Chapter 106: [106] Seven Stars Wear Different Faces
Rachel pushed open the door and entered. Xavier followed, stepping from the cold street into a warm, dimly lit space that smelled of spiced wine and perfume.
The Golden Fox was clearly no ordinary tavern. The main room featured plush chairs and low tables arranged for private conversations. Tapestries depicting hunting scenes hung on the walls, and a massive hearth dominated one side of the room. Well-dressed patrons spoke in hushed tones while servers moved silently between tables.
A beautiful woman with purple hair and wearing a flowing black dress approached them. She looked... familiar.
"Welcome to The Golden Fox," she said. "How may I assist you today?"
Rachel stepped forward. "Hello Nessa, it’s Rachel and this is Xavien. We have a meeting with Lukas."
"Of course. He mentioned you might be coming." She gestured toward the back. "Please, follow me."
She led them through the main room and up a curved staircase to the second floor. The hallway was lined with doors, each bearing a different animal carved into the dark wood. Nessa stopped at the last door, which featured a raven with spread wings.
Xavier studied the sway of her hips as they walked. Something about her was hauntingly familiar.
"Nessa," Xavier called out before she could open the door.
She turned. "Yes, Xavien?"
"Why aren’t you dressed for the weather?" he asked, nodding to her thin dress. "It’s freezing outside."