Chapter 20: The Price Of Secrecy
The sun slowly settled over the slums, casting long shadows on the grimy streets. Adrian, weary from his excitement-filled day, approached a rundown pub and motel that seemed to have seen better days.
The flickering neon sign above the entrance read "Shady Haven," an apt choice for a place that looked far from welcoming.
Pushing open the creaky door, Adrian stepped into the dimly lit place. 'Looks like the owner spent everything on the neon sign. Damn, this place is dark.'
Thankfully, Kitsune's eyes, which had replaced Adrian's natural ones, could do more than cast illusions as they helped him see in the dark.
The air was heavy with the smell of stale cigarettes and cheap alcohol. The few patrons scattered around the worn-out tables eyed him with curiosity and indifference. After all, one could never be careless around strangers, especially in the slums.
Ignoring the crowd, Adrian made his way to the worn counter, where a grizzled owner with a scarred face stood. The man must have been sumo because he certainly had the build of one, but the missing eye and scarred body confirmed him to be a warrior.
"Looking for a room, mate?" the owner grunted, wiping a glass with a rag that seemed dirtier than the glass itself.
Adrian nodded, his hoodie pulled low to ensure no one saw his face. "Yeah, a room for the night."
"There's no room for secrets here," The owner eyed him suspiciously. "If you want to stay, take off that hoodie."