Chapter 6: Shadows in Starlight

As the wagon rolled through the night, Kael, Emily, and Orion found themselves drawn to a quaint inn nestled on the outskirts of Astraloria. The inn, illuminated by the soft glow of starlight, exuded an inviting charm.

The trio entered the inn, its wooden door creaking softly as they stepped into a warm ambiance. A beautiful and elegant woman, named Isolde, greeted them with a gracious smile. Her eyes sparkled with allure as she gestured toward a table adorned with intricate patterns.

"Welcome, travelers," Isolde purred. "Rest your bones and indulge in a fine meal."

The inn, with its tapestries and lanterns casting a cozy glow, held an air of tranquility. The aroma of exotic spices wafted through the air as the trio took their seats. The menu offered an array of dishes, and Isolde recommended a peculiar dish—worm stew.

The trio, unaware of the shadows lurking in starlight, enjoyed the fare. The ambiance of the inn, the scents, and the flavors masked the danger that loomed.

The room assigned to them was adorned with drapes and symbols. The bed beckoned for a peaceful night's sleep, or so they thought. Unbeknownst to them, Isolde, with her beauty, concealed a dark secret—a curse that claimed the lives of unsuspecting guests.

Nightfall draped the inn in an inky shroud. Kael, Emily, and Orion retired to their beds, oblivious to the peril that awaited. Isolde, her intentions concealed behind a facade, glided through the darkness.

Orion, vigilant and perceptive, sensed the malevolence. Concealed beneath his jacket was a dagger, its blade gleaming in the shadows. As Isolde approached, Orion seized the moment, swiftly driving the dagger into her heart.

A gasp escaped Isolde's lips as her beauty twisted into a grotesque caricature of decay. The curse lifted, and she crumbled into dust, the shadows dissipating.

Orion, his duty fulfilled, stood amidst the remnants. The inn, once a haven of deception, now bore witness to the end of the cursed hostess. The trio, spared from doom, continued their journey toward Astraloria, unaware of the darkness they narrowly escaped.