Chapter 88: Drunken Revelations

Ace's POV

I left Ovelia and Ann at their table, surrounded by the lively hum of the inn. The air was thick with the scent of different beverages and meals, mingling with the occasional burst of laughter from the drunk patrons. Most of the men here were already deep into their cups.

Philip was at another table, engrossed in conversation with a group of merchants. He held a glass of spiced rum in his hand, his cheeks flushed and his eyes bright with enthusiasm. It seemed he'd taken a liking to the local drink. Meanwhile, our troop members and Kai's were engaged in some kind of drinking contest, each trying to outlast the other. Laughter erupted as some of them were already deep in their cups, swaying back and forth.

Ray, Colt, Kai, and I sat together at our own table; the atmosphere between us relaxed but charged with the kind of camaraderie that only comes after a long night of shared struggles.