A Stalker in the Dark

The moment they stepped out of the tavern, the chill of the night wrapped around them like an unwelcome presence.

Arlan wasn't sure if it was the air… or the feeling of being watched.

Leila glanced over her shoulder. "He's gone."

Mira narrowed her eyes. "That doesn't mean he's done watching."

Beren let out a slow breath. "Well, that's unsettling."

Tomas stretched his arms. "Maybe he just liked how we fought earlier. I mean, we were impressive."

Leila snorted. "That, or he was wondering how we survived while looking this dumb."

Tomas clutched his chest dramatically. "The insults continue."

Leila rolled her eyes. But there was a faint smirk at the corner of her lips.

Mira ignored them, still focused on the street ahead. The shadows stretched long under the dim lanterns, and the roads had mostly emptied for the night. The few remaining people moved quickly, avoiding eye contact.

This town was different from Duskhaven.

More wary.

More paranoid.

And Arlan couldn't blame them.

The town had probably heard rumors about Duskhaven's fall by now. Maybe even whispers of undead armies and necromancers returning from the dead.

Even if they didn't know the truth, fear traveled fast.

And something told him…

That hooded man wasn't the only one watching.

They reached the new inn where they were staying—The Dusty Lantern. It wasn't much, but it was cheap, and the owner didn't ask questions.

Arlan felt a prickle on the back of his neck as they stepped inside. He threw one last glance at the streets—nothing.

But he knew.

Someone had been watching.

Someone who didn't want to be seen.

Inside the Inn

Mira locked the door behind them. "Alright. What now?"

Leila crossed her arms. "If someone's watching us, they'll try again."

Tomas flopped onto a chair. "Then let's just ask him what he wants next time. Or stab him. Either works."

Mira sighed. "That's not how this works, Tomas."

Beren, still standing by the door, grunted. "If he's a paladin, we're in trouble."

Silence.

That thought had already been weighing on Arlan. If the Holy Order had already caught wind of them, then this whole town wasn't safe.

Mira rubbed her temples. "Alright. Let's assume he's not with the Order. That still leaves the question—who is he?"

Leila frowned. "He could be a bounty hunter."

Tomas perked up. "Wait, are we worth a bounty now? I feel like that should come with a title."

Leila gave him a flat look. "Yes. 'Tomas the Idiot.'"

Beren let out a choked laugh.

Tomas pressed a hand to his chest. "Wounded. Betrayed."

Mira shook her head. "Stay focused. If this guy's tracking us, we need to figure out why."

Arlan exhaled. There was one way to find out.

"I'll go out alone tomorrow," he said.

Everyone immediately turned to him.

Mira scowled. "Absolutely not."

Beren grunted. "No way."

Leila folded her arms. "Not happening."

Tomas raised a hand. "I mean, I think it's a great idea—"

Leila smacked him.

Tomas grinned. "Okay, okay, bad timing."

Arlan sighed. "Look. If we go out together, he won't make a move. But if I'm alone, he might."

Mira gritted her teeth. "And what happens when you walk into a trap?"

Arlan shrugged. "Then you guys get to rescue me."

Mira looked five seconds away from throwing something at him.

Beren ran a hand over his face. "This is stupid."

Leila sighed. "Fine. But we'll follow from a distance."

Mira still looked like she wanted to argue, but finally, she muttered, "If this goes wrong, I swear…"

Tomas patted Arlan's shoulder. "Good luck, bait."

Arlan groaned.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day.