Noah and Layla descended the stairs of the inn together, hand in hand, their steps slow, easy, and light—like the world itself had changed overnight.
The scent of freshly baked bread, butter, and herbal tea welcomed them into the cozy inn's dining hall. Sunlight filtered through the frosted windows, casting golden light across the rustic interior. The wooden tables were filled with early risers—adventurers, townsfolk, and the usual buzz of morning conversation.
But as soon as Noah and Layla stepped into view—
"OHHHH~!"
The innkeeper, a round old woman with bright eyes and far too much energy for someone her age, slammed her hands on the counter. "There they are! The lovebirds!"
Gasps and grins filled the room as several patrons turned toward them.
"I told you they'd come down together!" a young waitress laughed.
"They didn't leave their room all night," another customer said, nudging a friend. "You could feel the passion through the walls!"
Layla flushed crimson and buried her face in Noah's shoulder.
Noah coughed. "U-Uh, good morning…"
"Good morning?" the innkeeper said with a wink. "You two shook the ceiling beams last night. My poor husband thought the inn was under attack!"
"I'm dying," Layla mumbled into Noah's arm.
They were quickly ushered to their usual table, where Scarlett and Lyra were already waiting with grins wider than the mountains they'd just conquered.
"Good morning, sleeping beauty," Scarlett teased, sipping her tea.
Noah gave her a tired look. "Please don't start…"
Lyra smirked, her tone calm but sharp. "You're late. Did you need help getting out of bed?"
Layla stuck out her tongue. "Jealous?"
Scarlett dramatically clutched her chest. "A little! But I'll forgive you if you let me borrow him next week."
"Try it and lose a hand," Layla said sweetly.
Noah sighed, though a small smile tugged at his lips. It was chaotic—but it was his chaos. He wouldn't trade it for anything.
They began breakfast—hot porridge with honey, roasted potatoes, and buttered bread. The innkeeper even sent over an extra fruit platter "for stamina."
"Dear gods, this is never going to end…" Noah muttered.
Just then, a young boy in a courier's outfit rushed into the dining hall, clutching a sealed envelope. He spotted Noah and ran over.
"Letter for Noah Von Augustus!"
Everyone paused.
Noah blinked. "That's me."
The boy handed over the parchment, bowed, and left quickly. The seal on the letter was familiar—an elegant sun crest. It was from Olivia.
Noah's eyes sharpened as he tore it open. Layla and the others leaned in, the playful atmosphere shifting into something more serious.
"To Noah,
I hope you are doing well. I am currently in the town of Varell. I came here believing it to be a small case of corruption, but I was wrong. The shadow influence is strong. Organized. I fear a wave is approaching.
There are too many injured, and I am the only one capable of advanced purification. My companions are doing their best, but they are not trained to handle this kind of darkness. If we wait for reinforcements, it may be too late.
You are the only one I can turn to. You, and the powerful allies you have at your side. I know we haven't spoken much since that day… but I trust you.
Please, come. If we can hold off the wave until help arrives, we might be able to save this town.
Come soon, Noah.
—Olivia Lanze"
Noah lowered the letter slowly, his expression turning grim.
"What is it?" Layla asked, her voice instantly serious.
Noah passed the letter around. As they read it, their mood shifted. Even Scarlett's teasing vanished.
"A wave?" Lyra's eyes narrowed. "And corruption increasing… that's not natural."
"No, it's not," Noah said. "She wouldn't call for help unless it was urgent. Something is wrong."
"She's in trouble," Layla said flatly, clenching her fists. "We can't ignore this."
Scarlett nodded. "What's the plan?"
Noah looked at each of them—his comrades, his companions, and more importantly, the people he trusted with his life.
"We go," he said. "We help her. Whatever is happening out there… we can't let it spread."
Lyra stood up, calm as ever. "Then let's leave at once."
Scarlett grinned. "Finally. Something exciting."
Layla leaned on Noah's shoulder, whispering, "I'll be with you every step."
Noah stood, eyes focused and voice firm. "Get ready. We leave in an hour."
And so, the quiet morning ended, and a storm began to gather on the horizon.
-To be continued...