Chapter Seven
"No, I don't," Miles insists, his voice tinged with urgency as he leans closer to hear what Crimson has to say. Crimson begins, his voice low and intense. "It's not just a simple arrival; it's a descent into the unknown. Those who dare to cross the boundaries between realms find themselves ensnared by forces they cannot begin to comprehend."
He pauses, allowing the weight of his words to settle in. "Your friend now belongs to a power far greater than the high king himself—if they've discovered her true origins. And now, you're also entwined in this perilous web." The shadows flicker around them as if alive, echoing Crimson's ominous warnings. "When we enter the Hunter's Guild, remember: do not breathe a word about being from another world!"
Crimson's voice sharpens, a demand wrapped in a warning.
"Okay, I get it," Miles replies, his heart racing. He can feel the chill of dread creeping up his spine. "We need to move quickly if we're going to find Laurel before these forces close in on her." Determination ignites in his eyes, but beneath it lurks a flicker of fear. Time is running out, and danger is closing in.
"What do these forces do to people from another world?" Miles asks with curiosity.
"I don't know," Crimson replies, his expression filled with sadness and guilt. "But the last time they took a vessel, I was just a child. That wreckage down there proves it shouldn't happen again."
Miles is in a rush and scared of what lies ahead, so Crimson urges, "Not so fast." Crimson conjures a katana with a sheath and hands it to Miles. "Be careful; the Hunter's Guild doesn't treat anyone kindly. And I hope you remember what your friend looks like because I don't."
Crimson drops the anchor to the ground, and they descend from the ship. He warns Miles again to act naturally and stay alert. Suddenly, Miles screams, "There's a minotaur!"
All eyes are fixed intently on them, a sea of gazes soaking in the spectacle. Crimson, feeling the weight of their stares, raises a hand to shield his face, his cheeks aflame with embarrassment. The minotaur, booming with authority, points a massive finger and bellows, "Humans! Don't let anything bizarre throw you off, Miles." His voice cuts through the tension, sending a ripple of unease through the crowd.
With a sense of urgency, they veer away from the anchor they had descended from and make their way toward a nearby tavern. "Before we step inside, you must be utterly silent," Crimson commands with fierce intensity. "No drawing attention to ourselves!"
Miles rolls his eyes, a mix of exasperation and resolve. "I'm fully aware! You've mentioned it a million times already!" The air crackles with anticipation as they approach the threshold, ready to plunge into whatever awaits them inside.
They enter the tavern, instantly attracting all eyes. "You've never seen a pair of humans walk in here before," Crimson exclaims. Miles clings to Crimson like a leech, remaining silent even in the presence of creatures his imagination can hardly comprehend. "Mind your own business!" Crimson shouts at the tavern's patrons, who quickly shift their attention back to their conversations and activities.
Crimson and Miles approach the front counter of the tavern. Crimson slams his fist down, causing a beautiful blonde elf with striking green eyes to emerge from beneath the counter, bumping her head in the process. "Ow, ow, ow!" she exclaims, rubbing her head and wincing in pain. When she opens her eyes, she meets Crimson's gaze.
Her face flushed with fury as she locked eyes with him. "You absolute idiot!" she snapped. "Not even a simple 'how are you doing?'"
Miles stood frozen, caught in the fiery intensity of Lilith's gaze. Suddenly, he felt a nudge from Crimson. "Aren't you going to say something?"
Miles hesitated, uncertain. "But you told me to keep quiet."
"Forget that! You can talk now," he commanded.
"Hi, I'm Miles," he stammered, extending his hand toward the captivating Lilith. To his surprise, she recoiled, refusing his greeting.
"Just another pawn in your game?" she shot back, her glare now ignited towards Crimson.
"No way! Miles is a friend!" Crimson defended. "But we need to talk—it's urgent."
"Urgent? You've got some nerve!" Lilith shot back, her eyes blazing with anger. "You're lucky I don't unleash the wrath of everyone here on the both of you, ending you right now!"
"Wait a minute, that gives me a brilliant idea!" Lilith grinned wickedly. "How about drinks on the house for anyone who takes out these two fools?" The room buzzed with energy as her challenge hung in the air, daring someone to respond.