Chapter 33: UNEXPECTED
Yomi strode ahead of the group, his steps deliberate yet unhurried, his eyes fixed forward. The beast girl clung to the edge of his torn tunic, her grip gentle yet firm, as though it were her tether to reality. Behind them, Lirien followed closely, her brows furrowed in deep thought, the events of the guild swirling in her mind like an unrelenting storm.
Aeloria, walking behind them, glanced at Yomi’s back, a mixture of curiosity and wariness brewing within her.
Why are we following him? she wondered, her gaze lingering on the enigmatic man who had seemingly taken charge without a word of consent from anyone. She wasn’t sure what compelled her or Lirien to trail behind him like lost lambs, but something about his presence was magnetic. Or perhaps it was just unsettling.
Without warning, Yomi halted abruptly. Lirien, too caught up in her thoughts, collided into his back with a soft thud.
"Oof," she muttered, rubbing her nose as she took a step back.
Yomi turned slightly, his expression calm yet inquisitive. "You okay?" he asked, his voice laced with a faint hint of concern.
"Yes," Lirien replied quickly, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. "But... where are we?"
Yomi didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he gestured ahead with a slight nod. Lirien followed his gaze, and her eyes widened in surprise. Just a few steps away stood a modest yet sturdy house nestled in the shadows of the dimly lit street. Recognition dawned on her like a crashing wave.
"Our base..." she breathed, her voice trailing off. It was the very property the Ravager party had purchased as a cover—proof of residence in Melanos to avoid undue attention from the guild. The place was supposed to be inconspicuous, a safe haven hidden in plain sight. Yet here they were, standing before it as though drawn by an invisible thread.