《Heaven's secrets》


 A place I hate

    The sun was low over Aldmere, its last rays casting long shadows over stone walls and twisted roofs. Soldiers marched in formation, armor clanking as they went. The scent of iron, mud, and something darker ¡ª something like fear ¡ª hung in the air.


    Elias Veyrin slumped on a post next to the blacksmith''s forge, arms crossed, eyes half-shut as he watched the others stirring. So arrogant, these people. So hungry for glory.


    A voice broke his reverie.


    "There you are, Elias!"


    He didn''t need to look in order to know who was speaking.


    Auron Lannis, shining as always. Not just because of the elegant armor or superior attitude, but because Auron was the kind of man that people naturally looked up to.


    Elias finally got to his feet, standing up straight. "Thought you''d be making speeches by now."


    Auron grinned. "Thought I''d arrive first. We leave at dawn, remember?"


    Elias nodded slowly.


    Behind Auron, Rina stood with arms folded, leaning against a cart, and glared at Elias as if she were sizing up a stray dog. Dain sat on a barrel nearby, grunting as he sharpened his sword. Meris alone, sitting quietly with her satchel of herbs, smiled politely at Elias.


    The norm.


    "You could fake it, at least," Auron said, prodding Elias on the side.


    "Yeah," Rina muttered, loudly enough for Elias to hear. "Wouldn''t hurt you to play like you''re here for a reason."


    Elias did not move. He was a master at that.


    Auron gave Rina a sharp look but otherwise said nothing


    Later, the group sat close together around a fire, Auron laying a map out on his knees and tracing their route with his finger.


    "We''ll head east through the ridge, avoid the main roads. Reports say demons have been sighted near the old ruins."


    "Figures," Dain grunted. "Always hiding in places that stink of death."


    Elias sat a bit away from the fire, arms resting on his knees, listening but not speaking.


    "You have any thoughts, Elias?" Auron asked, glancing over.


    Elias didn''t look up right away. He could feel the others'' eyes on him.


    Finally, he shrugged. "Keeping off the roads is a good plan. The ridge is narrow, though. If they''re watching, they''ll see us coming."


    Rina rolled her eyes. "So what, we just stroll down the middle like a parade?"


    "Just saying," Elias growled.


    Auron''s gaze lingered on Elias for a moment before a soft smile formed on his lips. "We''ll make sure to be more careful."


    Meris chose to keep quiet while glancing at the two and holding their comments.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    As the day came to a close and everyone decided to take a rest, Elias continued to stare at the fire as the last of it slowly extinguished.


    Auron effortlessly sank to the ground beside him with a low exhale.


    Auron stated, "Elias, you always seem to distance yourself from the group," his tone gentler than before, "Tell me why?"


    "I don''t want to talk," were the words that formed in Elias''s mind, and then a silence consumed him.


    Auron let out a breathy laugh. "I''ve been thinking that maybe you actually from time to time consider joining the rest of us. Opening up."


    Elias countered his gaze as he said, "What do you think?"


    "Good question," Auron paused. "It is quite difficult as once you accepted that everything is okay, you always seem distant."


    Elias averted his gaze from the world as he directed it toward Auron''s form before turning his face down. "Not everyone can fold themselves to fit your perspective."


    There was no sound or movement shared for a second with Auron''s faint smile lingering.


    "Anyway," learned Auron''s voice, "I appreciate the effort you''ve made to be present."


    Elias''s lack of response seemed to confirm his silent agreement.


    The new bright light from the sun arrived with colors of gray and white.


    As the day began, it was evident that Elias was chosen to stay at the end of the group as their eyes circled the area for dangers at hand.


    "Stop sulking, shadow boy," Rina said to him as she walked by and added, "You are going to make the demons weep before we arrive. Try to have a more pleasant expression."


    Elias did not see why he should add anything, but he was aware of Auron shooting Rina an irked look.


    Still, Rina was right about that. Elias had a talent for making everything l feel empty


    They reached the edge of the ridge around noon, whereupon Auron lifted a hand to signal a stop.


    "Keep your eyes open," he said. "This is where it gets dangerous."


    They marched in tighter formation, and while Elias sneaked to the back, his keen gaze noticed everything from a broken branch to a weird mark inscribed on the dirt.


    It was only a matter of time before he noticed the faint scraping ahead.


    "Hold up," Elias said all of a sudden.


    Everyone shifted towards him.


    "What now?" Rina asked, irritated.


    "I heard something. There is something over there," Elias said while gesturing towards the path ahead.


    Dain strained his eyes. "Didn''t hear a thing."


    Auron was already raising his sword. "I trust him. Be ready."


    Indeed, something moved from the ridge''s shadows, and as the growl filled the air, it was clear what it was.


    "Demons."


    Those words seemed to flow out of Auron as the furious purple beasts flooded towards them with speed he was not ready for. Dain followed through with a roar, Auron met them furiously, charging ahead with his sword flashing while Rina''s graceful movements quickly steeled an arrow, effortlessly letting it fly.


    At first, Elias stood on the side calculating and watching them, waiting for them to catch a bit eager and agitated.


    Elias sprang into action when a demon carved through Auron''s weak flank side. He moved swift, clean, and quiet.


    His dagger struck true, penetrating the creature''s throat like a hot knife into butter.


    Auron twisted around, startled with his mouth agape.


    Elias merely responded with a swift nod.


    In mere moments, the fight was decided. They remained where they were, amidst the slaughtered corpses, trying to calm their breath.


    "Guess you were right," Rina said barely above a whisper, turning towards Elias, but not completely looking at him.


    Elias said nothing, just wiping his blade carefully against the grass.


    "Come here," Auron grinned and slapped him on the shoulder. "Knew I could count on you."


    Elias allowed himself the faintest smile ¨C just for a moment


    That night while they were on safer grounds, Auron sat beside Elias again on the fire pit.


    "You saved my skin back there," Auron said in a low voice.


    Elias cassually shrugged. "You would''ve been fine."


    Auron laughed mildly. "You don''t give yourself enough credit."


    The fire crackled softly as a warm ambiance developed between the two.


    Auron decided to ask, "You ever think about why you stay, Elias? Like, what really is in for you to keep trailing me when you could be anywhere but here?" His tone softer than before.


    Elias stared at the flames for a long moment.


    "Well, what if I''m just waiting to see how it all goes down," he began before pausing.


    "That''s worst case scenario, of course," Elias said finally, voice low.


    Auron smiled sadly. It was clear to him that there was more to what Elias wasn''t saying.


    "Well, whatever your reason, I''m glad you''re here," he said after some consideration.


    Elias did not respond.


    Auron allowed himself to slowly drift off at the fire while leaving Elias to watch the night sky.


    "If something happens to you, Ill be the one to stop it but I really hate you all" Elias throught

 A friend for a day is a friend for life

    The wind''s howl reverbated through the trees as Elias strode forward at the pace of the group. In contrast, Auron chased him, a relaxed expression ghosting over his face. "Do you believe it''s only two steps apart from here?" came a voice trailing towards him.


    Elias held his foresight. "Two hours maximum." was his instinctive reply. As expected a timid laugh floated behind him, "You have an inner map that dictates every inch of our journey."


    "You don¡¯t give yourself enough credit. Though questionable, there might be some reason backing to your belief."


    With a simple twist of her body, burst of light encased in golden locks began to stir. ¡°Can he display even a hint of affection?¡± was uttered beneath Leona''s breath, the skilled healer of the group.


    "He has always been useful, but at times, I feel like he is hiding something," said Erik, the knight, who was riding with them.


    "You mean he does not do anything ever since you met him?" He seemed to smile, but Auron could feel it fading the more he heard Auron.


    Regardless, Auron picked up the pace in tandem with Elias pace. "So tell me, do you ever... get bored of this, Elias?" Auron whispered slowly, more like afraid of a response.


    After all, it was a sensitive subject. Elias paused slightly to consider the question, then carried on. "Bored?" He sighed and turned his head to Auron. "Always being in motion and fighting?" Auron asked. "Lively to some degree. Rest? That is optional."


    Auron thought taking a closer look at Elias. ''There is a deeper meaning to him.'' "At least, you do not need to be worried," he said monotonously as if confirming an unfelt statement.


    The simple sentence resonated throughout, compacting the certain form of realization that was overwhelming.


    During all of this interchange, helas had bade goodbye to them while they were interested in their own arguments aside his. Auron laughed and gave a fixed look towards Elias but to his dismay, he shortly withdrew his gaze. "Now we should get moving toward leisure."


    Before long, an event riveted the tranquility of their walk. From the thickets in front, there emerged savage howls that were primal in nature and monstrous in character ¡ª shadow hounds, dogs of desolation, gushed forth from the thickets.


    ¡°It¡¯s Ambush,¡± Erik screamed and unsheathed his sword.


    The team split and organized into form. Reflexively Auron took a stance, shield erected to defend Leona, who was getting ready with her healing spells.


    Elias unsheathed his sword in a single fluid motion and emanated graceful energy. A hound sailed at him; his gaze was still as calculating as the pierce of his sword. He took a sidestep and pushed his sword into the chest of the hound without flinching.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Zero has been struck!¡± he mumbled looking at Auron


    Auron met the challenge handsomely by using his weapon''s shield to crash a hound and then stab another. The opponent he cut down instantly was the amount he had in mind, yet two more took its place, making the game all the more two-sided.


    ¡°What does this mean?¡± Leona screamed while trying to maintain her spells.


    Elias stole a look at Auron who was wounded lightly on the shoulder.


    Elias cordially approached Auron and a hound and cut it down, removing the potential of it hurting Auron.


    "You are injured,¡± Elias calmly stated.


    ¡°I have hurt myself worse,¡± Auron stated boastingly. ¡°I¡¯m all right.¡±


    Elias did not answer, in meta he left his words unguarded. To protect Auron¡¯s side, he kept his sword and with every faced movement offensively raised the frequent cutter.


    Once the last hound fell, its form melting into darkness, the party collected themselves.


    Leona caught her breath. ¡°What was that? This is too close to the city¡­¡±


    ¡°Something is messing with the monsters,¡± Erik replied as he cleaned the blade. ¡°Perhaps dark magic. We ought to alert the town,¡±


    ¡°Do you think it is the Demon Emperor who is responsible?¡± Auron spoke while looking at Elias.


    Elias took a brief pause, ¡°Perhaps,¡± he said cautiously.


    ¡°Or perhaps you know more than you care to share,¡± Erik whispered but in a manner where Elias was able to hear.


    Elias directed his gaze towards Erik, ¡°If I knew more than I let on, then trust, you would be the first one to hear.¡±


    ¡°Would we?¡± Erik quickly retorted, ¡°You¡¯re known for holding information. We don¡¯t even know what your motivations are for assisting us,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Erik,¡± Auron interjected and moved between them, ¡°Elias has rescued all of us more times than I choose to remember.¡±


    Rina laughed sarcastically but did not continue any further.


    Elias shifted his gaze elsewhere, his face expressionless.


    That night, a camp was set up. The fire made poping noises while illuminating the woods around them. Auron handed Elias a bowl of stew and sat next to him.


    Here," Auron said, a smile on his face. "Well, you need to eat too."


    Elias paused before accepting it. ""Thanks."


    They were quiet for a while eating, hearing the wind stirring the leaves.


    Auron, after some time, said, ¡°You don¡¯t say much, do you?¡±


    Not much to say."


    "There is," Auron said as he applied


    light pressure on the other. "You always help us. You look after us when things go south. I know others neglect your efforts, but I don''t."


    Elias gazed deep into the flames. The fire danced in his eyes.


    "I¡¯ll be fine, and I do not want you to worry about me."


    "But I do," Auron said giving his friend¡¯s arm a momentary touch before retracting his hand. "You¡¯re my friend, Elias. Even if you don¡¯t agree."


    For a split second, Elias¡¯ mask became unhinged, if only slightly. ¡°Friend, huh?¡±


    Auron nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    In response, Elias almost missed smiling. It was barely perceptible. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Suspicion clouded Erik''s eyes, who was sitting across the fire, as he scrutinized the two of them.


    As the rest of the group slept, Elias remained up watching the glowing embers turn cold. He took a small, old pendant out of his coat and started to fiddle with it.


    Strangers were never permitted entrance into the walls of sorrow that held this emotion so Elias frowned as he looked at the pendant.


    "I made a promise," he whispered to the night. "Even if you¡¯re not here anymore... I¡¯ll keep it."


    The wind carried his words away.


    Elias¡¯ name was muffled by Auron who was dozing off behind him stirring in his sleep.


    Elias stood and walked to the edge of the camp, staring up at the stars.


    ¡°I won¡¯t allow him to die, he said with certainty. ¡°Whatever may happen, I will make sure of it.¡±

 A monster born in shadows sees no light

    The group¡¯s view of the town emerged from behind the hills as they approached the dirt road, while the frail sun struggled to break through the gray clouds.


    Rina leaving earlier than the rest said she had something business somewhere else so she left for a bit


    3 hours later of walking the group was now able to see the town


    ¡°Look!¡± Auron exclaimed, increasing his pace. ¡°Rest and a meal are just a few steps away!¡±


    Leona kept her head down while moving and smiled gently. Her spaced-out look remained. ¡°Something doesn¡¯t sit right¡­¡±


    Erik carrying a sleeping Rina narrowed his eyebrows in discontent as he scanned the area. ¡°Are you suspicious that another monster is attacking?¡±


    Elias, as quiet as ever, walked behind them. Dissimilar from before, he was taking a longer time to look at the town. He was meticulously observing the decaying rooftops while smoke was faintly rising from somewhere it should not be.


    There were no birds chirping. The friendly sound of children playing and laughing in the square was absent too.


    There was something deeper than ominous but troubling.


    The group was greeted by eerily vacant streets. Not open doors or cut windows, just bare cement. The remnants of ash mixed with blood, creating an odor unmatched to anything encountered before.


    ¡°Do not tell me I am about to witness something awful,¡± Leona whispered to herself, whiting knuckled around the staff. Her breathing got slightly heavier.


    Uncertainty hung in the air, prompting Auron to slow down. The smile he once possessed melted away like snow on a warm, sunny day. ¡°This is troubling. Where is everyone?¡±


    Elias was unmoving, tension ulitmately swirling around him commanding him to rest but his eyes sharpened. At the far away church tower, lying there motionless in the shadow, something dark concealed just out of human sight.The Initial Indications


    While walking further into the town, Auron went on to knock on one of the doors. ¡°Is anyone there? Hello?¡±


    Nothing.


    Eventually, a shaky hand parted the door an inch or so. An elderly woman cautiously opened the door. She squinted through the door, clearly scared. "You shouldn¡¯t be here


    She cautioned, as if expecting someone to overhear.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± was Auron¡¯s question.


    But a commanding voice from somewhere in the alley cut the dialogue off;


    ¡°New playthings for the Master, huh?¡±


    Through the shadows of the alley, peeked a deformed large body adorned in demonic symbols, skin glowing faintly red.


    A ram''s horned head with a mouth filled with bloodstained teeth grinned deviously,


    ¡°The Master shall be pleased.¡±


    Leona gasped.


    ¡°A demon¡­!¡±


    In silence, Elias reached for his sword.


    There was silence.


    Bloodthirsty eyes examining the group menacingly.


    ¡°We shall obey Lord Krell,¡± the words dripped from its lips like poison.


    Auron sprang forth,


    ¡°We shall stop you from hurting innocent people!"


    The demon cackled back,


    ¡°You embarrassing fool, do not take me so lightly!¡±


    Auron and Elias made moves at the same time, only for Auron to be restrained by Elias''s hand firmly gripped on his shoulder.


    Elias looking at the demon declared exerci


    Smiling the demon let them go


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go¡± was all Auron could choke out.


    ¡°What should we do then?¡±


    ¡°We search for an inn to gather intel. Charging blindly solves nothing.¡±


    Silence again, but questions formed in their heads and left unsaid for Elias made his case plausible.


    ¡°Fine...¡± he spun away, catching the demon¡¯s eyes with his last words.


    They exchanged messages without actually exchanging words.


    The gaze seemed to imply, there is no need to worry.


    As I previously said, upon exerci


    With one last look at the demon, Elias turned to leave.


    Their gaze locked.


    A vow went unspoken.


    As he entered the ruins of the former inn, Erik violently smashed his sword against the broken table in the room. ¡°No one is allowed to do anything! Did you see that creature?¡± he complained.


    Leona replied in a nod, ¡°What do we do about the people?¡± while shaking with fear.


    Elias continued to sit in the corner in silence with arms crossed.


    ¡°Do you have anything to say, Elias?¡± Erik snapped. ¡°Didn¡¯t think so.¡±


    Auron shifted uncomfortably back and forth between them, conflicted, yet still confident in Elias.


    Later, when others had finally succumbed to an unsettling sleep, Elias got up, tightening his coat around him. With the moonlight Rays falling upon him, his eyes had a soft glow to them.


    ¡°Listen to me, don¡¯t come out,¡± he said in a whisper loud enough for no one to hear.


    He silently made his way out into the streets submerged in darkness and then melted away into the fog.


    As Elias got closer, he saw the church tower and he paused. He could hear faint screams from within ¡ª the villagers, imprisoned, tortured.


    ¡°No more deaths will occur,¡± he thought to himself as he placed his hand against the stone wall and glared into the distance tracking the direction of the sound to below the church.


    Going to the church he found no security at the front, entering he was met by no resistance but as he was looking for the passage leading to the lower parts of the church.


    Lord Krell emerged from the shadows as a demon with red, glowing eyes towering over Elias with the body parts of his minion who he ate. With an imposing physique and possessing greater malice. His devilish form even outmatched that of an underlin.


    ¡°Someone was sure to sneak off,¡± the demon chuckled. ¡°But the timid one? How delightful...¡±


    Elias spoke not a word as he pulled out his sword.


    Krell chuckled, ¡°What are you going to achieve, small boy? Slice me with that plaything? You cannot contend with¡ª¡±


    Attacking Krell, he saw that the blade was passing through him and doing no damage


    Krell hitting him to the side and tore his arm off said "how pathetic, killing you would be a waste of time"


    Elias getting up healed his arm "I see your a demon general" Elias said in a calm voice" yes I am Lord Krell demon general of the 8th division a pleasure killing you today" Krell mockingly said with a laugh


    Elias looking at him with pity told him " I am so very lonely"


    Laughing Krell told him that he should kill himself in that case


    Elias getting tired of this demon inverted his blade causing water rise from the ground and started swirling around the blade of Elias.


    Spinning his blade in a circle the water followed the direction


    The air thickened with mist.


    Krell paused and tilted his head.


    "You... What are you?"


    Elias cast his gaze upward, his eyes cold and calm.


    "I am your salvation from this world ."


    And before the blink of an eye, forward he lunged, the sword dimly glowing with the flowing streams of water.


    So fast, so silent; a ghost he was in the night.


    Krell roared as he swung his big claw.


    Elias ducked under it and sliced straight across the demon''s arm, blade filled with water.


    The steel cut deeper than any blade ever could.


    "IT BURNS IT BURNS AHH?!" Krell howled as he stumbled backward.


    Elias remained silent, but his eyes were ablaze.


    Water spiraled into blades all around him, and with a flick of his wrist, launched Krell into them, tearing through flesh.


    "You hide this from them?" hissed Krell amidst bloodied laughs. "Are you frightened of what they would think? What you are?"


    Elias'' face stayed devoid of emotion.


    "I do not want them to know."


    Krell charged again, but this time, Elias drew water from the air and condensed it into chains that snapped around the demon''s arms, binding him firmly. "IT''S BURNING AHHHH HELP ME!!!"


    Krell gasped, wrenching at the chains that grew tighter. "You... could have destroyed me from the start."


    "I know," murmured Elias.


    With a final step, Elias shoved his blade into Krell''s heart, the water exploding out with the force of impact and freezing as it spread ¡ª encasing the demon''s body in solid ice.


    For a moment, there was silence.


    Elias turned and walked away, leaving the frozen corpse behind.


    The villagers were timidly returning to the streets by morning, their expressions still wary but hopeful.


    Auron rubbed his sleepy eyes.


    "What... went on?"


    Leona stepped outside and gasped.


    "The demon... it is gone"


    ¡°so I was wrong?¡± Elias¡¯ emotionless gaze traveled upward.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Auron chuckled while embracing him. ¡°It appears a hero did indeed appear out of nowhere!¡±


    ¡°where did he go?¡± Leona said hesitantly as her eyes remained fixated on Elias. ¡°How did he leave without a single indicator of a battle? It¡¯s like the demon completely... redeemed itself.¡±


    Shrugging his shoulders, Elias answered in a monotone voice.


    ¡°Unlike certain people who idlely stare, a real warrior does exist.¡± Erik scorned.


    ¡°Come on, please stop.¡± Auron whispered.


    Staying obedient, Elias went back to tending his sword.


    Holding his ground at the rear of the group, Elias made his way out of the town. Oh the familiar notion of obeying orders.


    Auron matched his slow pace as he walked next to him.


    ¡°Things for you seem to always go downhill,¡± Auron stated self-reflectively. ¡°And I know one thing for certain ¡ª it appears to trouble you more than it should.¡±


    His head slightly turned in response, glancing Auron over.


    ¡°I do appreciate your presence, especially around these times, Elias,¡± Auron halfheartedly admitted.


    Elias¡¯ lips curled gently into a smile. ¡°Yes... Me too,¡± __in response__, Elias could only enlighten in agreement.


    Quieting their discussion, Auron smiled lightly. He glanced over at his peers ahead who were joyfully teasing and exclaiming. While Elias on the other hand was observing and embracing the gentle rush of the wind.


    The truth about his actions was available to be uncovered ¡ª however, the secret remained intact,


    at least for the time being.

 Shadow of the light

    The forest path was now in front of them and the town behind. The sun created golden flecks on the dirt road due to the overhanging leaves. Auron hummed a light tune to himself during the walk to keep the mood lively.


    Leona made a check on the map. ¡°We should reach the next town by nightfall.¡±


    Erik sighed. ¡°Finally. I¡¯m getting tried of sleeping on dirt.¡±


    Elias walked behind them, being silent as he always was. With his fingers resting on the hilt of his sword, the way he appeared seemed much more relaxed and carefree than he harbored.


    No one else knew, and he preferred it that way.


    They began walking, oblivious to the fact that red eyes were watching them from above.


    Through the trees, a low growl resonated. Then suddenly, a beast appeared from the shadows lurching forward.


    It was immense, resembling a wolf but had jagged bone spikes rising from its back. A snap of branches preceded it.


    Auron did not have the time to react before the thing charged their group, gnashing it¡¯s teeth.


    ¡°Dire Fang!¡± Leona exclaimed.


    The brute charged toward Erik but he managed to evade by sidestepping him and with a single swift arm motion, cut his flank with a plethora of questions surfacing in his mind. The titan who was supposed to kill him was devoid of muscles which he expected him to have.


    Why was a creature of such size so weak? Auron wanted to comprehend, but it was evident that the surrounding deceitful broad forest will metamorphose into a sanctuary of sanguine within moments. It was not something one would like to witness.


    Leona lifted her staff. "Auron, Erik, retreat ¨C I¡¯ll bind the creature!"


    Even before Leona could complete her sentence, Elias was already moving. He sprang toward the back of the creature, sword brandishing. He cut deep into the monster¡¯s leg muscle with his blade, complimenting his sword with his mark.


    Firing off a frustrated wail, the Dire Fang subsequently lined its focus towards Elias, twisting its body and samming its thick appendage into his torso directing him to gain agility.


    With a charge fueled by anticipation, they sprinted ahead, their blades piercing through the Dire Fang¡¯s skin. It howled and then fell silent, the body twitching weakly before becoming completely motionless.


    With a grin plastered across his face, Erik cleaned his sword on the grass. ¡°Easier than I thought,¡± he replied.


    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Leona exhaled, lowering her staff in relief. ¡°Well done.¡±


    ¡°Ughhhhhh,¡± Elias groaned as he tried to push himself with a grunt only to wince as sharp pain leapt through his ribs. It didn''t help that his vision was so foggy.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Leona sighed, looking his way briefly before shifting her gaze to Erik. ¡°We should hurry. More of these monsters can appear and we want to avoid that.¡±


    Elias inhaled gradually, pushing down the pain to stand, but because of his ribs no hand was offered. There were no questions about his well-being either.


    Only Auron hesitated.


    ¡°Elias, you¡ª¡±


    ¡°Let''s go Auron,¡± Erik shouted. ¡°We have to move.¡±


    His fists tightened as Auron bit his jaw and chose to stalk forward after the rest.


    As slow as this might sound, it quite literally pained Elias to move.


    Elias was deep in thought regarding the ache shooting from his side, unable to ignore the pulses of pain in his lungs with each inhale. As he was lost in thought, he began capturing the campsite bit by bit.


    Out of view from the fire, Elias made sure to pick a spot near the edge to best manage the brownish bruises and possible cracks on his ribs.


    Checking while resting surely should avoid as much pain as possible. Waking up shouldn¡¯t always have to gale an array of rough cracks and bruises.


    While he grabbed at the slices in his sides, Leona healed Erik¡¯s cut with a soft, ¡°Hold still,¡± while waving her solder. The rest hadn¡¯t forgot about their earlier interactions, which carded an eerie atmosphere to the whole conversation.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Erik said as he flexed his fingers.


    Auron observed, looking away only to check Elias. His frown deepened.


    He rose after some time and moved closer, taking a knee next to Elias.


    ¡°Here,¡± Auron said, pulling out a small vial. ¡°It¡¯s not much but it should help.¡±


    Elias scanned the potion before taking it. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Auron shifted weight, staying silent for a moment. ¡°You don¡¯t have to bear everything by yourself.¡±


    Elias tightened his fingers around the vial. ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal.¡±


    Auron sighed. ¡°Come on, Elias. It¡¯s okay to accept help sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Trust me. I have it handled.¡±


    While partaking the sides, Auron could see the other individuals on the ground have dinner. Others were more energetic, laughing. Auron was about to turn towards the talk but with one final look at Elias¡­


    Elias remained at length until the whole chilly night set in, frozen in place.


    Some burned bright, but others were remaining in darkness.


    He closed his mouth and screamed; it was foolish for him to put forth that much effort when the best option was simply walking over and sitting down.


    The campfire, which was burning brightly not long ago, now was reduced to embers, barely illuminating the now still campsite while also accentuating the particles of sand drifting calmly in the serene night air.


    Elias noticed that Erik was snoring faintly, Leona nestled comfortably under her thick blanket, while Auron was now using his sword as a makeshift pillow. Everyone, save for Elias, was now fast asleep.


    So too did Elias. Blending into the dark.


    Even so, Auron had no other choice than to meet him the following week to guide him on the steps of winter. Auron didn¡¯t really seem fond of the thought.


    He brought up one hand to scratch the back of his head.


    He undid his coat and took out the small crystal as well. Uncorking it took no considerable effort; as such, there was no aim for time spent in hand to ready himself for further advances.


    Within the stone''s core, a warm silver glow flickered as he attempted to channel energy within it. The ribs he had received from the Dire Fang grievous wound still smarted, and they responded in kind.


    He inhaled deeply as magic flowed through him, allowing him to seamlessly add together the shattered pieces of his bone and muscle.

 Breathing space

    Elias still healing himself noticed someone coming and as he was wondering who it might be Rina came out of the forest.


    "You idiots didn''t stay in the last town I had to run all the way here" she said out of breath


    Elias looking at her tried to pretend he was still sleeping that didn''t go so well


    She noticed and told him not to act she saw his eyes open


    Elias moving slightly growled in slightly pain


    Rina noticing asking what is he up too as she finally saw his injuries


    "What happened to you" she said falling down as a dramatic act


    Elias not amused told her to get up Rina getting up came close and asked "serious what happened"


    Kneeling down and holding his hands she said if you died can I take you cloak


    Elias sighing told her to go sleep


    Rina done joking got some bandages and patched him up


    Elias was just silently looking at her as she did so


    "All done this will keep you alive shadow boy" Rina said sitting next to him by the tree and sleeping


    Elias continuing to heal himself was tired but had to keep watch so he did


    Morning arrived too quickly. By the time the rest of the group began to wake, Elias was already up, standing at the opposite end of the clearing. He put out the fire and packed his belongings. No one questioned him.


    Rina stretched, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she sat up.


    ¡°Mmm... Are we already moving?¡±


    Leona shook her shoulders. ¡°We aren¡¯t getting closer to the capital while we sleep.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t at least let me wake up,¡± Rina mumbled, tightening her cloak against the morning air.


    She looked at Elias and saw that he was all ready to go, as if he had never even rested.


    Auron watched Elias for a while before slinging his bag over his shoulders. ¡°Come on. We should reach the next town by noon.¡±


    They began walking down the road, the morning fog still lingering.


    The path wound through open fields and clusters of trees, with distant farmhouses dotting the land. Birds chirped in the distance, and the only other sound was the steady rhythm of their footfalls on the dirt road.


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan when we get to the capital?¡± Erik asked, adjusting the sword at his side.


    Leona turned to look at him. ¡°First, we gather supplies. Then, we report to the guild about the monster activity.¡±


    The journey to Greythorne was pleasant, with no monster attacks or sudden perils along the way. By midday, the party arrived at a quaint little town.


    Greythorne was a small place with cobblestone streets, timber-framed houses, and a lively market square where merchants shouted at the occasional passerby.


    The scent of fresh-baked bread and roasted meats filled the air. Children dashed by, giggling, while townsfolk bustled about, attending to their errands.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "Finally," Erik huffed, stretching. "First stop: food."


    "Second stop: supplies," Leona corrected him.


    Erik sighed dramatically but didn¡¯t argue.


    "Let¡¯s meet at the inn in two hours," Leona stated, waving them off. "Do what you need to do."


    Rina was drawn to a stall displaying jewelry and trinkets, their colors catching her eye. As she ran her fingers over a silver pendant shaped like a crescent moon, she heard Elias clear his throat nearby.


    "It looks nice on you," he said.


    Rina blinked at him before shaking her head. "Huh? You like it?"


    Elias nodded slightly.


    Rina smirked. "That¡¯s probably the first compliment I¡¯ve heard from you. Wow!"


    Elias simply watched the pendant without replying.


    Tilting her head toward him, Rina then turned to the merchant. "How much for this one?"


    "Three silvers," the merchant said.


    Rina contemplated for a moment, then looked at Elias again.


    "You think it¡¯s worth it?"


    Elias glanced down at the pendant, studying it briefly.


    "Yes."


    Rina smiled. "Okay," she said, handing the merchant the coins. With quick, practiced movements, she fastened the necklace around her neck. "There. So if I get lost, you¡¯ll know it¡¯s me."


    Elias turned away, a faint, barely perceptible smile on his lips. Then, he stepped back.


    Rina watched him for a moment before chuckling softly. "Guy has a surprise for everything."


    Meanwhile, Erik and Auron sat at a wooden table in the tavern, eating their meals.


    "I¡¯m surprised Elias didn''t come for a meal," Erik said through a mouthful of food.


    Auron looked down at his plate, then momentarily gazed out of the window.


    "He doesn¡¯t have much need of us."


    "Yeah, I noticed," Erik said, stabbing a piece of meat with his fork. "Not like we¡¯re giving him much reason to, huh?"


    Auron didn¡¯t reply, but his grip on his cup tightened slightly.


    Just then, Leona walked into the tavern carrying a bag of supplies.


    "Once we eat and have time to rest, we¡¯re moving on."


    "Moving already?" Erik groaned. "Can¡¯t we at least stay the night?"


    "No. We are on a schedule," Leona said firmly.


    Auron hesitated before adding, "We could use another rest."


    The tavern had calmed down as most of the travelers had gone to their rooms. The group remained around the wooden table, finishing their food and drinks.


    Elias hadn¡¯t said anything, but Auron could see him deep in thought, his eyes gleaming with quiet calculation.


    Finally, Elias spoke.


    "From here to the capital... it''s about a ten-day march if we keep a good pace. Five days if we push."


    Leona raised an eyebrow. "And?"


    "The route is mostly clear. Greythorne is near the inner kingdom territories, which means monster activity is much lower compared to the outer regions.


    Unless we run into the occasional bandits, the road should pose little threat."


    Erik let out a sigh of relief. "That¡¯s good to hear. No more unexpected monsters."


    Elias nodded slightly. "At least, not until we get a little further."


    Auron studied him. "And you?"


    Elias met his gaze. "I''ll be fine for a while. Don¡¯t worry about me. I won¡¯t need to fight anytime soon."


    Auron¡¯s shoulders relaxed slightly.


    Elias turned back to the group. "But if we want to make better time, we should hire a wagon."


    "A wagon?" Rina asked, tilting her head.


    Elias nodded. "It¡¯ll cut the travel time nearly in half without exhausting us as much."


    (And help me keep an eye on Auron better)


    Morning arrived with the rich aroma of freshly baked bread drifting through the streets, mingling with the crisp air.


    The distant sounds of merchants setting up their stalls, calling out their wares, and the occasional clatter of hooves on cobblestone filled the town with a sense of bustling life.


    Outside the inn, the group stood in a loose circle, preparing for the journey ahead.


    Leona crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "I couldn¡¯t find a wagon heading to the capital today."


    Erik let out an exaggerated sigh, throwing his hands in the air. "Of course not. Why would things ever be easy for us?"


    Auron rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Maybe we wait another day? There¡¯s a good chance one might be heading out tomorrow."


    Before anyone could respond, the sound of steady hoofbeats on the stone road caught their attention.


    Elias strolled up casually, holding the reins of a well-built horse hitched to a sturdy wooden wagon. His expression was as calm as ever, completely unbothered by the situation.


    "We have a wagon now," he announced simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    The group stared.


    Rina raised an eyebrow. "Wait¡­ what?"


    Leona blinked. "Where did you even¡ª?"


    Elias climbed onto the driver¡¯s seat, not offering a single word of explanation. "Are we leaving or not?"


    Erik was the first to recover, grinning as he clapped his hands together. "Less walking? Say no more!" He hopped onto the wagon without hesitation.


    Auron chuckled, shaking his head, while Rina eyed Elias suspiciously before climbing in as well.


    Leona, still mildly baffled but unwilling to question a good thing, sighed and climbed aboard.

 Dead king

    It was a starry night and everyone but Elias was fast asleep.


    The only noise around him was the sound of a crackling campfire. It was quite deadened and Elias was toying on his communication device that he had got from the cafe. ¡°I am way ahead of you,¡± was an expression that hated appearing on his face, but because of one smile he got, tonight might be perfect.


    A dry voice greeted him on the other side, commencing, ¡®Status report[The king is dead].¡¯ He played him a little bit and decided to come running off to his phone where Elias could hear him quite clearly. ¡®what!?¡¯ is what his voice pitch told him.


    Elias was immediately replaced by intrigue when he recalled that smile diffused from his face. Before delivering the twist, muffled sounds came from the other side of the call. ¡°Sir as of 3:27am of the Lord eclipse King Andre of Stella was over thrown, his son has ascended the throne and his first act is that: He declared that all surviving mages are pardoned for the crimes of their ancestors¡­but Fire mages, who are still thought of as extinct are left out. Who told you this?¡± Without missing a beat, Elias decided and this has to be all taken off now.


    The shadows of mockering faces devoid of fury resided on his mouth lifelessly. Precised. Accompanied by a hint of surprise, he halted. ¡®What strings have you set this time around, Elias?¡¯ ¡®You question this time around is getting a less orthodox reply awfully quickly, smiled me a little tight lipped my smile curvature imperial Sundaram pull excitedly myself.¡¯ Elias visage was dazzling under the night light.


    ¡°Nothing attached. Just, this is a surprise to me.¡±


    Elias felt the mixed feelings towards the voice on the other end. A moment of solitude slipped away. Then the voice let out a tired breath.


    ¡°Sad as ever.¡±


    The silence gathered as the line disconnected, leading Elias to


    his thoughts.


    ¡°I could wait for help to arrive, but if I want something done right, it looks like I¡¯m going to have to do it myself.¡±


    With that, he rose to his feet and yawned in a manner that suggested the world was more than a mere backdrop  to him. And maybe, just maybe, he thought it was.


    The collective shift within the group initiated the first steps into the woods that had been resting under the gold awash from the sun rays.


    The first details that are unmistakable and easy to describe would be, for instance, where in the sequence of waking up might others already be, Auron, like always being the first one ready, woke up and was already preparing the wagon while he was currently getting more keen on the movements of Leona and Erik.


    What Rina found remarkable was the change in the routine that she was used to.


    ¡°Elias?¡± She didn¡¯t know why but she had to keep her voice low as Elias seemed honeyed over the whole time and was self-comfortingly engaged in the act of packing his belongings.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Elias, motionless, melancholic was almost savage to the touch, except not here. Watchful eyes prone to observation may leave behind hoping for any inter-forbidding blend of Euphoria and devastation.


    But to the clouds shaped like ¡®am¡¯ words ¨C that emanated light like rays of sunshine with unmatched anger, Elias was wandering in anger clad within tellings of lavishness.


    "Finally!" Erik chuckled as he gave Elias a pat on the back. ¡°You have finally decided to stop being oh so dramatic.¡±


    ¡°I still remain moody,¡± said Elias carefreely, his tone light and smooth ¨C almost like a disguise. ¡°I just needed time to¡­ think.¡±


    As Auron waved his hand across his face, he smiled slightly. ¡°I am just thankful that you are finally starting to share.¡±


    If only the reality was as easy as that. But it didn¡¯t matter at the moment. Not yet.


    An Unforeseen Encounter


    As the clock struck noon, the wagon was in motion and was rolling through a single path that suddenly...


    "Eh, easy now," the bandit said, clearly moving his hands in slow motion. ¡°Just relax. Hand over the gold and we will not gut you¡±¡ªhe paused to scratch his head, looking as stupid as he sounded¡ª¡°Like a fish.¡±


    His gap-toothed smile widened. Clearly, he thought he was damn funny.


    ¡°Great,¡± Leona said, annoyed at having to slit the throat of another moron, ¡°Just more idiots.¡± It was only a verbal fight that didn¡¯t need two uses of stuff face has.


    ¡°In eager approach,¡± Elias added, logical to the end. Putting his hands out in front of him as if trying to ward off a blow.


    "You are making an awful lot of threats for people who don''t seem to know anything about violence. My advice, don''t try anything too drastic or too bold.¡±


    ¡°If doing nothing will achieve the same outcome,¡± the bandit leader vomited with amusement and retched. ¡°Keep the drivel to yourself, buddy.¡±


    Something vibrated in the air, hinting at the presence of magic combat, and Leona knew why; a master bandit was armed with a spell guide.


    It was a mage. Magic lightning danced on his fingertips, radiating with hum of invisible thundering energy.


    ¡°Because I will just have to slice your face off,¡± the mage said while grimacing, his voice dripped with mockery.


    Knowing Elias, the cursing came liberally already. ¡°That was immensely unpersuasive,¡± he resigned.


    "Ba loin!" Auron called out and set off first, lunging forward. His sword was instantly coated with extreme magic energy, gold bursting forth from it.


    It intensified as he slashed through his enemy. The horrible foe who went first barely took the momentum of bleeding and getting suppressed over raised his sword, which gave me time, along with a volleys of arrows from the back along with terrible strike stiffing hand with brim fuming shimmer and hucks to dumb darlings. Because precise aims fired rapidly as vex ticked off me stewing mad.


    While quietly retreating backward laser shaped sword knew time slowed as still felt like slaving sank around leona. With a flash of sunlight, her twin daggers flared sending fire forward, allowing her to repel them after coiling at stupid girl amid asininely looking out of sharp blades.


    While leon''s last pawn rose Ethan stepped up from his first mighty fist into still standing overbearing enemy and tackling him, effortlessly sending him screeching further away from himself into left side.


    He effortlessly sent all the others met from the bellow like devotees towards lesser sing so as to stand above sat on fuming water, aghast filled ecstasy over easy fleeing from nearby like tight packed dam with symbols back put.


    To cart with baffled delight, Rina freshly straight distance melted away! From astray form with quiver over a lone glue tail head in from all directions jacked strangling it to beautifully permanent fasten, each of them guided in hand unto shaft thul thuns spun brilliant blinding shades of pure magic layered over pieces upon gadgets and lenses crafted decoratively with unclogged stream pressides around and an utterly other displays dynamic cadmium purple with high-gov eyeng geared end rounded design dripping suspenders with bullets under hip shorter vaulter beneath sore free lusticious siege.


    And Elias? He stayed behind, yet to make his move.


    He wasn¡¯t meant to take the spotlight just yet, and so Auron occupied his attention. As the fight became even fiercer, Auron felt something within himself begin to awaken.

 Doubt

    The morning following the ambush was fresh and still. Light poured through the trees, illuminating the wet ground with yellow splotches. The group moved slower than usual, trying to let Elias heal. At least that was their story.


    Auron found himself looking back occasionally. Elias¡ªwho had literally been hit by lightning¡ªlooked¡­ okay. Too okay. He was still talking, smiling like it was nothing. He should have been too frazzled by the trauma to walk upright, but he moved like it was no problem.


    Rina was aware of it too, watching him out of the corner of her eye while tapping mindlessly on her bow shaft. Her hesitance was not that she didn¡¯t believe in him. She did. It was just that something in her¡ªsomething instinctual¡ªwas whispering that something just wasn¡¯t right.


    ¡°Hey Elias,¡± Rina said casually. ¡°How is the wound?¡±


    Elias turned to her with that smile that lit up his face. ¡°It¡¯s healing well thanks to your gentle treatment. Shouldn¡¯t take too long to be back in good shape.¡±


    Rina nodded slowly.


    Too soon. She had done the dressing herself, and from what she observed, he should have¡ª


    Leona, unaware of the growing tension, laughed. ¡°Maybe Elias is just built different.¡±


    Elias laughed, waving her off. ¡°Or maybe I¡¯m just real lucky.¡±


    Auron wasn¡¯t convinced. He had spent too much time watching people brawl, too much time watching how injuries affected even the strongest. The way Elias moved, the way he carried himself¡ªhe was not moving like someone who had just taken a potentially fatal hit.


    But he, too, brushed those thoughts aside. Maybe he was overthinking. Maybe he just wasn¡¯t used to seeing Elias like this ¡­ open.


    Their camp set for the night, and the tone of the day remained. Elias continued the sort of light conversation that people do to keep each other engaged in camp. It was pleasant enough, but also a little strange.


    At some point, when the others were busy setting up their tents, Rina finally chimed in to voice the thought she had been chewing on.


    ¡°Auron.¡±


    He looked up from his sword, which he was absently sharpening by the fire. ¡°Yeah?¡±


    She hesitated, then walked toward him and leaned in slightly. ¡°Doesn¡¯t Elias seem ¡­ different?


    Auron let out a sigh. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Rina crossed her arms. ¡°And that doesn¡¯t bother you?¡±


    He let out a sharp breath. "Of course, it does. But what am I supposed to say? ''Hey Elias, why are you suddenly so nice?'' It¡¯s not like we can just call him suspicious for being happy."


    Rina frowned. "It¡¯s not just that. His injury. His fight." She lowered her voice even more. "It¡¯s like he is¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªplaying a role," Auron finished grimly.


    They fell into an uncomfortable silence.


    Neither of them had an answer, but they both knew one thing for certain¡ªElias was hiding something.


    And for the first time since they had started this journey, neither was sure they wanted to find out.


    The nights after the combat were quiet. Too quiet.


    Elias sat at the edge of the fire, bandaged arm resting on his knee, gazing into the flames with a look far too comfortable for someone who nearly died. The smirk he usually wore stayed intact, even as the others began to unwind for the evening.


    Auron stole a glance from across the flames; his brows knitted together slightly. Something was off.


    Before today, Elias had been cold, calculating, always the one thinking ten steps ahead. But ever since that morning, the way he was behaving was¡­ different. Happy. Normal.


    It wasn¡¯t like him.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Auron finally said.


    Elias looked over, a blank glare passing over his face for the briefest of seconds before the same polite, practiced smile took over. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡±


    Auron hesitated. ¡°You were struck by lightning. Most people would be in searing pain, or at the very least, resting.¡±


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Elias shrugged and leaned back slightly. ¡°Pain is simply a sensation. You got to step up to help as other people might.¡±


    There it was again, that odd way Elias spoke. As if everything was part of the design of some plan.


    Rina, who had been quiet until now, was also aware. ¡°Elias¡­ I know you like to pretend that nothing affects you, but¡­"


    Elias inhaled, shaking his head just a little. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking this. I thought it was time to¡­ change my strategy. Isn¡¯t this what you wanted? For me to be more transparent?¡±


    That was the issue.


    It felt too calculated. Too exact.


    Auron met Rina¡¯s eyes, and neither said anything more.


    The next morning, as the group climbed back into motion, they faced another obstacle¡ªan old, rickety bridge stretched over a deep canyon.


    ¡°Looks solid enough,¡± Erik said as he stepped ahead.


    Elias chuckled. ¡°Famous last words.¡±


    Leona rolled her eyes. ¡°We don¡¯t have many choices. I¡¯ll go first.¡±


    She got halfway across when a plank cracked beneath her feet. She cursed, grabbing onto the rope railing.


    ¡°Great,¡± Rina said. ¡°Now what?¡±


    Auron turned to Elias. ¡°You¡¯re the lightest; you can test the bridge ahead of us.¡±


    Elias blinked, then gave Auron a slow smile. ¡°Ah. So you don¡¯t trust me.¡±


    Auron tensed. ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡ª¡±


    But Elias confidently walked across the bridge. Without even breaking stride, he pressed forward.


    Auron and Rina watched intently as Elias moved without hesitation. He walked as if he were a master of the bridge, like he had the whole thing mapped out in his mind and understood every weak plank before he even stepped on it.


    When he reached the other side, he turned back, arms crossed. ¡°See? Is that what you were worried about?¡±


    Auron felt his stomach tighten.


    How did he know?


    Later that night, with everyone else asleep, Auron and Rina sat away from the fire.


    "He went over the unstable bridge yet it was dangerous, he didn''t even consider a different path it feels..."


    ¡°out of character, right?¡± Rina whispered.


    Auron exhaled. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s just¡­ he¡¯s different. It¡¯s subtle, but something feels off.¡±


    ¡°Ever since he started smiling.¡±


    Auron clenched his fists. ¡°I don¡¯t know what he¡¯s not saying, but he¡¯s obviously hiding something.¡±


    And, unseen by either, Elias was watching.


    His smile remained but his heart was cold. He then walked away


    The discomfort between Auron and Rina only amplified as the hours continued during the night. The fire crackled.


    "We''re going to need to test him," Rina said finally, barely above a whisper. "I just think there is something wrong, and it isn''t just simply a change of attitude."


    Auron nodded slowly. "I''m in agreement. But how do we do that? If we push too much, he''s going to pick up on it."


    Rina''s gaze shifted to Elias, who was leaning against a tree, arms crossed, looking up at the sky with his eerily casual demeanor.


    "We ask him something only the real Elias would know. Something that has never been recorded, something deeply personal."


    Auron thought for a moment. Elias was the type of person to keep his cards close, but there were definitely moments, rare moments, when he shared glimpses into his past. If this thing posing as Elias didn''t have access to that personal information, it would show its true self.


    "I can ask him about the scar on his left hand," Auron said.


    Rina''s eyebrows furrowed. "The one from when we were kids? The dagger incident?"


    Auron nodded. "He once told me that he still has a phantom pain in there every once in a while¡ªmostly when it rains. If he reacts differently than Elias normally should react, then we''ll know."


    Rina exhaled. "Okay. But be careful. If this is not Elias¡­ we have no idea what it is."


    The next morning, while they were packing up camp, Auron approached Elias while Elias was strapping the straps on his pack with the same practiced efficiency he had before.


    "Hey, Elias," Auron said, trying to keep it casual. "Strange weather, huh? You feeling okay?"


    Elias looked up, that goofy smirk still in place. "Never better. Why do you ask?"


    Auron pretended like he didn''t care. "Just wondering if the rain from last night bothered you. You know¡­ your hand."


    For just a second¡ªnot even, Auron spotted him almost hesitate. It was so quick Auron would not have noticed. The smirk didn''t completely break, but there seemed to be a space or an emptiness in the smirk now.


    "My hand?" Elias asked, more of a rhetorical question than an actual response. Then he looked down at his left hand and flexed the fingers. "Oh, right. That old thing. I hardly notice it anymore."


    Rina staggered beside Auron.


    "Wrong answer" they thought


    The real Elias didn¡¯t dismiss pain so easily. He had, albeit begrudgingly, admitted that the scar always acted up before a storm. But this Elias treated it like another distant fact, trivia rather than experience.


    Auron forced a laugh. "Guess you''re tougher than I gave you credit for."


    Elias tilted his head, studying him carefully, and then began smiling broadly. "You have always underestimated me, Auron."


    Something cold slithered down Auron¡¯s spine.


    This wasn¡¯t Elias.


    Later that night, away from the rest of the group, Auron and Rina reconvened.


    "That wasn¡¯t him.¡± Rina whispered. An edge crept into her voice. ¡°That wasn¡¯t Elias."


    Auron let out a breath, then snapped. "I know. Whatever it is, it''s watching us."


    Together they turned, instinctively glancing to the area where Elias was near the fire, easily chatting with the rest of the group. Laughing. Smiling.


    It was wrong. So wrong.


    "What do we do?" Rina asked, with cold fingers tightening around her bow.


    Auron did not respond instantaneously. His thoughts flashed through various scearios. Not a single moment ended well.


    If they pushed him on it head-on. If h weren¡¯t Elias, then what? Was he going to kill them? Was he going to vanish? What could possibly be the endgame in this scenario? Playing with a knife like Elias


    "We wait," Auron said eventually. "We collect more evidence. Whatever it happens to be, it¡¯s acting the part for a reason. And we need to figure out what that reason is."


    Rina accepted with a nod, though tension was carved into her face, strain lines spanning in both directions.


    "Fine, but the moment it shows its card, we strike first."


    Auron did not argue. Because somewhere inside, he had the sinking feeling that when it showed its card, it would be too late for them.


    Auron thought, Elias. What the hell happened to you?


    The Elias at the campfire was smiling, taking on a smug grin¡ªbecause he already knew their plan.


    The smile just grew sadistic