---
Elisha POV
Three days.
That's how long it had been since I last opened my eyes to the world that refused to kill me.
When I finally woke, the first thing I noticed was that the pain had dulled—less like a hammer smashing my bones, more like a whisper reminding me I'd been stupid enough to nearly die again. My limbs ached faintly, but I could move. Progress. The bed beneath me was softer than anything I'd slept on in years. Maybe ever. I hadn't left this room since they dragged me in here, and no one had visited since the day I collapsed. Still, I was grateful—grateful for whatever they did to keep me alive.
I pushed myself up, groaning softly as my muscles protested, and sat there for a long minute, flexing my hands and shoulders. The morning light was filtering through the curtains—golden, gentle, almost forgiving. Dust motes floated lazily in the air. For once, I let myself breathe.
The door creaked open, and the same girl who'd been there when I first woke stepped in. Her hair was tied up messily, and her brown eyes held that tired kindness of someone who'd seen too much of the world but still chose to care.
For a fleeting second, I smirked inwardly and told my pessimist side to shove it—I was alive now. Not dead. Not yet.
"Good morning," she said softly, carrying a wooden tray that held a steaming bowl of something that smelled... lethal.
"Morning," I muttered, stretching a little. "That for me?"
"Yes," she said with a small smile. "Herbal medicine. It'll help your body recover."
I took one whiff and almost gagged. "Help my body recover or end it?"
She chuckled lightly but didn't answer. I sighed, lifted the bowl, and took a mouthful. The taste hit me like a brick—bitter, thick, and horrifyingly alive.
"The smell alone could murder a capital," I muttered, grimacing as I forced it down. The girl's lips twitched. She reached into her apron and pulled out a small piece of candy, pressing it into my palm.
I blinked. "What's this?"
"Something to wash it down," she said.
The sweetness melted on my tongue, chasing away the bitterness. I couldn't help smiling. "You're a lifesaver."
She nodded, then said, "When you're done, have your bath and come downstairs for food. The others are waiting."
I gave a small nod. When she left, I found myself staring at the bed again. It was too comfortable. Too soft. Too… safe. I hadn't felt this kind of comfort since before the raids, before everything went to hell.
Eventually, I dragged myself up, grabbed a towel, and stepped into the bathroom. The air inside was warm, filled with the faint scent of herbs and soap. I peeled off my clothes and set them neatly on a table by the corner, then eased myself into the wooden tub. The water was hot—deliciously so—and as soon as I sank in, the tension melted out of me.
For a brief, dangerous moment, I let myself drift.
Then—like a cruel joke—Nathan's face flashed behind my eyes.
I snapped them open. "What the hell?" I muttered.
Why him? It could've been Xavier, Paige, or even Darcelle. But no—my mind decided to torture me with that grumpy bastard's face.
I groaned and shook my head. "Dramatic much, Elisha?" I whispered to myself, rolling my eyes.
After washing up, I dried off and slipped into the clothes laid out for me—dark, roguish garments that looked good enough for someone who wasn't sure if they were a hero or a walking disaster. I left my hair wet, the strands clinging stubbornly to my face. I'd never liked drying it anyway, even when I was little.
The halls outside were eerily quiet. The inn was massive—built of polished wood and stone, with high ceilings and long corridors that seemed to twist endlessly. Warm torchlight flickered along the walls, throwing shadows that danced with every step I took. Within minutes, I realized I had no idea where I was going.
Great. Lost in a building. Again.
I sighed and muttered under my breath, "Who tells someone to come downstairs for food and doesn't tell them where the stairs are?"
Even my pessimistic side agreed for once. Typical.
I kept wandering—yes, wandering, because there's no other word for walking aimlessly while hoping you don't end up in the broom closet.
"Even in real life, you're a wanderer," my inner voice mocked.
"Shut up," I said aloud, glaring at nothing.
Finally, I turned a corner and spotted a servant carrying a tray. Relief hit me like sunlight. "Hey, you!" I called. "Excuse me—how do I get downstairs? I was told to come for food, but this place is a maze."
The servant blinked, then smiled faintly. "I was actually sent to fetch you. You took too long."
"Well," I said, rubbing the back of my neck, "you're my hero of the day."
I followed silently as we descended the wooden stairs. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread grew stronger with each step, and voices—familiar ones—echoed faintly from below.
When we reached the common room, my heart eased a little at the sight of them.
Xavier spotted me first. "Elisha!"
Before I could react, he sprinted forward and pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.
"Argh—Xavier! Can't breathe!" I wheezed.
He released me instantly, eyes wide. "Sorry! I just—I thought you were going to die. Nathan said your body was cold when he carried you out of the carriage."
"He did?" I asked quietly, glancing toward Nathan.
He sat at the table, calm as ever, sipping tea like some nobleman who didn't just save a life and nearly lose his own doing it.
"Hey, Nathaniel," I said, forcing a smirk. "Thanks. I owe you one."
He looked up briefly, his tone cool and perfectly measured. "Actually, you owe me three."
I blinked. "What—three?!"
Paige laughed from across the table. "We're all just glad you're okay. It's thanks to them that you're even sitting here right now."
Darcelle leaned back in her chair, smirking. "Alright, come on. Let's eat already. We've been waiting for you."
I smiled, sliding into the seat between Xavier and Paige. My stomach growled the moment I saw the food. Bowls of steaming rice, roasted vegetables, grilled pork—honestly, heaven.
Nathan glanced up. "What took you so long?"
I swallowed a bite and glared at him. "How do you expect me to navigate a labyrinth of hallways without directions? I was like a lost sheep wandering the wilderness. Oh, the sorrows."
He took a slow sip of tea, his lips twitching. "Ah. So you're an idiot."
My jaw dropped. "What did you just—? Excuse me, you buffoon! I just escaped death, and that's what you greet me with? Not even a 'welcome back,' just an insult?"
Nathan smirked, reached across the table, and swapped my pork with a plate of vegetables. "Exactly. You're just getting out of bed. Vegetables are better for recovery."
I stared at him. "And what are you going to do with my pork?"
He looked at me as if it was a stupid question. "Eat it, of course."
Paige sighed. "Nathan, return his pork."
Nathan stuffed a piece into his mouth, mumbling, "Whof—pork?"
Xavier chuckled, offering me his plate. "Here, take mine, buddy."
Paige snapped, "Xavy! You need that to grow!"
We all turned to look at her. "Xavy?"
Her face turned crimson. "I—I give nicknames to everyone, okay? It's not just him!"
Darcelle raised a brow. "You saying that just makes it obvious you only gave the baby boy here a nickname."
Xavier beamed so bright he might as well have been the sun.
I grinned. "What about me? Don't I get a nickname?"
Nathan didn't even look up. "You do. Remember? Dog. From the motel in Ardenfel."
I threw my chopsticks at him. "I am not a dog, you damned bastard!"
Before Nathan could retort, a familiar voice spoke. "You all seem to be having fun."
We turned to see the middle-aged woman who'd been with the healer girl standing nearby, a small smile on her lips. Her grey-streaked hair was tied neatly, and her eyes carried the calm of someone who'd seen both peace and battle.
"It's the first time I've seen raiders interact like this," she said.
Xavier grinned. "Well, we're not just raiders, you know. We're friends."
"Friends?" she asked, intrigued.
Darcelle leaned back, resting her arm on the chair. "We've experienced near-death together and escaped together. That's what counts for true friendship—according to Paige, anyway."
Paige clasped her hands, pretending to tear up. "Aww, you finally admit we're friends, Darcy."
"Darcy?" I echoed, smirking. "That's new."
Nathan spoke up suddenly, his tone flat. "Basically, only one of us nearly died twice, and we had to haul his sorry butt out each time."
He looked right at me.
I scowled.Why don't you go hit your head on a rock somewhere?"
He shrugged. "Alright."
I stepped on his toe under the table. He hissed. "Get your leg off me, you dog."
"Stop calling me that, you buffalo!"
The woman chuckled softly. "I see. You all should keep protecting each other. Who knows, you might even make it to the temple."
Nathan and Darcelle spoke in unison, "We will, not might."
The woman nodded approvingly. "Good. You're free to leave when you're ready. And remember—every decision you make on this journey should come from your heart, not your head. You make the right choices when you think with feeling."
She turned toward me. "Hey, white-haired boy."
I blinked. "Yeah?"
"Avoid meat for now. It'll speed your recovery."
"Sure thing, ma'am. Thanks."
She smiled faintly and walked off.
Nathan had gone quiet again, staring at his cup, lost in thought. It was strange—seeing him still. Normally, his words cut sharper than blades, but now… he just looked distant.
Some part of me—against my better judgment—felt a twinge of gratitude. And maybe something else I didn't want to name.
Xavier's voice broke the silence. "Hey, Nathan. When do we move?"
Nathan stood, setting his cup down with deliberate calm. "When you're ready. We head for Thyrelith next."
They all nodded. I didn't say anything. Whether I agreed or not, I'd still go. That's how it always was.
As the chatter faded and everyone began packing, I glanced once more at the window. The world outside was bright and cold, the wind carrying the distant scent of rain.
I whispered to myself, "I just hope Thyrelith isn't anything like Ardenfel."
Because if it was… I wasn't sure I'd survive it again.