The atmosphere in the inn's common room was unusually heavy. The large wooden table around which Samuel, Kai, Helydia, and Canon were seated seemed to weigh them down in silence. Only the faint clatter of dishes from the kitchen broke the oppressive calm.
Samuel, eyes lowered to his steaming bowl of soup, had just finished recounting what Kazan had revealed to him. The old master's words still echoed in their minds. The Heart of Aethril did indeed exist… but its location was unreachable. Guarded by an oath. By a kingdom.
No one knew what to say.
Canon puffed on his cigarette, his gaze lost in the void, one hand holding a half-full glass. Kai glanced between his companions, unable to ease the tension or find the right words. Helydia, hands clasped before her, watched Samuel with quiet concern.
She finally broke the silence:
"What will you do now? How are you going to get home?"
Samuel didn't answer. He brought his spoon to his lips, swallowed a mouthful of soup, then stayed still for a long moment, deep in thought. His eyes looked distant, as if seeing something far beyond their reach. He seemed… sad. Broken, even.
Canon exhaled smoke through his nose.
"We could just grab the old man and torture him until he coughs it up."
But even he didn't sound like he meant it.
Kai bit the inside of his cheek. He wanted to speak, to do something, but he knew nothing would help. Not as long as Samuel carried that weight alone.
Then, without warning, Samuel slowly rose, leaving his bowl half-finished.
"I'm going to sleep."
There was no emotion in his voice. Just fatigue, and bitter weariness.
He left the table, climbed the creaking wooden stairs, and entered one of the rooms they had rented earlier.
Helydia didn't move right away. She remained seated for a moment, heart heavy, then quietly stood and followed.
When she entered, she found him lying on his side, facing the wall. He didn't move as she came in, nor when she gently closed the door behind her.
She approached slowly, silently removed her clothes, and slipped under the blankets. She curled up against him, placed a gentle hand on his chest, and stayed like that, saying nothing—simply trying to soothe him with her presence.
He said nothing. But he didn't push her away.
She closed her eyes, hoping her warmth might chase away a little of his pain.
None of them yet knew what tomorrow would bring.
No one expected… what was about to happen.