Yet, what awaited them inside was far from what they had expected... it was empty. "We're too late," Sabrine said, frustration evident in her voice.
"We don't have time for this. We need to find him quickly, before they do," Kael responded urgently. "Come on, I can still smell him. He hasn't gone too far."
Somewhere north of the cabin, two figures walked briskly. "What's your plan?" Alastair asked.
"We're heading to a village on the outskirts of this forest to gather clues. That's where my sister was last heard from," Naomi replied.
"A village?" Alastair echoed. "Alright, then what?"
"You're not very patient, are you?" Naomi observed.
"I have my reasons," Alastair said.
"And those would be?" Naomi inquired.
"None of your concern," Alastair retorted.
"I thought we were allies," Naomi said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Not even close. I don't trust you. You just happen to be useful to me right now," Alastair said sharply.
"Ooh, scary," Naomi replied, unfazed.
After a few minutes of walking, they came to a halt. "We're here," Naomi said, leading the way through the gate, with Alastair following closely behind. As they walked, Alastair noticed something odd.
"Why does it seem like everyone is staring at us?" Alastair asked.
"Maybe there's something on your face," Naomi said playfully.
"Really?" Alastair asked, touching his face.
"Hahaha," Naomi laughed.
"What's so funny?" Alastair asked, irritated.
"I was kidding. Can't take a joke?" she said. "But seriously, your face is the issue."
"What do you mean?" Alastair asked, confused.
"It'd be best if you saw for yourself," Naomi said, handing him a mirror from her jacket.
He looked into the mirror and was stunned. "What the hell?" He wasn't ugly before—just average. But now, his face was chiseled, his nose was pointed, and his skin was clear. He was strikingly handsome.
"When did this happen?" Alastair asked, still in shock.
"Probably around the time you were turned. Vampires are notoriously handsome; even the least attractive ones look better than most humans," Naomi replied. "While I've changed, it doesn't explain why they're staring so hard," Alastair said.
"It doesn't? In a village this small and remote, how often do you think a handsome foreigner visits? It's probably unusual for someone of your looks to come here. Plus, your body now secretes pheromones that attract the opposite sex human's are more susceptible however ," Naomi explained.
"Pheromones?" Alastair asked, puzzled.
"You don't know about the pheromones? What have you been doing since you got turned?" Naomi asked.
"Mostly combat training," Alastair replied.
"Well, your body secretes a pheromone that attracts the opposite sex, like how flowers attract bees," Naomi explained.
"Oh," Alastair said, as they arrived at their destination.
"Where are we?" Alastair inquired.
"Town square," Naomi replied. "We're here to meet the chief. He issued the request for subduing the dark creatures in the forest. He may know where Ariana went."
"Now I just have to find out where the chief stays."
In the center of the square, a fountain splashed water high into the air, creating a mesmerizing display. The sun cast a warm glow over the scene, illuminating the colorful stalls of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
People of all ages mingled and chatted, some sitting on benches or at outdoor cafes, while others strolled through the square. Children chased each other around the fountain, laughing and shrieking with delight.
To one side, musicians played lively music on a variety of instruments, drawing a crowd. Nearby, a juggler expertly juggled clubs and balls, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The air was filled with delicious aromas of food from various vendors, tempting passersby. The sound of sizzling meat and fresh bread wafted from a nearby food stall.
As Alastair looked around the square, he noticed the charming architecture of the surrounding buildings, adorned with intricate stone carvings, ornate balconies, and vibrant flower boxes. The town square was the heart of the community, pulsing with energy and warmth.
"Hard to believe this is the center of a remote village," Alastair commented.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Naomi said.
"I guess," Alastair replied.
"Excuse me, where can I find the village chief?" Naomi asked a female vendor.
"He's at the guild hall," she replied, glancing at Alastair and blushing. "My, what a handsome young man."
Alastair flushed with embarrassment. "These pheromones are a pain," he muttered before they left the shop and made their way to the guild hall.
Upon entering the guild hall, they were greeted by the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and conversations. The air was thick with the smell of ale, roasting meat, and the hint of sweat from weary adventurers.
In the center of the room, a large stone fireplace crackled with a roaring fire, casting a warm glow over the gathering. Comfortable chairs and wooden benches were scattered about, occupied by guild members sharing tales of their exploits.
To one side, a bustling bar served frothy ale and platters of savory food. Nearby, a makeshift marketplace displayed rare potions, enchanted weapons, and sturdy armor.
Notice boards covered the walls, plastered with job postings, quest announcements, and wanted signs for notorious monsters. A large wooden counter at the far end of the hall served as the guild's reception desk, where a harried-looking clerk managed the flow of adventurers, assigning quests and doling out rewards.
In the corners, small groups of guild members huddled around maps and strategy charts, planning their next moves. Others engaged in friendly sparring matches or practiced their skills with weapons and magic. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, a sanctuary for brave adventurers seeking camaraderie and opportunity.
"Hello, I'm here to see the chief," Naomi said to the clerk.
"He's just behind that door," the clerk said, pointing towards a door at the back. Naomi and Alastair made their way to the office, and after knocking, they entered.
"Hello, I'm Kaine," the chief said, introducing himself. "What can I do for you?"
"I'm Naomi, and this is my associate Alastair. We're here to inquire about my sister, Ariana, who is currently missing. We were hoping you might have some clues or know where she went."
"Yes, I do, actually," the chief said, picking up a map and placing his finger on a point. "She said she was going to help us deal with these mysterious occurrences, and that was the source. She left for that place."
"Shadowfall Keep," Naomi said already knowing where it was
"Okay, thank you," Naomi said as she and Alastair took their leave.
"Well, it's getting late, so we'll head out tomorrow," Naomi said.
"Alright," Alastair agreed as they made their way to a nearby motel to spend the night, preparing to find Ariana the next day.