Chapter 10: Hidden in sight

The afternoon sun bathed the village in golden light as Wren sat at a wooden table outside the inn, a parchment spread before him.

His sharp eyes moved swiftly over the words, scanning the details of the quest he had just accepted.

Across from him, Viktor and Kyoryn sat in silence, waiting.

"This one's high risk," Wren said finally, setting the paper down. "A Primal Ape was spotted in a cave north of Lake Eden. The guild wants it taken out before it gets too close to civilization."

Viktor raised an eyebrow. "A Primal Ape? We had some back home in the forest. They're aggressive when their territory is threatened, but if you keep your distance, they're manageable." He crossed his arms. "So what makes this one high risk?"

"Simple," Wren said, "is that it's an alpha."

Viktor exhaled. "Bigger, stronger, and a hell of a lot meaner."

Wren nodded. "If we go in unprepared, it'll tear us apart."

Kyoryn leaned forward. "But it's doable, right?"

"If we're smart," Wren admitted. "We need a solid plan."

Viktor tapped his fingers against the table. "Ape-type beasts rely on brute strength and speed. They won't retreat if we enter their territory. If we lure it deeper into the cave, we could restrict its movements."

"Or," Wren countered, "we set up traps outside and force it into an ambush."

As they debated, Kyoryn's mind drifted. That unease she'd felt earlier hadn't faded.

Her instincts screamed at her.

Subtly, she glanced around. Then she saw them.

"We're being watched," she murmured.

Wren's gaze barely shifted as he followed her line of sight. Across the street, a group of men sat at a table, pretending to drink, but their eyes were locked onto them.

Wren sighed. "Bandits. Or smugglers. Either way, best to ignore them."

Kyoryn frowned. "Ignoring them won't stop them from following us."

Viktor nodded. "We should move. Talk somewhere more private."

Wren hesitated before standing. "Fine. Let's go."

---

The dirt path led them to the lake's edge, where the water shimmered under the afternoon sun. A gentle breeze rustled the trees.

Then, footsteps.

Wren turned sharply.

A woman emerged from the treeline, carrying a small satchel. She was tall, her long black hair tied into a sleek ponytail. Pale blue eyes, cold and unreadable, fixed on him as she approached.

Kyoryn and Viktor recognized her immediately.

"You again?" Viktor blinked.

The woman—the same one who had shown them to the guild—stopped before Wren and held out the satchel.

"Your supplies," she said, her voice flat.

Wren took it without hesitation. "Thanks."

Kyoryn's curiosity burned. "Who is she?"

Wren adjusted the strap over his shoulder. "My wife. Zenith."

Silence.

Both Kyoryn and Viktor stared.

Zenith barely acknowledged their shock. Her gaze flicked between them. "It's a pleasure meeting you, children."

Kyoryn stiffened. "Children?"

"Compared to us, you are," Zenith said simply. "Once your mission is done, you're invited to lunch."

Kyoryn blinked. How did she know they were on a mission?

Viktor smirked. "Lunch? Sounds good to me."

Zenith turned to leave, pausing only to add, "Then don't die."

She disappeared into the trees without another word.

Kyoryn exhaled. "Your wife is... direct."

"You get used to it," Wren said.

Viktor chuckled. "I like her."

Kyoryn shook her head. "Let's focus on the mission."

Wren nodded. "Then let's move."

---

The journey to the cave was long but manageable. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the dirt road.

Wren finally spoke. "So, what's your deal?"

Kyoryn glanced at him. "What do you mean?"

"Most people your age would be with their families, not out here risking their lives."

Kyoryn's expression didn't change. "I don't have a family anymore."

Viktor shrugged. "Same. We're just… exploring."

Wren's usual sharp demeanor softened slightly. "I see."

A brief silence followed before he sighed. "Sorry for bringing it up."

Kyoryn shook her head. "It's fine."

Viktor smiled faintly. "Not like it's a secret."

Wren exhaled. "It's easy to forget that people don't just take guild quests for gold. Everyone has their reasons."

Kyoryn tilted her head. "And what about you? What's yours?"

Wren hesitated. "I want to take Zenith to Edgelane."

Kyoryn frowned. "Edgelane?"

"A city far from here. Safer. Better living conditions. I don't want Zenith spending her life in a backwater town, scraping by." He adjusted the satchel on his shoulder. "If we're going to start a family, I want it to be somewhere worth living."

Kyoryn considered that. "Sounds nice."

Wren allowed a rare smile. "Yeah."

Then Viktor stopped floating. His feet hit the ground, and his body tensed.

Wren immediately noticed. "What is it?"

"We're being followed," Viktor murmured.

Kyoryn exhaled and shifted into her hybrid form. "I thought so too."

All three turned, scanning the trees.

Then, they emerged.

The same group from the inn.

Kyoryn's eyes narrowed. "Guess they weren't just curious after all."

Wren rolled his shoulders. "Great."

Viktor smirked. "Well… this just got interesting."

The hunters stepped forward, their intent unmistakable.