### Chapter 4: New Faces and Old Wounds
The return journey to the Silver Fangs Guild was marked by an uneasy silence. The adrenaline from the battle had worn off, and the weight of what they'd done began to settle in. Lina, usually so full of energy and words, seemed lost in thought. Kain walked with a steady stride, his eyes fixed ahead, his expression unreadable. Gabriel, as always, was quiet, his face betraying no emotion.
When they finally arrived at the guild hall, the sun was dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows across the town. Guild Master Aric was waiting for them, his broad arms crossed over his chest as they approached.
"Well?" Aric's voice was gruff, his gaze sharp as he assessed the group. "How did it go?"
Lina stepped forward, handing the mission scroll back to him. "Mission accomplished. The goblins won't be causing any more trouble."
Aric took the scroll, his eyes flicking over it before he looked back at them. "Good. You've passed the trial. Welcome to the Silver Fangs."
Lina let out a sigh of relief, her tense shoulders relaxing. "Thank you, Master Aric. We won't let you down."
Kain gave a small nod, his expression still serious. "We're here to work. That's what we'll do."
Gabriel stood a bit apart from them, his gaze drifting to the other guild members milling about the hall. He could sense their eyes on him, the weight of their curiosity and suspicion. It was something he was used to, but it never grew any less tiresome.
Aric noticed Gabriel's aloofness and grunted. "You're a strange one, Gabriel, but you've got potential. Keep your head down, do your work, and you'll do fine here."
Gabriel nodded, acknowledging the words but not offering anything in return.
Aric handed them each a small pouch of coins. "Your payment for the mission. It's not much, but it's a start. There'll be more work coming your way soon."
Lina's face lit up as she took the pouch. "Thank you! This will really help."
Kain took his pouch with a nod, and Gabriel pocketed his without a word.
Aric gestured to a door at the back of the hall. "There's a tavern attached to the guild where members can rest, eat, and drink. You've earned yourselves a break."
Lina's eyes sparkled. "That sounds perfect! A warm meal and a drink would hit the spot right now."
Gabriel turned to leave, but Kain's voice stopped him. "Come on, Gabriel. Join us."
Gabriel hesitated. He wasn't one for socializing, especially not after a battle, but the look in Kain's eyes told him that the swordsman wasn't going to take no for an answer.
With a slight nod, Gabriel followed them into the tavern. The inside was warm and bustling with activity, the smell of roasting meat and the sound of clinking mugs filling the air. The trio found an empty table near the back and sat down.
A serving girl quickly appeared with a tray of drinks and plates of food. Lina dug in eagerly, sighing with satisfaction as she took her first bite. "This is exactly what I needed."
Kain took a sip of his drink, his eyes scanning the room. "It's good to relax after a job well done."
Gabriel picked at his food, not really hungry but knowing he needed to eat. He felt the stares of other guild members on him and caught snippets of whispered conversations.
"Is that the new guy? The one with the blood magic?"
"He's creepy, barely says a word."
"Wonder what his story is…"
Gabriel ignored them, focusing on the meal in front of him. He was used to people talking behind his back, used to the fear and suspicion his abilities brought. It didn't bother him. Not anymore.
Lina noticed his distraction and nudged him gently. "Hey, don't mind them. They're just curious. You're different, and people are always wary of what they don't understand."
Gabriel glanced at her, surprised by her perceptiveness. "I know."
Kain nodded in agreement. "They'll come around. Once they see what you can do, they'll respect you."
Gabriel's eyes narrowed slightly. "I don't need their respect."
Kain raised an eyebrow. "Maybe not, but it doesn't hurt to have allies. Even someone like you can't do everything alone."
Gabriel said nothing, but he knew Kain was right. Despite his strength, despite his powers, he couldn't deny that working with Lina and Kain had made the mission easier. Perhaps, in time, he could get used to this—working with others, relying on them just as they relied on him.
As they continued their meal, the door to the tavern swung open, and a group of new faces entered. One of them, a tall man with striking silver hair and a scar across his cheek, immediately caught Gabriel's attention. The man's presence was commanding, his eyes sharp as they scanned the room.
"Who's that?" Lina whispered, noticing Gabriel's gaze.
Kain glanced over, his expression hardening. "That's Raven, one of the guild's top members. He's known for being a bit of a lone wolf, but he's dangerous. I've heard he's taken down entire groups of monsters by himself."
Raven's eyes landed on Gabriel, and for a moment, the two men stared at each other. There was a silent understanding between them—both were outsiders, both were feared, and both carried a weight that the others couldn't see.
Raven gave Gabriel a curt nod before turning away, leading his group to a table on the other side of the room. Gabriel returned the nod, recognizing a kindred spirit, but he didn't pursue it further. He wasn't here to make friends, but he knew better than to make unnecessary enemies either.
The rest of the evening passed quietly. Lina and Kain chatted about the mission, about their plans now that they were officially part of the guild, while Gabriel listened, occasionally offering a word or two when prompted. He was still guarded, still unsure of his place here, but he could feel the beginnings of something—a connection, however faint, with these people who had chosen to walk alongside him.
As the night wore on and the tavern began to empty, Lina stretched and yawned. "I think I'm ready to call it a night. It's been a long day."
Kain nodded, finishing off his drink. "We should rest. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?"
Gabriel stood, feeling the weariness in his bones but not allowing it to show. "I'll see you in the morning."
They left the tavern together, the cool night air a welcome relief after the warmth inside. As they walked back to their lodgings, Lina turned to Gabriel, her expression softening.
"You know, Gabriel, I'm glad you're with us. You're… different, but in a good way."
Kain nodded in agreement. "We're stronger with you around. Just remember that."
Gabriel didn't respond immediately, but as they reached their rooms, he paused and looked at them both. "Thank you. I'll… try."
Lina smiled, her eyes lighting up. "That's all we ask."
With that, they each went to their rooms, the day's events finally catching up with them. Gabriel lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind restless. He couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning—that the path he had chosen, or perhaps the path that had chosen him, was leading him somewhere he couldn't yet see.
But for now, he would rest. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new faces, and perhaps, new answers. And Gabriel would face them all, as he always had—with cold resolve and the strength of his blood.