Chapter 12: Ghosts of the Past

A Dangerous Encounter

Evelyne held her breath as the stranger took a slow step forward.

She wasn't defenseless—if it came down to it, she'd fight—but in her current state, she was at a disadvantage. Her wound still burned, her strength hadn't fully returned, and she had no weapon within reach.

The man, on the other hand, looked completely at ease.

"You look nervous," he mused, stopping just a few paces away. "Don't worry—I already told you, I'm not here to kill you."

His tone was light, but Evelyne wasn't foolish enough to lower her guard.

"Then what do you want?" she asked.

The man studied her for a moment before sighing dramatically. "What I want is a warm meal and maybe some wine, but since neither of those seem to be available, I suppose I'll settle for a conversation."

Evelyne didn't respond.

He smirked. "You really don't recognize me, do you?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Should I?"

His smirk widened, but there was something sharper behind it. Something unreadable.

"Perhaps not," he said, almost to himself. "It was a long time ago."

Evelyne clenched her jaw. "If you're not here to kill me, and you're not a friend, then why are you here?"

The man exhaled through his nose. "Straight to the point. I like that."

He turned slightly, glancing around the cabin. "I came here for Phileo."

At that, her blood ran cold.

The way he said Phileo's name—it wasn't just recognition. It was familiarity.

"You know him."

The man's gaze flicked back to her, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Of course I do."

He took another step forward.

"You're traveling with him, aren't you?"

Evelyne didn't answer.

He chuckled. "No need to look so suspicious. I'm not his enemy."

That didn't ease her nerves in the slightest.

The man tilted his head, as if considering something. "Though, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. He was always one to attract trouble."

Evelyne frowned.

What did that mean?

Before she could ask, the man's gaze dropped to her bandages. His smirk faded slightly.

"I see you got caught in the crossfire."

Evelyne stiffened.

The man exhaled, his expression unreadable. "You shouldn't be with him."

Her fingers curled into the blanket.

"And why is that?"

The man's gaze was steady. "Because Phileo is cursed."

A chill ran down her spine.

Before she could demand an explanation, the door slammed open.

Phileo Returns

Phileo's figure filled the doorway, his eyes dark and sharp. His sword was already in hand.

The stranger didn't flinch.

"Well," he mused, turning to face Phileo fully. "That was fast."

Phileo didn't lower his weapon. "You have five seconds to explain why you're here."

The man smirked. "Still as direct as ever."

Evelyne glanced between them, her heart pounding. There was something between these two—something unspoken.

Phileo's grip on his sword tightened. "Four seconds."

The stranger sighed. "Relax. I didn't hurt her."

His gaze flicked to Evelyne briefly before returning to Phileo. "You should be thanking me, actually. I came to warn you."

Phileo's expression didn't change. "Warn me about what?"

The man's smirk faded. "They're coming for you."

Silence.

Phileo didn't move, didn't speak. But Evelyne felt the shift in the air—the sudden tension, the unspoken weight behind those words.

"…Who?" Phileo asked finally.

The man's expression darkened. "You already know."

Phileo's jaw clenched.

Evelyne watched the exchange, confusion swirling in her mind.

Who was coming?

And why did it feel like Phileo had been expecting this?

Unfinished Business

Phileo lowered his sword—just slightly.

"Since when have you started giving warnings?" he asked.

The stranger chuckled. "Since I realized you're still as reckless as ever."

Phileo exhaled sharply, shaking his head.

Evelyne couldn't take it anymore. "Who is he?" she demanded.

Both men turned to her.

The stranger's smirk returned. "Ah. He didn't tell you?"

Evelyne's patience was running thin. "Tell me what?"

Phileo sighed. "His name is Lysander."

Lysander gave a mock bow. "At your service."

Evelyne narrowed her eyes. "And how do you know him?"

Lysander straightened, his smirk turning almost fond. "We used to work together."

Her heart skipped.

Phileo's past.

It was standing right in front of her.

And it had just brought them a warning.