Valerius and Orion traveled in silence for some time, the heavy burden of their recent victory weighing on their minds. The dungeon had been sealed, but both knew that this was merely a temporary reprieve. Darkness lingered in the world, its tendrils far-reaching and insidious. The ruins gave way to dense forests, and the light of the fading day cast long shadows between the trees, creating a patchwork of light and dark on the forest floor.
Orion walked with a purposeful stride, his eyes scanning the landscape as if searching for something. Valerius followed, his mind still half in the dungeon, thinking of the power he had absorbed from Malakar and the darkness it had stirred within him. He felt stronger, yes, but also more dangerous—like a blade honed too sharp.
As they neared the edge of the forest, Orion finally broke the silence. "There's a town not far from here. We should stop and rest, gather supplies."
Valerius nodded. "Do you know it?"
Orion's gaze remained forward, his expression unreadable. "I've passed through before. It's small, but it should have what we need."
They continued on, and soon enough, the dense forest gave way to a rolling landscape dotted with small farms and cottages. In the distance, the outline of a town came into view, its modest buildings clustered together as if seeking protection in numbers. The town's walls were low, more symbolic than functional, and the gate stood open, welcoming travelers.
As they approached the gate, Valerius could see townsfolk going about their evening routines—tending to animals, closing up shops, gathering with neighbors to share the day's news. The sight was almost peaceful, a stark contrast to the turmoil of the dungeon they had left behind. But Valerius knew better than to be lulled into a false sense of security.
They passed through the gate without incident, drawing only a few curious glances. In this form, with their weapons sheathed and their faces shadowed by their hoods, they appeared to be nothing more than weary travelers. Orion led them to a small inn at the center of town, its warm lights and inviting smell of roasting meat beckoning them inside.
The innkeeper, a stout man with a bushy beard, greeted them with a wide smile. "Welcome, strangers! A room for the night?"
Orion nodded, handing over a few coins. "Two beds, please. And a meal."
The innkeeper accepted the payment with a nod and led them to a small, but clean room on the second floor. The beds were simple, but the mattresses looked soft enough after days of hard travel. Valerius set down his pack and stretched, feeling the tension ease from his muscles.
"I'll speak with the locals," Orion said, breaking the brief silence. "See if there's any news of note. You should rest."
Valerius shook his head. "I'll join you. We should stay together."
Orion seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Let's see what this town can tell us."
They descended back to the common room, which was now bustling with activity. The townsfolk, having finished their daily tasks, gathered in the inn to share stories, drink, and forget the hardships of their lives for a few hours. Valerius and Orion found a table near the back, ordering drinks and listening to the conversations around them.
The topics were mundane at first—talk of the harvest, local disputes, the price of goods. But as the evening wore on, the tone of the discussions shifted. Whispers of strange occurrences in the surrounding areas, of travelers who had gone missing, and of a looming sense of dread that seemed to hang over the town like a dark cloud.
A man at a nearby table, his face lined with worry, leaned closer to his companions. "It's the ruins," he said in a low voice. "I'm telling you, something's stirring there. My brother went to check on his cattle near the edge of the old city, and he swears he saw shadows moving in the fog—shadows that weren't natural."
His companions exchanged uneasy glances, but one of them scoffed. "You've been listening to too many old stories. The ruins are nothing but stones and dust now."
"But what about the disappearances?" the first man pressed. "People have gone missing—good men and women who had no reason to leave."
"Maybe they did have a reason," another man suggested darkly. "Maybe the ruins are cursed."
Valerius and Orion exchanged a glance, both silently agreeing that the ruins they had just left behind were not the only source of trouble in the area. It seemed that the darkness they had sealed away had left its mark on the land, and the people were beginning to feel its effects.
Before they could discuss further, a sudden hush fell over the room as the door to the inn swung open. A figure stepped inside, clad in a long, tattered cloak that obscured most of their features. The room seemed to hold its breath as the figure moved forward, each step slow and deliberate.
The figure approached Valerius and Orion's table, pulling back the hood to reveal a face that was both familiar and yet changed by the passage of time. A woman, with sharp features and piercing green eyes, gazed at them with a mixture of relief and determination.
"Valerius," she said, her voice soft but steady. "It's been a long time."
Valerius felt a jolt of recognition. "Elysia."
Elysia nodded, her expression unreadable. "We need to talk. The darkness you fought… it's not over. And I may have information you need."
As she took a seat at their table, Valerius couldn't help but feel that this unexpected reunion was more than just a coincidence. The darkness they had encountered in the dungeon was only the beginning, and Elysia's arrival signaled that their journey was about to take an even more dangerous turn.
The night outside grew darker still as the three of them leaned in to talk, their voices low, and the future uncertain.