The Last Veil

The morning sun broke through the thick forest canopy, its golden rays painting streaks of light across the camp. Aric stirred from his bedroll, blinking against the soft glow. The night had been uneventful, save for the occasional rustling of leaves and distant calls of nocturnal creatures.

He rose quietly, careful not to wake the others. Kael and Jonar were still asleep, their breathing slow and steady. Across the camp, Aeris sat by the dying embers of the fire, her golden eyes fixed on the horizon.

"You don't sleep much, do you?" Aric asked, his voice low.

Aeris didn't turn to look at him. "Old habits. Resting too deeply can be dangerous."

Aric sat down beside her, the warmth of the fire lingering against the chill of the morning air. "Sounds like you've had a rough life."

Aeris smirked faintly. "You could say that."

Aric studied her for a moment, noting the tension in her posture and the way her gaze seemed to pierce through the trees. "Do you ever stop looking over your shoulder?"

Aeris finally turned to him, her expression unreadable. "Do you?"

Her question caught him off guard. He thought about it for a moment, then shook his head. "No. I guess not."

"Then you understand," Aeris said softly.

The camp began to stir as the others woke. Jonar stretched with a groan, muttering something about his aching back, while Kael silently packed her gear. The tension between Kael and Aeris still hung in the air, unspoken but palpable.

"We should get moving," Aeris said, rising to her feet.

Kael shot her a glare. "You're awfully bossy for someone who just joined us."

Aeris ignored the remark, turning to Aric instead. "The sooner we reach the next village, the better. It's not safe here."

Aric nodded, stepping in to diffuse the brewing conflict. "She's right. Let's pack up and go."

The journey through the forest was slow and arduous. The terrain was uneven, and the dense undergrowth made progress difficult. The group moved in relative silence, their focus on the path ahead.

Jonar, as usual, was the first to break the quiet. "So, Aeris," he began, his tone light, "what's your story? You've clearly been through a lot."

Aeris glanced at him but didn't respond.

Kael snorted. "Don't bother. She's not exactly the sharing type."

Jonar shrugged. "Can't blame me for trying."

Aeris sighed, her expression softening slightly. "It's not that I don't want to share. It's just… complicated."

"Everything's complicated," Jonar said with a grin. "Doesn't mean you can't talk about it."

Aeris hesitated, then spoke. "I've been running for a long time. From people who want to use me, control me. People who see power and think it's theirs to take."

Jonar's grin faded, his expression turning serious. "That's rough."

Aeris nodded. "It is. But it's also why I'm here. I saw something in all of you—a chance to stop running. To fight back."

Kael remained silent, her gaze fixed on the path ahead.

By midday, the group reached a small clearing where they stopped to rest. Aeris leaned against a tree, her eyes scanning the surrounding forest.

"You're always on edge," Kael remarked, sitting cross-legged a few feet away.

Aeris didn't look at her. "You'd be too, if you knew what I've seen."

Kael frowned. "You keep saying that, but you never explain. What is it you're so afraid of?"

Aeris's golden eyes met Kael's, and for a moment, her guarded demeanor faltered. "It's not fear. It's caution. There's a difference."

Kael didn't reply, but the tension between them seemed to ease slightly.

As the day wore on, the group encountered signs of civilization—an overgrown path, remnants of a stone wall, and finally, the outskirts of a village. The village was small, its wooden houses weathered and worn. Smoke rose from a few chimneys, and the faint hum of activity filled the air.

"Finally," Jonar said, his tone one of relief. "I was starting to think we'd never see another person again."

The group entered the village cautiously, their weapons sheathed but within easy reach. Villagers paused to stare at them, their expressions a mix of curiosity and wariness.

Aeris's gaze swept over the village, her expression thoughtful. "We should be careful. Not everyone here will be friendly."

Aric nodded, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Let's find a place to stay and get some information."

They found an inn near the center of the village—a modest building with a thatched roof and a weathered sign that read The Silver Stag. The innkeeper, a stout man with a thick beard, greeted them with a mix of suspicion and politeness.

"Travelers, eh?" he said, eyeing them closely. "What brings you to our little village?"

"Just passing through," Aric said, offering a friendly smile. "We could use a place to rest and some food."

The innkeeper nodded slowly. "I've got a couple of rooms upstairs. It's not fancy, but it's clean."

"That'll do," Aric said, placing a few coins on the counter.

As they settled into their rooms, Aeris pulled Aric aside. "We need to be careful here. Villages like this are often used as outposts for… people like the ones hunting us."

Aric frowned. "Do you think they're here?"

Aeris shook her head. "I don't know. But it's better to assume they are."

Aric nodded. "We'll keep a low profile."

That evening, the group gathered in the inn's common room. The fire crackled in the hearth, and the scent of roasting meat filled the air. Villagers sat at nearby tables, their conversations hushed as they cast furtive glances at the newcomers.

Aeris sat with her back to the wall, her eyes scanning the room. Jonar and Kael were engaged in a quiet conversation, their voices low.

Aric leaned closer to Aeris. "Do you think we'll find any leads here?"

Aeris shrugged. "Maybe. It depends on how much these people know—and how much they're willing to share."

Before Aric could respond, the door to the inn swung open, and a figure stepped inside. The room fell silent as the newcomer entered—a tall, hooded figure with an air of quiet confidence.

The figure's gaze swept over the room before settling on the group. Slowly, they lowered their hood, revealing a striking face framed by dark hair and piercing silver eyes.

Aeris stiffened, her hand moving instinctively toward her weapon.

"Who's that?" Jonar whispered, his eyes narrowing.

The newcomer approached their table, their movements fluid and deliberate. When they spoke, their voice was calm but commanding.

"You've drawn quite a bit of attention," the stranger said, their silver eyes locking onto Aric's. "Perhaps we should talk somewhere more private."