Chapter 11

All Larkin had wanted was to watch the Tournament of Greatness. That was it. Just a simple, enjoyable week. But instead, here he was—alone—because Xain and Zee still hadn't come back, and now he was stuck talking to some rude asshole who looked like he had an unhealthy obsession with the color black.

Forcing a polite smile, Larkin asked, "What could I help you with?" His voice was calm, but inside, he was really fighting the urge to tell this guy to buzz off. Still, at least it passed the time. And besides, the man had a sword on his hip, so angering him probably wasn't the best idea.

The man motioned toward the crowd, his expression unreadable. "What's going on here?"

*Why the hell'd you single me out to ask that!?* Larkin thought, but he kept his irritation in check and answered, "Well, the Tournament of Greatness is startin' tomorrow." He pointed toward the stalls on the left. "People are buyin' tickets over there." Then he gestured to the right. "And signin' up to participate over there."

The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "A tournament, huh?" he mused before suddenly letting out a sharp laugh. "Ha! Interesting. Never thought something like this would happen."

Larkin squinted at him. There was something off about the way he said that. *What the fuck is he on about?* He wondered internally before asking, "By the way, can I ask who ya are? And why'd you pick me outta everyone here?" He motioned at the crowd around them.

The man's laughter cut off, and he turned to Larkin with an intense glare. "It pisses me off that you don't know me."

Larkin blinked. "Uh… what?"

*Is this guy supposed to be famous? Actually, what am I sayin'? The way he talks and looks, he's way more likely to be infamous than famous.*

The man let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his head as if he was the one being inconvenienced. "Just call me Wolf for now. Don't feel like giving you my real name."

Larkin noted the way he said for now but didn't comment on it.

"As for why I singled you out," Wolf continued, crossing his arms, "it's 'cause you're old, suspicious, and old—so you probably know a lot."

Larkin felt his eye twitch. "Why'd ya say old twice?"

Wolf shrugged. "'Cause you're really old?"

Larkin barely held back a groan. *Why does everyone treat me like I'm some ancient artifact or somethin'!? I ain't even fifty yet!*

Wolf suddenly glanced around, his eyes shifting suspiciously before he leaned in closer to Larkin. His voice dropped to a low murmur.

"Old man, you're not from around here, right?"

Larkin held his gaze for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I'm not. What's this about?"

Wolf nodded slightly, as if confirming something to himself, then asked, "You run into any demons on your way here?"

Larkin's eyes widened. The question had come out of nowhere, catching him completely off guard. *Why's he askin' this? And should I even tell the truth?*

His mind raced through the possibilities. *He probably won't buy it if I tell the whole truth, but if I say I didn't see any at all, he might not believe that either… Alright, guess I'll do a little of both.*

With a practiced sigh, Larkin nodded. "Yeah, I did. Me and my friends got jumped by a couple, but we managed to get away. It was a nightmare, I tell ya." He shook his head for emphasis, hoping Wolf would buy it.

Wolf's eyes darkened, his jaw clenching. "I knew it! Those fuckers are causing trouble again! Fuck! I knew we shouldn't have trusted those two!" He let out a frustrated growl, running a hand down his face before rolling his eyes and sighing all in one exhausted motion. Whatever was on his mind, it was really getting to him.

Larkin just stood there, watching him with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

Wolf muttered something under his breath before scoffing. "Well, thanks for the info, I guess. Maybe I could ask you about—" He paused, glancing at Larkin again, then waved a hand dismissively. "Nah. You're old, but you ain't that old. You wouldn't know shit about that."

Larkin felt his eye twitch again. *First, you make a whole damn point about how old I am, and now I'm not old enough? What the hell?*

Wolf turned on his heel, already walking away. "Enjoy the rest of your day or whatever," he called over his shoulder, lifting a hand in a lazy, halfhearted wave. "I gotta go. See you later, or not."

Larkin watched him disappear into the crowd, eyebrows furrowed. "What the hell was that about?" he muttered, still staring after him.

With a sigh, he scratched at his beard before leaning against the wall beside him. "Well, back to waitin', I guess."

Still, his thoughts lingered on the strange encounter. *Just who the hell was that guy?*