The morning in the fort began early, and the footsteps of the guards echoed off the stone corridors. The first rays of sunlight streamed in through the narrow windows, illuminating the thick walls and heralding the beginning of a new day.
Anabell was already up when she heard a knock on the door of her room. She opened it to see Kellan, who looked like he didn't sleep much. His hair was tousled and his eyes were dark circles, but he still smiled slightly at the sight of her.
– Ready? He asked, yawning slightly.
– Almost. Anabell reached for the cloak that hung on the back of the chair. – Where's Seraphine?
Kellan gestured his thumb toward the hallway. – I heard her complain that the coffee here tasted like scorched earth. He's probably in the kitchen trying to fix it.
When the two reached the main hall, they found Seraphine at the table, holding a mug of what appeared to be impromptu coffee.
– Nobody here knows how to brew a good drink,– she said in greeting, wincing slightly after another sip. – But you can drink it. Do you want to give it a try?
– Maybe later – Anabell said, sitting down across from her. – You look like you're awake.
– I slept, just... Not very well. And you, Kellan? You look worse than usual – she added with a hint of sarcasm.
Kellan smiled half-heartedly, ignoring her remark. He sat down on the bench next to them, playing with a cup of water.
– We have a long way to go – he said at last, breaking the relaxed atmosphere. – But before we get to Elnor, we have to make a stop.
Seraphine looked at him, frowning. – Stop? What?
– We have to go to a certain temple – he explained. – It's already in the Empire, but it's off the beaten track enough that we won't arouse suspicion.
Anabell looked at him inquisitively. – Temple? What for?
Kellan looked at her as if he weighed every word. – Let's say I need something there to help us in our mission.
Seraphine raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious. – It's quite mysterious, even for you.
– Believe me, it's necessary – Kellan said, avoiding their gaze.
Anabell wanted to ask, but seeing his expression, she gave up. Finally, she nodded. – If it helps us, then I trust you know what you're doing.
Seraphine sighed, finishing her coffee – Let's just hope that it doesn't turn out that something is waiting for us in this church that will want to devour us.
Kellan smiled slightly, though there was a shadow in his eyes. – You don't have to worry about that, people still live there.
The morning continued in silence, only interrupted by the sounds of packing and the final preparations for the journey.
After the morning meal and preparations for the journey, Seraphine and Kellan found a moment of solitude as Anabell went to get the last supplies. Kellan, leaning against the wall, was checking the condition of his sword as Seraphine approached him with the clear intention of starting a conversation.
– I'm not going to beat around the bush – she began, crossing her arms over her chest. – Something happened tonight.
Kellan tore his eyes away from the blade and looked at her inquisitively. – What are you talking about?
Seraphine frowned, her gaze sharp.
– Disorders in the mana. The shadows vibrated in a way that I could feel all the way here in my chamber. It was not an ordinary storm or accident. You know something.
Kellan raised an eyebrow, trying to keep a straight face.
–Shadows? Seraphine, you must be exaggerating.
– I'm not exaggerating – she interrupted, lowering her voice. – Don't try to deceive me, Kellan. I'm not an amateur when it comes to magic, and what I felt was nothing natural about it.
Kellan sighed heavily and put down his sword.
– What if it's just a hallucination?– Maybe you thought.
Seraphine narrowed her eyes, as if to scrutinize him.
– You know what it was, don't you?– I know you're hiding something more. You are not an ordinary mercenary, and your behavior betrays from the beginning that you are hiding secrets. Who are you really, Kellan?
Kellan looked at her seriously, his face tense.
– I am who you see. Nothing more.
– Don't lie – she hissed. – I don't believe you. You are too composed, too aware of what surrounds us. You act as if this whole situation is something normal for you. How long are you going to hide it?
Kellan looked away, looking out the narrow window at the horizon.
– I don't pretend to be anyone I'm not. It's just better to keep some things in the shade than to expose them to the light.
Seraphine stepped forward, as if to challenge his answer.
– Don't you think we have a right to know? – Especially Anabell.
– What I know and who I am doesn't matter, as long as I promised to help Anabell. – He replied quietly, his tone suddenly icy. – The only thing that matters is what we have to do.
Seraphine stared at him for a moment, as if searching his face for clues, but Kellan was like a stone he gave nothing away.
– If what you're hiding ever catches up with us – she began after a moment – and harms Anabell, I won't forgive you.
Kellan did not answer. For a moment, the room was silent, broken only by distant sounds from the fort.
Seraphine turned on her heel and walked toward the door, but before she left, she threw over her shoulder.
– Just make sure your secrets don't become our curse.
Kellan stared at the floor, his hand clenched on the hilt of his sword. Seraphine's words echoed in his mind, but something else. A quiet, mocking voice he'd hated for years.
You can't run away from yourself, Kellan. Nor of what awaits you.