakable—sharp, sneering, full of venom.
"They’re talking about us," Rinni whispered, clutching at her skirt. "About you."