chapter 7: the offer

The Adventurers' Guild was alive with its usual hum of activity—adventurers boasting of their triumphs, the clinking of mugs from the bar, and the occasional heated argument about contracts. Alaria and I, however, weren't part of any of it. We sat at a small table tucked into the corner of the bustling hall, both of us staring blankly at the worn wood as the hours dragged on. "You know, Noctis," Alaria started, propping her chin on her hand, her emerald eyes flicking lazily toward me, "if we sit here any longer, they might just start charging us rent." I gave a faint smirk, but the weariness in my voice betrayed me. "Not much else to do until we pick another quest." She rolled her eyes, her crimson hair catching the lantern light as it spilled over her shoulders. "Another quest? What's it going to be this time? Slime wrangling? Pearl collecting? Oh, wait! Maybe we'll get to carry someone's groceries home!"

I shrugged, too tired to argue. "It's not like we have a choice. We're still stuck in copper rank." She groaned, leaning back in her chair and letting out an exaggerated sigh. "I swear, if I have to do one more pointless chore, I'm going to—"

Before she could finish, a loud, confident voice interrupted from across the room.

"Hey! You two!"

We both turned to see a group of adventurers approaching. There were three of them—a tall, imposing man, a serene elf, and a sharp-eyed woman. They stood out instantly, not just because of their gear but because of the way they carried themselves. Experienced. Confident. The kind of adventurers who didn't waste their time with copper-level nonsense. The man at the front had a solid, broad frame, his well-worn chainmail gleaming faintly under the lantern light. His short, dark brown hair was neat, and his gray eyes seemed to pierce through us as he stopped a few feet away. "Yeah, you two," he said, crossing his arms and tilting his head. "What are a couple of kids like you doing sitting around in a place like this?" Alaria bristled instantly, her emerald eyes narrowing. "Excuse me? Kids?"

"Relax," the man said, raising a hand. "I'm not trying to insult you. Just saying you look… young. How old are you? Fifteen?"

"Sixteen," Alaria shot back, her voice sharp. "And I can handle myself, thanks." The woman behind him snorted, a sly grin spreading across her face. She was dressed in sleek black leather armor that clung to her agile frame, her golden, reptilian eyes gleaming with amusement. "Sixteen, huh? And what about you, kid?" she asked, nodding toward me. "Fourteen," I said, keeping my voice steady.

"Fourteen," she repeated, her grin widening. "Barely out of school. And you're already trying to make a name for yourself as adventurers?" Alaria crossed her arms, her irritation clear. "We're doing just fine, thanks. We've already completed quests."

"Oh, really?" the woman teased, leaning forward slightly. "What kind of quests are we talking about? Slime hunting? Fetching herbs for the apothecary?" Alaria's hand twitched toward the dagger at her side, but I placed a hand on her arm, silently urging her to let it go. "We've handled everything we've been given," I said calmly. "And we don't need anyone's help." The elf woman stepped forward, her serene expression softening the tension. She was tall and graceful, her long golden hair braided down her back with small flowers woven into the strands. Her lavender eyes glowed faintly, exuding a warmth that felt almost otherworldly. "Forgive them," she said gently, her voice soothing. "They mean well, even if they have a terrible way of showing it." She glanced at Alaria with a faint smile. "My name is Elaris Sylvae. We couldn't help but notice you two sitting here all evening. It's dangerous out there for adventurers so young. We wanted to see if you'd consider teaming up with us."

"Teaming up?" Alaria repeated, her eyebrows shooting up. "Why would we do that?"The man at the front stepped forward again, his gray eyes locking onto mine. "Because you're new to this," he said simply. "And we're not. We've been doing this for years. You could learn a lot from us—and maybe even survive long enough to see silver rank." Alaria scoffed. "We don't need babysitters."

"It's not babysitting," Elaris said, her tone patient. "It's mentorship. You'd still be free to make your own decisions, but you'd have the safety of experienced adventurers at your side."

"We're not asking for anything in return," the man added. "No money. No strings attached. Just a little guidance." The tension in Alaria's shoulders eased slightly, though her expression remained skeptical. She looked at me, silently asking for my opinion. I hesitated, glancing between the three strangers. Their offer was tempting, but something about it didn't sit right. "Thanks," I said finally, my voice careful. "But we're doing fine on our own for now." The black-haired woman snorted, crossing her arms. "Suit yourselves, kids. But don't come crying to us when you end up in over your heads."

"Kaivya," Elaris said softly, a note of reprimand in her voice. The man nodded, his expression neutral. "If you change your minds, you know where to find us." With that, the trio turned and walked away, their voices fading into the background as they returned to their table. Alaria let out a frustrated huff, flopping back into her chair. "What was that about? Acting like we can't handle ourselves."

"They weren't wrong," I admitted quietly. She shot me a glare, her emerald eyes narrowing. "Don't tell me you're actually considering their offer."

"I'm just saying," I said carefully, "they're experienced. It wouldn't hurt to have allies." She shook her head, standing abruptly. "We don't need allies, Noctis. We've got this." Her confidence was unshakable, and despite my doubts, I couldn't help but believe her. "All right," I said, standing as well. "Let's just get to bed." As we made our way upstairs, the weight of the conversation lingered in my mind. Their offer had been sincere, and I couldn't help but wonder if turning them down had been a mistake. But for now, Alaria and I were on our own—and that was enough.

The thought lingered long after we'd climbed the stairs and gone to our respective rooms. I shut the door behind me and dropped onto the creaky bed, the day's exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. The conversation with those adventurers replayed in my head, their words cutting deeper than I wanted to admit. "You're new to this. And we're not. You could learn a lot from us—and maybe even survive long enough to see silver rank." I ran a hand through my hair, sighing deeply. Alaria's confidence was unwavering, but even she couldn't deny how close we'd come to failure on those last few quests. The lake monster, the shadow that haunted us… they'd all been close calls, and if we kept walking this path alone, it was only a matter of time before we'd face something we couldn't handle. I sat up, staring at the wooden floorboards as doubt gnawed at me. Veylara's voice didn't come to soothe or manipulate me this time, which was almost unsettling. This decision, it seemed, was mine alone.

After a long moment of hesitation, I stood, grabbing my cloak from where it hung on the bedpost. My legs felt like lead as I made my way back downstairs, the quiet creak of the steps echoing in the stillness. The guild hall was dimly lit now, with only a handful of adventurers still lingering, nursing their drinks or chatting quietly. The trio from earlier was still at their table, deep in conversation. The human man, Daren, leaned forward, pointing to a map spread across the surface. Elaris sat beside him, her lavender eyes scanning the parchment with calm focus, while Kaivya reclined in her chair, idly twirling a dagger between her fingers. I hesitated for a moment, standing at the edge of the room, before taking a deep breath and stepping forward. Daren noticed me first, his sharp gray eyes lifting from the map to meet mine. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for me to speak.

"Hey," I started, my voice quieter than I intended. "I… I've been thinking about what you said earlier." Elaris glanced up, her expression softening. "Oh?" Kaivya's smirk widened as she straightened in her chair, her golden eyes glinting. "Let me guess—you've realized we were right?" I ignored her, focusing on Daren and Elaris. "If the offer's still on the table… I think we'd like to join you."

Elaris exchanged a glance with Daren, who nodded slowly. "The offer's still open," he said, his tone neutral. "But are you sure? This isn't something you can do halfway. If you're in, you're in."

I nodded firmly. "I'm sure. And I think Alaria will agree… eventually." Kaivya let out a low laugh, leaning forward. "Oh, I can't wait to see her face when you tell her."

"Kaivya," Elaris chided gently, though there was a faint smile on her lips. She turned back to me, her tone kind. "You're making the right decision. And we'll do everything we can to help you both succeed." Daren folded the map and stood, his imposing figure towering over me. "Then it's settled," he said, extending a hand. "Welcome to the team, Noctis." I hesitated for only a moment before taking his hand. His grip was firm, steady, a promise of stability and strength. "We'll talk strategy in the morning," Daren continued. "But for now, get some rest. You're going to need it." I nodded, a weight I hadn't realized I was carrying lifting from my chest. As I turned to head back upstairs, Kaivya called after me, her voice teasing. "Better get your girlfriend on board, kid. Wouldn't want her getting mad at us for stealing you away." I didn't bother responding, though I could feel the heat rising to my face. As I climbed the stairs, my mind raced with thoughts of what was to come. Alaria was going to kill me for making this decision without her, but deep down, I knew it was the right call. For both of us. For the first time in days, I felt a sliver of hope—a sense that maybe, just maybe, we wouldn't have to face this world alone.

That night, sleep didn't come easily. Even as I lay in bed, the weight of my decision sat heavily on my chest. I had agreed to join a group of strangers, convinced it was the best choice for Alaria and me. But was it really? Would she even accept it? Or had I just dragged us into something worse? The room was still and silent, but my thoughts churned like a storm. That's when I felt it—a subtle chill creeping through the air, brushing against my skin like a ghostly caress. My breath hitched, and instinctively, I reached for the light crystal on the bedside table, gripping it tightly. "No need to be so tense, Noctis," a familiar, melodic voice purred from the shadows.

I froze. "Veylara…"

She stepped into view, her form as ethereal and haunting as ever. Black veils cascaded around her like liquid night, shimmering faintly as though woven with starlight. Her golden eyes pierced through the darkness, their intensity almost unbearable as they locked onto mine. Strands of her ebony hair spilled out from beneath the veils, falling in perfect waves down her shoulders.

"Did you miss me?" she asked, a sly smile tugging at her lips as she glided closer, her movements unnervingly graceful. I sat up, the light crystal trembling slightly in my grip. "I was wondering when you'd show up." Her smile widened, and she tilted her head. "Oh, darling, I've always been here. You know that." She gestured vaguely around the room, her voice soft and teasing. "Every decision you make, every doubt you feel, I'm right there… watching. Waiting."

"For what?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended. Her expression didn't falter, but her golden eyes darkened slightly, taking on an almost predatory gleam. "For you to realize how much you need me," she said, her tone dropping into something colder, more dangerous. "You've been so resistant, Noctis. So stubborn. And yet, here you are, questioning yourself again. It's exhausting, isn't it?" I didn't respond, but my silence must have spoken volumes because she took another step forward, her presence filling the room like a suffocating fog. "You're lost," she continued, her voice a whisper that seemed to echo in my mind. "You cling to this girl, Alaria, as if she's your salvation, but deep down, you know she can't protect you. She can't guide you. Not like I can." I clenched my jaw, my heart pounding against my ribs. "Alaria's my partner. I don't need protection."

Veylara let out a low, melodic laugh, the sound both beautiful and unnerving. "Oh, my dear boy, you are so young. So naive. Do you think strength alone will save you? Do you think those adventurers you've aligned yourself with care about you? About her?"

"They're experienced. They know what they're doing," I argued, though my voice lacked conviction. "Perhaps," she mused, stepping closer until she was mere inches from me. Her golden eyes bore into mine, unrelenting. "But their experience doesn't make them infallible. Mistakes will be made. People will die. And when that moment comes, when you're left standing alone in the ruins of your choices, who will you turn to?" Her words sent a shiver down my spine, and I tightened my grip on the light crystal, its faint glow flickering in the oppressive darkness. "You're wrong," I said, though the tremor in my voice betrayed me. "I'm not alone."

"Oh, but you are," she whispered, leaning in so close I could feel the cold radiating from her. "You've always been alone, Noctis. And you always will be—unless you accept the truth."

"What truth?" I asked, my voice barely audible.

"That you were never meant to walk this path with them," she said, her tone softening, almost tender. "You were meant for more. For greatness. But you'll never reach it while tethered to them. They're chains, holding you back from your true potential." I shook my head, trying to dispel the weight of her words. "No. They're not—"

"They are," she interrupted, her voice sharp and commanding now. "And deep down, you know it. That's why you called for me, isn't it? You crave my guidance, my strength. You want to break free from the doubt, the fear… the weakness."

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. "I just… I don't know what I want anymore." Her expression softened again, and she reached out, her fingers brushing against my cheek. The touch was cold, like frost against my skin, but it sent a strange warmth through me. "Then let me show you," she said, her voice a soothing whisper. "Let me guide you, Noctis. Together, we can forge a future where no one can ever hurt you again. Where no one can stop you." Her words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, I was tempted. Her promises were intoxicating, her presence both comforting and terrifying. But deep down, a small, stubborn part of me resisted.

"I can't," I said finally, my voice cracking under the weight of my decision. "Not like this." Veylara's golden eyes flickered with something unreadable—disappointment, perhaps, or frustration. But she didn't lash out. Instead, she smiled faintly, her fingers lingering on my cheek for a moment longer before she stepped back. "Very well," she said, her tone light but laced with something dangerous. "You're not ready yet. But you will be. And when that time comes, I'll be waiting." With that, she faded into the shadows, her golden eyes the last thing to disappear. The oppressive chill lifted, leaving me alone in the dimly lit room. I sat there for a long time, staring at the spot where she had stood, her words echoing in my mind. When that time comes, I'll be waiting.

A shiver ran through me, and I lay back on the bed, my thoughts too tangled to make sense of. Sleep didn't come easily that night, but one thing was certain—Veylara wasn't done with me. Not by a long shot.