Shadowbane

As they followed Liam, Agatha's mind was abuzz with questions. Why did Liam suddenly change his mind about going out? What did he mean by not working? And why did he mention wanting to take her on a date? She couldn't quite grasp the situation, and it left her feeling uneasy.

The Lift descended smoothly, and Agatha felt Aiden's hand tighten around hers. She squeezed his hand reassuringly, trying to convey a sense of safety despite her own uncertainties. The unfamiliar surroundings of wealth and luxury made her cautious, reminding her of the stark differences between their world and this one.

Liam led the way with an air of confidence, his expression unreadable. Agatha glanced at him from time to time, trying to gauge his intentions. She couldn't shake off the feeling of being led into something unknown, something beyond her control. But for Aiden's sake, she pushed aside her doubts and followed along, determined to keep him safe no matter what.

Agatha couldn't help but notice the attention Liam drew from the female Metamorphs around them. Despite his simple attire, his charm and physique seemed to make him a magnet for attention. She remembered the time when he was even stolen by a kid during one of his outings. However, Agatha chose to focus on Aiden instead, whose eyes were filled with awe at the new surroundings.

Aiden had grown used to being left at home when Agatha worked at Eldoria. Back then, he would venture into the forest, but now they couldn't risk such freedom with the Ravager on the hunt. Agatha wanted Aiden to experience a bit of the outside world, even if just to breathe fresh air and break away from their confined routine. She steeled herself against the urge to cry, determined to keep Aiden safe and create moments of joy amidst their challenges.

The contrast between the Twilight Nook and their former home of Eldoria was stark, and Agatha couldn't help but notice the differences. The streets here were clean, devoid of the bad odors and clutter they were accustomed to. Instead of the usual sights of poverty and struggle, they encountered delicious aromas wafting from food vendors along their path.

What struck Agatha even more were the absence of children on the streets, as well as the lack of sick elders begging for food. The vendors here seemed to cater to a different clientele, offering more sophisticated and premium items. The shops had glass walls that showcased their wares, adorned with unique carvings that added an artistic touch Agatha had never seen back in Eldoria. It was as if they had stepped into a different world altogether.

Agatha blinked a few more times, taking in the sights before her. The beautiful establishments, the clean surroundings, and the multitude of creatures on the move created a scene unlike anything she had seen in Eldoria. Although the area was bustling, it wasn't unbearably loud. The buildings here were taller, bigger, and more colorful, each boasting a unique design. She noticed an abundance of Heavers, rare in Eldoria, flying overhead and partially obscuring the sun. Some buildings even had dedicated entrances for these flying creatures, highlighting their prevalence.

The roads were different too. They walked along a narrow path meant for pedestrians, while nearby, a wide road accommodated carriages. Separate lanes were designated for various Grounders like lions, cheetahs, and deer, ensuring safe travel. The presence of many Elvens added to the diverse crowd. Agatha and Aiden's eyes widened when they saw the Grounders suddenly sprint along their lanes, moving as fast as light. It made sense to have separate lanes to prevent accidents.

Agatha was curious about their exact location, but Liam was engrossed in conversation with a woman, so she held back her questions. Instead, she continued walking, holding Aiden's hand tightly. The creatures' clothing here was also different from what they were accustomed to, adding another layer of unfamiliarity to their surroundings.

Agatha sighed deeply as she noticed Aiden staring longingly at a food stand, the enticing aroma clearly catching his attention. She knew he wanted to buy something but was too aware of their lack of Galleons to ask. All their money had been lost during the battle at Bloodmoon Forest.

Holding back tears, Agatha felt the weight of her inability to provide for Aiden pressing down on her. She couldn't even afford a simple meal for him. But now, more than ever, she needed to stay strong and focused. She had to go to Albus Hotspot to speak with Camilla and find work as quickly as possible. She needed to earn Galleons, not only for their daily needs but also to get Aiden checked by the Ravager physicians.

In her life, Agatha had only interacted with two Ravagers closely: Nysander and Aiden. She avoided others whenever she encountered them, so her knowledge about them was limited. Aiden seemed like a normal Ravager with his smaller horns compared to other young Ravagers, but his worsening condition worried her. He was getting paler, sleeping longer and more deeply, and often complained of stomach pains. 

Agatha was anxious that his Innate Sense, a critical and potentially dangerous stage for Ravagers, was calling him. "Not yet," she hoped fervently. They weren't ready for such a challenge. She needed to find help and answers quickly before Aiden's condition deteriorated further.

Like Metamorphs, Wyverns, and Werebeasts, Ravagers had their own transformations too. Agatha wasn't sure what triggered these changes, how they occurred, or what the symptoms were, so she didn't know how to prepare. All she knew was that when Ravagers shifted, they became bigger, their skin turned gray, their nails transformed into claws, and sharp, long teeth emerged.

At least, that was what happened with Nysander and Aiden. She had no idea how other classes of Ravagers transformed.

Agatha and Aiden had been walking for a while, turning corners and searching, but they couldn't find Albus Hotspot. She was about to ask an old Witch who was walking nearby when Liam suddenly appeared in front of them.

Agatha's eyes widened in surprise. She blinked a few times, unable to comprehend what she had just witnessed. Liam had appeared out of nowhere. She had seen him do that before during a battle and had assumed it was a combat skill. But now, she wondered how he could do that so effortlessly.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Liam's apparent irritation. "Where are both of you going, and why did you suddenly leave?" Liam sighed, his eyes boring into Agatha's. "Aggie, you know it's too dangerous, but you still went away? What if a Ghoul suddenly appeared, and I wasn't there to save both of you?!"

Liam's hiss caught the attention of nearby passersby, who cast curious and alarmed glances their way. In the Primotheus Capital, Ghouls were rare and mentioning them in public was enough to cause concern. Ghouls were slaves to Ravagers and typically appeared during battles. Their presence signaled a Ravager's wrath, which meant war and chaos—very different from the bustling, peaceful atmosphere of this town.

"We were heading back to Albus Hotspot," Agatha explained. "You were talking to someone, so we didn't want to disturb you."

Liam's dark gaze bore into her. By now, Agatha was accustomed to his intense stares and frequent irritation. His temper was unpredictable, easily sparked by the slightest inconvenience.

"You're not going back to that place, Agatha." Liam's voice carried a clear warning.

Cold fear gripped Agatha. She stiffened, her thoughts racing. Her immediate instinct was to run, to grab Aiden and flee. She didn't care what the consequences would be. She just needed to escape, to protect Aiden and herself. There was no way she would let them imprison her or take her away from Aiden.

When Liam grabbed her arm, Agatha's reflexes took over. She punched him square in the face and kicked his shin. Grabbing Aiden's hand tighter, they bolted without looking back. They weaved through the crowded streets, colliding with several creatures but never slowing down. Agatha knew Aiden had questions, but he kept quiet, matching her desperate pace.

Spotting a dark passageway ahead, Agatha led Aiden there and squeezed themselves into the garbage, trying to catch their breath. Suddenly, Liam appeared before them, scowling, his anger and confusion palpable.

Agatha's eyes widened. She hadn't expected to be found so quickly. Fear surged through her, but she instinctively shielded Aiden with her small frame, trying to protect him despite knowing it was a futile gesture.

"Why did you run?" Liam's voice was an unsettling mix of anger and confusion.

Instead of answering, Agatha asked, "How did you know my whole name?" She tried to stay calm, but her heart pounded savagely in her chest.

Liam's scowl deepened. "Your name? That's what you're worried about?"

Agatha's mind raced. "Yes, how did you know it? No one here knows my full name."

"Someone told me from the Albus Hotspot when I asked about you," Liam said, still looking irritated. Agatha didn't expect him to answer her question, and she wasn't sure if she could trust him. After all, he was a Fae.

Suddenly, Liam walked toward them, and Agatha closed her eyes tightly, holding her breath. She was certain he was going to hit her. His anger was written all over his face. But instead of feeling a blow, she felt a warm embrace envelop her.

Her immediate thought was to push Liam away, but she was scared of making him angrier. So she stayed still, anticipating and cautious of what might follow.

"Why did you run?" Liam asked again. "Tell me." He sounded irritated, but his actions said otherwise.

Agatha cleared her throat, feeling a wave of nausea as Liam tightened his embrace around her waist. 

"Are you still trying to escape? I thought we'd already talked about this fully. It's safer if you stay with us," Liam continued, still hugging her.

Agatha found it hard to breathe. 

"What's the problem, Aggie? Did I do something wrong?" Liam asked.

Agatha wanted to push him away, but her hands weakened as Liam leaned closer, his lips near her ear. 

"It is about me calling you by your full name? You don't like your name?" he whispered hoarsely, making her body tingle. "You should have just told me not to call you that. No need to run away." Liam nuzzled the tip of his aristocratic nose along her neck, making her grimace.

Agatha felt a surge of strength as she realized Liam was overstepping his bounds. She pushed him hard against his chest.

"Don't touch me," she said, her voice low but firm.

Liam's expression shifted, a flicker of something softer before irritation took over again.

"You are not running away again, Aggie. If you do, I'll chain you…" 

Agatha's eyes widened at Liam's words, her hand instinctively moving to the dagger hidden at her waist. But before she could react, Liam continued, seemingly oblivious to the tension. "...to my bed."

Agatha's mind raced, bewildered by his words. What was he saying? She remembered fighting off men who had tried to claim her in the hotspot, but she was nothing like the beautiful women surrounding Liam. Why was he saying such things, and in front of innocent Aiden?

"Is that what you want as payment for our stay?" she asked, repeating the question she had asked before, her voice trembling with anger and fear.

Liam's eyes widened, then narrowed as he realized the implication of her words. 

Liam breathed out heavily, clearly frustrated. "How many times do I have to tell you that we don't ask for anything in return? Your body will never be a payment for anything, Aggie," he said firmly, but with a note of patience. "Not on my watch."

Agatha stood frozen by his words, unable to react as Liam gently took Aiden's hand.

"Are you hungry?" Liam asked Aiden. "There's a restaurant nearby. Come on," he said, leading the way out of the hidden passageway toward the morning light.

After a moment, Agatha snapped out of her stupor and hurried to follow them. She was still reeling from everything she had heard. They soon entered a sophisticated establishment, and the delicious aroma of various foods immediately overwhelmed their senses. However, Agatha's hunger dissipated as she took in her surroundings.

The restaurant was filled with a diverse array of creatures, all enjoying their meals. The place looked extravagant, making Agatha feel out of place. The thick red carpet covered the entire floor, and the lights mounted on the walls illuminated every corner brightly. There was almost no shadow to be seen. Each table was adorned with fresh, colorful exotic flowers, adding to the opulent atmosphere.

Aiden's eyes widened with wonder at the sight, but Agatha felt a mix of awe and discomfort. She glanced at Liam, who seemed at ease in the lavish setting. She couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider in this world of luxury.

Liam found them a table and guided Aiden to a seat. Agatha hesitated for a moment before sitting down as well. Liam signaled a server, who promptly approached with menus.

"Order whatever you want," Liam said, his tone gentler now. "I want you both to feel comfortable here."

Agatha and Aiden couldn't stop their eyes from roaming around the lavish restaurant. They had never dreamed they would be able to enter such a place. Agatha felt out of place, like she was watching herself in a dream. But seeing Aiden's delight in his surroundings, her worries transformed into genuine joy for him.

They sat silently, unsure of what to do, while Liam spoke to a Metamorph server holding a menu, waiting for their food orders.

"Liam," Agatha said firmly, "I don't have any Galleons." Then, a moment later, she whispered, "I owe you and am already indebted to you a lot. This is too much."

Liam sighed, clearly tired of hearing about debts. "We will talk tonight," he stated, making Agatha more anxious instead of relieved.

Before she could inquire further, the food arrived in succession, carried on premium trays by half a dozen crew members. The dishes were exquisitely presented and smelled delicious. Agatha wanted to refuse the food, scared of what Liam might ask in return. But when she saw the happiness in Aiden's bright smile, she swallowed her pride and decided to let him enjoy the meal.

As they began to eat, Agatha's initial discomfort slowly started to fade. The food was unlike anything she had ever tasted. Each bite was a new experience, a blend of flavors that both surprised and delighted her. Aiden was equally captivated, his eyes wide with wonder as he tried each dish.

Agatha and Aiden were experiencing a whole new world of flavors with the food served at the restaurant. Their diet had mostly consisted of fruits, vegetables, and fish all their lives, so the intricate and delicious tastes of the dishes were a delightful surprise.

"What do you call this?" Agatha asked, pointing to the yellow food. It was cold and melted on her tongue, a sensation reminiscent of mangoes. It was her first time tasting something like it, and she eagerly took another spoonful.

"Sorviettes," Liam answered with a grin, his eyes fixed on her.

Agatha was taken aback by Liam's smile and ended up coughing, startled. Aiden quickly handed her a glass of water, while Liam got up and stood beside her, gently patting her back. However, this only made her cough worse.

"I-I'm fine," Agatha managed to say, trying to get Liam to stop since his actions were exacerbating her cough. Instead, Liam held her closer, attempting to comfort her.

Feeling embarrassed by the attention, Agatha struggled to control her cough and eventually managed to calm down. Liam returned to his seat, and Agatha quickly ate her food, feeling uncomfortable under the curious gazes of others in the restaurant. She couldn't wait to leave and be away from the prying eyes.

Agatha and Aiden found themselves in a large clothing store, but despite Liam's offer to pay for anything they wanted, neither of them picked out anything. Aiden showed intelligence by not asking for anything and graciously accepting what was given to him.

Liam seemed a bit quiet and observant as they left the store without making any purchases. As they walked around town, Agatha couldn't help but wonder where exactly they were.

"Are we still in Primotheus Capital?" she asked Liam with innocent curiosity.

Liam nodded firmly, his hands tucked in his pockets. Agatha then pressed further, wanting to know their precise location within the capital.

"Where in Primotheus?" she inquired, still holding Aiden's hand.

"We're in Twilight Nook," Liam replied simply, his gaze scanning their surroundings as if searching for something.

Agatha's forehead creased with confusion. "Twilight Nook? It looks so different from what I remember. Are you sure we're in the right place?" She studied Liam intently, wondering if there was more to his answer than met the eye.

"We were in the Northern Town," said Liam nonchalantly. "I was summoned by the Ministers because of the incident at Bloodmoon Forest."

Agatha's heart sank at Liam's words. Liam called by the Ministers? Did that mean he might end up in jail? She had heard enough about the Primothean Ministers to know they were often harsh and unforgiving.

Liam went on to explain, "They found out I was here, so I told them we were just taking a brief trip. Then we moved to the wealthier part of town to avoid suspicion." His tone made it seem like dealing with the Ministers was a minor inconvenience. "That's why it takes about a day to walk to Albus Hotspot or six hours by carriage."

Agatha was stunned by everything she was learning. She had no idea there was a wealthier area in Twilight Nook. Now, knowing about Liam's encounter with the Ministers and the distance to Albus Hotspot, she couldn't help but feel a mix of helplessness and uncertainty.

"What will happen to my work now?" Agatha couldn't hold back her emotions, her voice tinged with a sense of worry and hopelessness.

Agatha pondered how she could monitor Aiden's health effectively. She worried that his transformation might be imminent and that there might be something crucial she didn't know, potentially putting him in danger, a scenario she refused to entertain.

Watching Aiden walk happily while holding her hand, Agatha couldn't help but notice a change in his physique, likely due to the ample nourishment provided by Liam.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Liam took her other hand and led them toward yet another store. Agatha couldn't help but sigh inwardly. It seemed odd that Liam, who typically showed no interest in shopping, was now so enthusiastic about it. She had always heard that most men disliked shopping, yet Liam seemed different, eagerly exploring each new store even though he wasn't buying anything for himself.

Entering a store specializing in cloaks, Agatha marveled at its expansiveness and elegance. The store was bustling with creatures, mostly women, some of whom cast curious glances at Liam.

Approaching them with a wide smile was a Metamorph adorned with zebra patterns. "What can I assist you with, sir?" she asked Liam.

Agatha and Aiden stayed put where Liam had left them, choosing not to follow him as he went off with the woman for a tour. The stares from the other women were unfriendly, making Agatha feel uncomfortable. To avoid their glances, she quickly found a seat, and they waited there until Liam returned.

"Why didn't you follow?" Liam asked upon his return.

Agatha blinked, realizing they were expected to go with him. She wondered what they were supposed to do on such a tour.

"Feeling tired already?" Liam approached, reaching out to touch Agatha's forehead, but she instinctively stepped back, causing him to retract his hand.

"Try these on," Liam said softly, handing them each a cloak. One was blue and green for Agatha, while the other was black and brown for Aiden. A female Metamorph helped them put on the cloaks that Liam had purchased without their request.

Liam instructed Aiden to wear the black cloak once they were outside, while Agatha was given the blue one. "To keep you warm," Liam explained as he adjusted Aiden's hood.

Agatha didn't voice any complaints. They did need the cloaks, especially Aiden, considering the colder weather lately. It was a practical choice for them to venture out.

The night grew closer as they returned to the Slumber Shack, and Agatha hadn't been successful in finding a job or any means to check Aiden's health due to their lack of Galleons. She racked her brain for more options as they were about to enter their chamber with Liam, but then Aiden suddenly fainted, nearly collapsing to the floor.

"Aiden!" Liam called out as he caught Aiden's arm.

It was only then that they realized what was happening. Aiden's body was burning up with fever. The door burst open, and Leonel rushed in, swiftly checking Aiden's pulse. Although Aiden had been feverish before, this level of heat was unprecedented.

Leonel's expression twisted in realization. "It's the Shadowbane!"

Agatha's heart sank as she looked at Aiden, lying unconscious on the ground. She felt a sense of dread wash over her as Liam cursed under his breath.

"What's going on?" Agatha asked, her voice trembling as she tried to wake Aiden. She fought to stay strong for him. He was her everything.

Leonel met Agatha's gaze with a solemn look. "He's been poisoned."