Night had fallen and darkness had covered the land.
All that was left was the moon above, casting a soft glow over the quiet roads as the traveling entourage stopped at an inn near the edge of the Ross territory.
The establishment was modest but sturdy, a large wooden structure standing between the surrounding trees, warm light spilling from its windows like tears of joy.
There was activity as a few of the soldiers and servants stayed behind with the carriages, tending to the animals and securing supplies while the rest of the party made their way inside.
Thorn entered first with Ren and Lilith behind him and Elias brought up the rear.
The scent of roasted meat, ale, and burning wood filled the air as they stepped into the ground floor of the inn, which doubled as a tavern.
Scattered around the tavern were enough patrons to make the room seem occupied but not enough to make it look bustling.
Lanterns hung from the walls, illuminating the room and casting long shadows over the aged wooden beams and rough-hewn furniture. A fire crackled in the central hearth, providing warmth.
Ren’s eyes took in the group of hunters sitting in one corner, their boots caked in dried mud, speaking in hushed tones over mugs of ale. If they ever proved to be a threat, he now knew enough about them and their weapons to take them out without breaking a sweat.
Thorn approached the innkeeper, a stout, bearded man wiping a mug with a rag. "How many rooms do you have left? We’ll need all of them for the night." Thorn said, crossing his arms.
The innkeeper glanced at their group and nodded. "Aye, we’ve got space, but not for all of you. Some will have to sleep outside with the horses."
Thorn turned back toward Ren, who gave a simple nod of approval. They had expected as much.
The Ross and Underwood guards would take shifts outside, making sure that security remained tight even in this new and unfamiliar location.
Meanwhile, Ren guided Lilith to a table near the hearth, where they settled into the worn wooden chairs. The tavern matron, a plump woman with bright eyes and a motherly demeanor, approached with a warm smile.
"What’ll you have, love?" She asked, her tone light and familiar.
Ren opened his mouth to answer, but before he could, Lilith stiffened beside him. Her crimson eyes darkened ever so slightly, and tension settled over the table like a well worn rag.
"He’s not your love." Lilith said, her voice polite but sharp.
The matron blinked, then let out a hearty chuckle. "Oh, don’t you worry, dearie. It’s just a way of speaking. No harm meant."
Ren placed a calming hand on Lilith’s, squeezing lightly. "This is my fiancée. She doesn’t like anyone calling me by nicknames."
The matron laughed again, clearly amused but not offended. "Ah, I see! A feisty one, are you?"
"Don’t worry, dear, he’s all yours. I’ll get you both some food. Only bread and soup left at this hour, I’m afraid."
"That will be fine." Ren said, nodding.
The matron bustled away, still chuckling, while Lilith exhaled slowly, regaining her composure.
Ren turned to her, keeping his expression patient but serious. "Lilith, I’ve told you before. Control is important. We’re in a public place."
Lilith waved him off, resting her chin on one hand. "Yes, yes, I know. You always say that."
Ren sighed, knowing she was brushing it off but deciding not to push further. He knew time was running out. He’d need to find a way to reinforce the lesson in a way that would truly stick.
Across the room, Thorn and Elias sat near the wall, close enough to guard but far enough to ensure privacy, quietly observing the entire exchange.
Thorn smirked as he leaned back in his chair. "You have to admit, it’s kind of amusing."
Elias, however, did not share his amusement. His brows were furrowed slightly, his gaze fixed on Lilith. "It’s going to be a problem."
Thorn raised an eyebrow. "You think so?"
Elias exhaled slowly. "She’s possessive. Here, it’s manageable because Lord Terence is with her, but in the capital, things will be different."
"There’ll be nobles, political figures, people who don’t care about her attachment to him. What happens if someone offends her?"
Thorn shrugged. "Ren will handle it. He always does."
Elias shook his head. "Lord Terence’s presence isn’t a guarantee this time. There’s someone else who will be in the capital that would be an even bigger problem."
"Lilith’s older brother."
Thorn’s smirk faded slightly. "Her brother?"
Elias nodded. "He doesn’t like her and her Gift. And knowing him, he might do something that triggers her. If that happens…"
Thorn considered this for a moment before exhaling. "I still think Ren can handle it. But I’ll admit, it’s another problem on top of everything else."
Elias didn’t respond immediately, his gaze flickering back to Lilith, who was now chatting idly with Ren as they waited for their meal.
It’s only a matter of time before something happens.
Lilith sat close to Ren, her hand resting on his forearm as she spoke. She looked perfectly normal and composed now, but Elias had seen enough to know how thin that control could be.
If her brother did anything to set her off in the capital, it wouldn’t just be a family matter. It could very well become a political disaster.
Elias was pulled out of his thoughts as Thorn stretched out with a yawn. "No point worrying about what hasn’t happened yet. For now, let’s just eat and get some rest."
Elias nodded, though his worry remained. The capital was a place filled with people he couldn’t predict, but perhaps the most dangerous of all would be the lady sitting beside Ren, smiling as if nothing could possibly go wrong.
The night stretched on, and the inn quieted little by little. Travelers retired to their rooms, the barmaids gathered empty mugs, and the fire in the hearth dimmed.
Ren and Lilith eventually made their way to their chambers, and both guards made their way to their stations.
Thorn nudged Elias as they walked. "Like I said, no point worrying too much. Ren’s got this."
Elias let out a slow breath. "I hope you’re right."