The next morning, everyone rose in silence, enjoying the fresh air to prepare for departure. After a quick breakfast, the group hit the road again.
During the drive, Caden told them about his dream. When he mentioned the temple, the children, and especially the faceless woman, a stunned silence fell.
"It's probably one of your lost memories," Aletha said, frowning. "You said you couldn't remember anything before you were nine... and now that I think about it, neither do we. We all have lapses."
Zetch, looking concerned, added, "It's really disturbing. Maybe this is all connected to those who are chasing us..."
Bella nodded wordlessly, thoughtful.
The sun was slowly sinking below the horizon when they finally reached a small, peaceful village. Exhausted, they decided to postpone their investigation until the next day and headed to the local inn.
They were greeted by a woman with a warm smile, her hair tied back under a colorful scarf.
"Welcome to the Red Moon Inn!" she said. "You've come at the right time, I still have a few rooms available."
"Perfect," Caden replied with relief.
But when they went upstairs, Aletha and Caden stopped dead in front of a door.
"Uh…" said Aletha, "is this number 6?"
"Yes," said Caden. "Wait… do you have number 6 too?!"
They hurried back downstairs.
"Sorry," Caden interrupted to the innkeeper. "There's been a mistake. We have the same room."
"Oh," she said with a nervous smile, "that's exactly… I'm sorry, there's only one room left." We'll have to share.
An incredulous silence fell over the two concerned.
"Out of the question!" cried Aletha.
"You're the one taking up all the space when you sleep, I bet!" snapped Caden.
"And you snore like a wild boar, I'm sure of it!"
"You're planning on making a wall of cushions, are you?"
"No, I'm going to sleep in the closet, as long as we don't speak!"
The innkeeper coughed politely.
"I... could I bring you an extra blanket?"
Finally, exhausted by the journey and the obvious lack of alternatives, Caden and Aletha sighed in unison.
"Very well," she said, crossing her arms. "But I'm warning you: not a word."
"Same here. And I sleep with my back to you. Invisible wall. No crossing."
They turned their backs on each other as they walked away... then collided again in the narrow hallway, groaning in unison. The rest of the group burst out laughing from upstairs.