The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting soft golden hues over the room. I stirred slightly, feeling the warmth pressed against my side. Elaris had curled herself against me in her sleep, her golden hair splayed across the pillow like threads of sunlight. For a moment, I just watched her, the steady rise and fall of her chest, the way her soft lavender eyes fluttered beneath her lids as if caught in a dream.
It was peaceful.
And for someone like me, peace felt… foreign.
I sighed softly and shifted, causing Elaris to stir. She blinked a few times before her gaze landed on me, a slow, sleepy smile pulling at her lips. "You're staring again," she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.
I smirked. "Can you blame me?"
She hummed in amusement, stretching before resting her head back on my shoulder. "Mmm, I suppose not. You don't sleep well, do you?"
I hesitated. "Not really."
She traced slow circles on my chest with her fingertips, frowning slightly. "You were restless last night. I could feel it."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I… had a lot on my mind."
Elaris gave me a look that told me she wasn't entirely satisfied with that answer, but she didn't press. Instead, she sat up, brushing her hair back. "Come on," she said. "The others are probably waiting for us."
With some reluctance, I followed her lead, getting up and throwing on my tunic. As I adjusted my coat, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror.
The dark circles under my eyes were more pronounced. My once vibrant energy had dulled—though whether that was from lack of sleep or something else entirely, I wasn't sure.
I exhaled and turned away.
Downstairs, the common room of the inn was already bustling with activity. Merchants and travelers filled the space, some seated at the wooden tables, others chatting in hushed tones over steaming mugs of morning tea. The scent of food lingered in the air—freshly baked bread, roasted meat, and spiced cider.
Our group was seated at a corner table, already engaged in their usual morning conversations. Lucian leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed, a lazy smirk on his face, while Gareth muttered something to Rowan, who looked as expressionless as ever. Callen was eating, his eyes flickering between conversations like he was making mental notes of everything.
Alaria, on the other hand, was barely paying attention. She was fiddling with one of her daggers, spinning it between her fingers absentmindedly.
As soon as Elaris and I approached, all eyes turned to us.
"Well, well," Lucian said, grinning. "About time you two showed up. Have a rough night?"
Elaris rolled her eyes, but I could see the faintest dusting of red on her cheeks. "Grow up, Lucian."
Lucian chuckled before turning his attention to me. "Hey, Noctis. We should go walk around the city a bit." He gave me a not-so-subtle wink. "Y'know, explore. Get a lay of the land."
Elaris narrowed her eyes at him immediately. "And what exactly do you two need to 'explore'?"
Lucian put a hand to his chest, feigning innocence. "Just two men, out and about, seeing what the city has to offer."
I raised a brow. "You just want an excuse to get out of whatever planning session we're supposed to be having, don't you?"
Lucian grinned. "Guilty."
Elaris sighed, rubbing her temples. "Just… don't do anything stupid."
Lucian held up his hands. "Would I ever?"
"Yes," Elaris and I said at the same time.
Lucian laughed, slapping me on the back. "Come on, let's go before she changes her mind and chains you to her side."
Elaris glared at him, but I could see the hesitation in her expression. She didn't like the idea of me going off without her, but she trusted me. After a moment, she exhaled and gave me a soft look. "Just be careful, alright?"
I nodded. "Always."
She still didn't look entirely pleased as Lucian dragged me toward the exit, but she let me go nonetheless. As we stepped out into the streets of Luthadel, I glanced over my shoulder and saw Elaris watching us, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable.
I had the feeling she wasn't going to let this slide so easily.
But for now, I had Lucian to deal with. And knowing him, whatever he had planned would either get us into trouble… or lead to something I wasn't ready to face.
The streets of Luthadel bustled with energy as Lucian and I strolled through the winding paths. The air carried a blend of warm spices, the scent of grilled meat wafting from the stalls lining the roads. The city was a patchwork of cultures, travelers from all over Evaria mingling among its vibrant markets and towering architecture. The cobbled streets gleamed under the afternoon sun, reflecting the city's golden hues.
Lucian walked beside me with his usual air of confidence, hands tucked behind his head, eyes scanning the streets with an easy smirk. I had barely been paying attention when he suddenly said, "You know, Noctis, you ever wonder why Alaria's always so… possessive over you?"
I raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
Lucian scoffed. "Come on, don't play dumb. You know she's got that whole 'I saw him first' complex with you, right? It's so obvious."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I know. But I don't see her that way."
"She does," he pointed out. "And that's the problem."
I glanced at him, frowning. "Are you saying this because you like her?"
Lucian hesitated for a second—just a flicker of silence before he shrugged. "Maybe." He laughed, shaking his head. "It's complicated. She drives me insane, but I can't help but be drawn to her. It's like she's this wild storm you want to get caught in."
I exhaled. "That's just how she is."
"Yeah, but she only lets you get close. It's like she's convinced she owns you or something." He shot me a glance. "It doesn't bother you?"
I shrugged. "I've known her since we were kids. It's… complicated."
Lucian clicked his tongue. "Everything's complicated with you."
I didn't respond. He wasn't wrong.
We continued walking, the city shifting as the streets became narrower, the buildings adorned with silk banners and lanterns that glowed even in the daylight. The air grew thicker, perfumed with incense and something more alluring—something intoxicating. The laughter of women, the sultry melodies of stringed instruments, the quiet hum of whispered promises—it all hit me at once.
I froze, glancing around at the signs above the buildings, the elaborate facades, the fox and wolf beastkin draped in flowing silks, their tails flicking as they watched passersby with knowing smiles.
My stomach dropped.
"Lucian," I said slowly. "You dragged me into the Red-Light District."
Lucian grinned. "Took you long enough to notice."
I scowled. "No."
"Yes," he countered, already taking a step ahead.
I grabbed his arm, trying to turn back, but he yanked me forward with a laugh. "Come on, Noctis, don't be such a bore! This place is legendary!"
I clenched my jaw, my mind flashing back to the night before—the way the district had felt when I had walked through it alone, the way the beastkin courtesans had whispered my name like they knew me, the way something had felt wrong.
"I don't want to be here," I muttered.
Lucian ignored me, waving flirtatiously at a foxkin woman lounging on the steps of an opulent pleasure house. She tilted her head, a playful smile curling her lips as her nine tails flicked behind her.
"You," Lucian declared, pointing at her, "are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen."
She giggled, gracefully descending the steps. "Oh my, a charmer, aren't you?" Her voice dripped with amusement as her golden eyes flicked over to me. "And you, darling, you seem… tense."
I stiffened.
Lucian, completely unfazed, leaned in closer. "He's just shy."
I shot him a glare. "I'm leaving."
"No, you're not." Lucian grabbed my wrist, laughing. "Loosen up a little. It's just a bit of fun."
But it didn't feel like fun. It felt like something was watching. It felt like I had made a mistake coming here.
And worse, it felt like Veylara was laughing at me in the back of my mind.
Lucian was practically radiating amusement as he nudged me forward, his grip firm enough to keep me from bolting but not forceful enough to be a true restraint. The foxkin courtesan watched our exchange with interest, her golden eyes gleaming under the warm glow of lantern light. The other beastkin around the district were just as watchful, their gazes filled with mischief and intrigue.
I clenched my jaw, fighting the unease crawling up my spine. "Lucian," I said under my breath, "I don't think we should be here."
He shot me a smirk. "You say that like we're committing some kind of crime."
I turned my gaze to the woman before us, her lips still curled in a knowing smile. "Something about this place just feels… off."
Lucian scoffed. "You're just nervous. Or maybe you're scared Elaris will find out." He grinned, jabbing me lightly in the ribs. "Relax. It's not like we're doing anything."
The foxkin laughed softly, stepping closer. Her presence was intoxicating, the way her silks barely clung to her frame, her tails swaying behind her like a hypnotic dance. "Your friend is right. No need to be so tense, love." She reached out, delicate fingers brushing my sleeve. "Though, I must say, you carry an aura unlike anyone else I've met."
I stiffened. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Her smile didn't falter, but there was something in her eyes—a flicker of recognition, of curiosity. "You carry a shadow with you. A presence most wouldn't recognize, but I do." She tilted her head. "There is something inside you, isn't there?"
My blood ran cold.
Lucian, oblivious, chuckled. "Well, I'll be damned. Noctis, even the courtesans can tell you're brooding."
But she wasn't joking. She was studying me, reading something about me I hadn't even spoken aloud.
And that's when I felt it—Veylara stirring in the depths of my mind, her presence like a cold breath against my ear.
Careful, Noctis, she whispered. These creatures are not as harmless as they seem.
The foxkin's smile widened, as if she'd heard Veylara too. Her nails ghosted over my arm as she leaned in, voice barely above a whisper. "The Moonlit Hollow doesn't just offer pleasure, dear traveler. It offers knowledge… secrets…" Her eyes gleamed. "Perhaps even answers."
I swallowed hard. "What do you mean?"
She let out a soft, melodic laugh and stepped back. "You already know, don't you? Something led you through this district last night. Something is always watching." She flicked her tail, turning gracefully. "If you wish to learn more, seek out the Silver-Tongued Fox."
Lucian blinked. "The what now?"
But she was already walking away, slipping into the shadows of an archway, leaving the scent of jasmine and something vaguely otherworldly in her wake.
Lucian crossed his arms, frowning. "Alright, I'll admit, that was kind of eerie."
I barely heard him, my mind racing with possibilities. The Silver-Tongued Fox. Something about that name sent a shiver down my spine, though I didn't know why. I could feel Veylara's interest, her presence pressing against my mind.
This city holds secrets, Noctis, she murmured. And it seems I am not the only one who knows your name.
I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temples. I hadn't come here for this. I hadn't come here to get involved in something deeper than I already was.
Lucian nudged me again. "Well? What now?"
I turned to him, expression grim. "We leave."
He blinked. "Wait, what? We literally just got here."
"We're leaving, Lucian," I repeated firmly. "Now."
For once, he didn't argue. Maybe it was the tone of my voice, or maybe even he felt the weight of whatever had just happened. Either way, we made our way out of the Red-Light District, the glowing lanterns and silk-draped buildings disappearing behind us.
But as we walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was still watching.
And that I was walking straight into something I wasn't prepared for.
The air shifted.
Lucian and I had barely taken two steps toward the exit when something—someone—landed before us, as if descending from the very shadows above. Silent. Effortless. My instincts screamed before my eyes even registered the form now blocking our path.
A nine-tailed fox.
Tall and poised, draped in a flowing robe of midnight silk that shimmered like the night sky, her nine tails fanned out behind her like living wisps of smoke, each one undulating lazily. Her hair was a cascade of silver-white, glowing faintly under the lantern light, and her eyes—those cold, slitted eyes—bored into me with an intelligence that was utterly unsettling.
Lucian stiffened beside me. "Uh, Noctis—?"
The fox woman smiled, but there was no warmth to it, only the barest hint of amusement. "No need for introductions, Voidbane Seraph." Her voice was smooth as glass, but beneath it, there was something else—a whisper of something ancient, something watching. "I have been expecting you."
My throat went dry. Every muscle in my body tensed, but I forced myself to keep my expression neutral. "Who are you?" My voice was steady. At least, I hoped it was.
She tilted her head slightly, her gaze unwavering. "A question with an obvious answer." She let the words linger, as if savoring the tension. "You already know."
The moment she said it, a cold realization settled over me. The Silver-Tongued Fox.
I took a slow breath. "You're the one they spoke about."
She chuckled, the sound soft but carrying an undeniable weight. "They speak of many things here in the Hollow." Her tails flicked, brushing against the cobblestones, her presence like a predator too sure of its kill. "But yes, I am Sylfaen, the keeper of truths most would rather leave forgotten."
Lucian shifted uncomfortably beside me. "Look, lady, we were just leaving."
Sylfaen's eyes flicked to him, and in that instant, I felt Lucian's entire body go rigid. His breath caught, his fingers twitched at his side—then nothing. He was frozen, his face locked in a neutral expression, his body stiff as stone.
My heart pounded. "What did you—?"
"I do not appreciate interruptions," she murmured, not looking away from me. "Do not worry. He still breathes." Her lips curled slightly. "For now."
I clenched my fists, my thoughts racing. Veylara stirred at the edges of my mind, her voice barely a whisper. This one… is dangerous.
That much was clear.
Sylfaen took a slow step forward. I didn't move. "I must say," she mused, her gaze dragging over me as though peeling back my very being, "you are… different than I expected." She inhaled slightly, as though tasting something in the air. "Ah… I see it now. The Rift sings through you."
A chill ran down my spine.
She smiled wider. "Veylara has chosen well."
I went rigid. "You know about—?"
She raised a delicate hand, silencing me with a single motion. "I know many things, Noctis Grevant. I know the weight you carry. I know the doubts that fester inside you, the cracks forming in your mind." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I know the lies you tell yourself."
My breath hitched.
Her voice dipped lower, curling around me like smoke. "Tell me, does she whisper to you in the dark? Does she caress your thoughts, filling your mind with sweet promises and careful lies?" She leaned in just slightly. "Does she own you yet?"
My pulse thundered in my ears. The air felt thick, suffocating. I couldn't tell if it was magic or just the weight of her presence pressing down on me.
Veylara's voice was a whisper in my head, sharp and warning. Do not let her dig into you. Do not answer.
I swallowed hard, gripping onto that advice like a lifeline. "I don't belong to anyone."
Sylfaen's eyes gleamed. "Oh? Is that what you believe?" Her smile grew, slow and knowing. "And yet… here you stand. Twisted by the Rift. Guided by a voice that is not your own." She lifted a single clawed finger and tapped her chin. "If that is not belonging, then what is?"
I said nothing. I couldn't.
She took a step closer. "Shall I tell you a secret, Voidbane Seraph?" Her voice turned almost playful, like a cat toying with a mouse. "There are worse things than being a pawn." Her eyes flashed. "There are worse things than losing yourself."
My fingers twitched, the weight of her words settling like iron in my chest.
She leaned in, her voice now barely a whisper. "Do you know what happens to those who fail the Rift's call?"
My blood turned to ice.
Her lips barely moved, but the words cut through the night like a blade.
"They break."
A pulse of something—magic, energy, a presence too great to name—washed over me. My breath hitched, my body locking up for the briefest second. Images flickered at the edges of my mind, half-formed visions of things I couldn't comprehend—of darkness swallowing whole cities, of fractured bodies frozen mid-motion, their limbs twisted and flickering in and out of existence.
I stumbled back a step.
Sylfaen smiled. "Choose wisely, Riftborn."
Then, with a flick of her tails, she was gone. Just like that. No trace, no presence, as though she had never been there at all.
Lucian gasped suddenly, staggering back to life as if something had just released him. He blinked, looking around wildly. "What the—?" His breath was ragged. "Noctis—what the hell just happened?"
I didn't answer. I couldn't.
Because Sylfaen's words lingered in my mind like a ghostly whisper.
They break.
Lucian was still catching his breath, his expression somewhere between confusion and frustration, but before he could demand an explanation, a sharp, echoing crash tore through the night.
Both of us froze.
It came from deeper within the district, past the winding alleyways and glowing lanterns. The sound of shattering wood and splintering stone followed, accompanied by a faint, distant scream that sent a chill down my spine.
Lucian shot me a look. "That didn't sound normal."
I was already moving before he finished speaking. My boots pounded against the cobblestone streets as we sprinted toward the source of the commotion, the once-lively murmur of the red-light district now shifting into worried whispers and hurried footsteps as people scrambled to get away.
Another crash rang out, followed by a low, guttural growl that sent an unmistakable warning through the air. My fingers twitched, instinctively reaching for the hilt of my sword.
Lucian kept pace beside me, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by sharp focus. "Whatever that is, it's big."
The last turn opened into a wide courtyard.
And standing there, amidst the wreckage of a destroyed wooden cart and broken crates, was something I had never seen before.
Something that should not exist.
Something… watching us.