Chapter 26: Whispers and Shadows

Melinoe walked beside Xyphor through the bustling market streets, her senses overwhelmed by the vibrant sights, exotic spices, and strange dialects spoken around her. She could tell they had arrived in a town far different from those in Nyxaris. The architecture had a distinct Eastern elegance—wooden structures with sloping roofs, silk banners flowing in the wind, and vendors peddling unique wares. Despite the lively atmosphere, Melinoe couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Xyphor had been acting strangely. At first, she dismissed it as fatigue from their long journey, but now she wasn't so sure. His golden eyes darted around too often, scanning the crowds as if expecting something—or someone. Melinoe didn't want to be suspicious, but the way he avoided eye contact made her uneasy.

As they reached a quieter alley between two apothecaries, Xyphor suddenly excused himself. "Stay here," he murmured, giving her a disarming smile. "I just need to handle something."

Before Melinoe could respond, he slipped into the shadows, leaving her alone in the bustling town square. A nagging feeling pulled at her, and she hesitated before taking a few cautious steps forward. Her ears picked up faint voices from a nearby alley.

"…The elders demand your return," a deep, muffled voice said.

"They can keep demanding," Xyphor replied, his tone laced with sarcasm. "I don't take orders from them anymore."

"You know the consequences, Xyphor. The family won't tolerate disobedience forever."

There was a long pause. "I have my own affairs to handle," Xyphor finally said, his voice quieter. "Tell them I'm dead if you have to."

Melinoe's breath hitched. Family? Who was after him? And why was he pretending to be just a merchant if he had powerful enemies?

Before she could process what she had heard, a sudden crash erupted from the market behind her. Melinoe turned, her heart pounding, just as a group of armed men surged toward her. The chaos swallowed her as vendors shrieked, knocking over stalls in an attempt to flee.

"There she is! Grab her!" one of the men shouted.

Melinoe's instincts screamed at her to run, but before she could react, one of the attackers lunged. A dagger gleamed in the afternoon light, slicing toward her—only to be intercepted by a blur of white and gold.

Xyphor moved like lightning, deflecting the attack with a hidden blade that appeared from his sleeve. In one fluid motion, he twisted the mercenary's wrist and sent him crashing into a nearby cart. The others hesitated, startled by his swift precision.

"Didn't your employer warn you who you were dealing with?" Xyphor's voice was dangerously smooth as he stepped forward, his golden eyes gleaming with deadly intent. "You just made a very costly mistake."

Melinoe barely had time to process what was happening before Xyphor struck. His movements were almost too fast to follow—disarming, dodging, and incapacitating the mercenaries with brutal efficiency. It was nothing like the clumsy brawls she had seen in taverns or the precise formations of soldiers; Xyphor's fighting style was calculated, ruthless, and undeniably lethal.

By the time the last attacker groaned on the ground, Xyphor adjusted his robes as if nothing had happened. He turned to her, his expression unreadable. "Are you hurt?"

Melinoe shook her head, still stunned. "No, but…" She swallowed hard. "You're not just a merchant, are you?"

Xyphor's lips curled into a smirk, but there was tension beneath it. "Of course I am," he said lightly, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeves. "Would a simple merchant let you get kidnapped?"

"That's not what I meant," Melinoe pressed, narrowing her eyes. "You fight like—"

"Like someone who values their life?" He chuckled and stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You should be grateful I'm competent."

Something in his gaze made her heartbeat stutter. He was playing with her, deflecting, distracting her from the truth she had almost uncovered. Melinoe wanted to push further, but she also knew Xyphor wouldn't easily give her answers.

Later that night, Xyphor sat alone in his rented room, staring at the ceiling. His body still hummed with the adrenaline of the fight, but it wasn't the danger that unsettled him.

It was her.

Melinoe's scent still lingered in his senses—something sweet and intoxicating that made his blood run hot. He had spent the entire journey restraining himself, convincing himself that she was just another woman.

But she wasn't.

And that terrified him.