The village's silence was broken only by the occasional creak of the inn's wooden floorboards as the group moved about their rooms, preparing for another day of travel. The oppressive quiet of the village seemed to weigh heavily on their shoulders, and the sense of foreboding from the previous day lingered in their minds.
Adrian, unable to sleep, paced the small room he shared with Alaric. The letter he had received the previous day was gnawing at him, its implications casting long shadows over his thoughts. The mention of Thomas Greene and the suggestion of deeper conspiracies had heightened his anxiety.
Alaric, sitting on the edge of his bed, looked up at Adrian with concern. "You've been pacing all night. Are you alright?"
