Eamon was tired.
His feet dragged slightly as he walked through the narrow hallway of the inn. The wooden planks beneath him creaked with each step. He reached his room, unlocked the door, and quietly stepped inside. The air was still. A soft ray of sunlight slipped in through the small window near the bed, illuminating the dust dancing in the air.
He looked over to the corner of the room.
Skarn was there.
The creature was curled up on the rug, gently breathing. His chest rose and fell slowly. His eyes were shut tight, and despite the pain he had been in last night, there was peace on his face now.
Eamon felt relief wash over him.
He walked over and knelt down beside him. Skarn stirred a little, but did not wake. Eamon placed a hand gently on his back and whispered.
You're doing good, buddy.
He then laid down on the bed, still in his clothes. His limbs ached and his eyes were heavy. Within moments, sleep took over.
When Eamon opened his eyes again, the light in the room had shifted. The sun was now high, and the warmth had increased. It was already afternoon. He rubbed his face, sat up, and stretched. He looked over.
Skarn was awake.
The beast raised his head slightly and wagged his tail with a quiet energy. His eyes were more alert now.
Hey, you're awake, Eamon said, walking to his bag.
He rummaged through it and pulled out a small healing potion. He uncorked the bottle and poured it carefully onto the wounds on Skarn's side. The liquid sizzled faintly as it touched the torn skin, and Skarn flinched a bit but stayed still.
Sorry, sorry, just a little more, Eamon muttered as he finished applying it.
After that, he took clean bandages and slowly wrapped them around the injuries. His hands moved with care. He had done this many times before, in far worse conditions.
Once done, he sat beside Skarn.
Alright. Now let me tell you what happened.
He began to speak.
He told Skarn everything that Arthur had shared. The murders. The forest. The vampire. The doctor. Every word, every detail. He didn't miss anything. Skarn just listened. His eyes were fixed on Eamon's face, and his ears perked slightly at each new revelation.
After the whole story was told, Eamon sighed.
I think we should help him.
Skarn tilted his head.
Our goals are the same. We both want to find and kill that man. And… there's more to it.
He looked away, then back at Skarn.
You remember what Grandpa wrote in his journals? About the curse?
Skarn blinked slowly.
Eamon's voice became quieter.
To lift this curse… I need the blood of a pure-blood obsidian seraph. Not just any vampire. That's the only way. If Arthur had been a pure-blood, I could've just told him everything. Maybe he would've let me drink a little. But he's a half-breed. It won't work.
He looked at Skarn.
So we'll have to find the real killer. He's the one. I can feel it. I will kill him… and drink his blood.
Skarn placed his paw on Eamon's hand.
It was gentle.
Supportive.
A silent promise.
Eamon smiled.
You're with me, huh?
Skarn gave a low growl. The friendly kind.
Thanks, buddy.
Eamon stood up.
Wait here. I'll bring you something to eat.
But Skarn shook his head. Then he tilted it sideways and looked at the door.
You want to come?
Skarn gave a soft bark.
Fine. You can come.
Eamon opened the door, and together they walked downstairs.
The tavern below was less crowded now. A few tables were occupied. Some travelers, an old man with a pipe, and a merchant scribbling in his ledger.
Eamon sat down at the same table as yesterday and called for some food.
Skarn settled beside him on the floor, his head resting on Eamon's foot.
A few minutes passed before Helena spotted them. She rushed over and knelt beside Skarn.
Oh no. What happened to him?
Eamon glanced down at Skarn, then back at Helena.
He got hurt last night. We were chasing someone.
Helena's eyes widened.
You were what? Chasing someone? In the forest?
Eamon hesitated.
He looked around. Nobody was paying attention.
Maybe… just maybe, she could help. She was loyal to Arthur. That much was clear. And if they were going to catch the real killer, they'd need people they could trust.
He took a breath.
Last night… I met someone.
Helena's eyes lit up.
Who?
Your hero. Arthur.
She gasped.
What? Where? When? Is he okay? Is he safe? Did he talk to you?
Eamon raised his hands.
Woah. Slow down. One question at a time.
Please, tell me, Eamon.
He leaned back and nodded.
He's hiding in the forest. He's alive. And… he's okay. I think.
Eamon told her everything. He repeated what Arthur said. About the murders. About the vampire. About the doctor. About being framed.
Helena listened to every word like it was air.
When he finished, she wiped her eyes.
I knew it. I knew he was innocent.
She took a shaky breath.
But he's a vampire…?
Eamon gave a small nod.
Yeah. But he's not dangerous. He's good.
Helena shook her head.
I don't care if he's a vampire. He saved lives. He protected people. He never harmed anyone.
Eamon looked at her and nodded slowly.
We've decided to help each other.
Helena looked surprised.
But… why would you want to find the killer?
Eamon repeated the lie.
He told her the same thing he had told Arthur. About his town. His friend. The little girl. The vampire.
Helena's eyes grew softer.
I didn't know you had gone through so much.
Eamon didn't reply. He looked down.
Helena placed her hand gently on the table.
Can I see him? Please. I want to meet him. Just once.
Eamon looked up.
Tonight. I'll take you with me. But only because we might need your help too.
Helena's face lit up.
Yes. I'll help. Anything you need.
Eamon raised a brow.
Wow. You're really crazy about this guy. Are you… in love with him or something?
Helena's entire body tensed.
W... w... wh... what? Whatttt?
She waved her hands in the air.
No. No. No. It's not like that. I don't love him. I just respect him. He's… he's just… a good guy. That's all.
Eamon laughed under his breath.
Her face was red. She looked anywhere but at him.
Alright, alright. I get it.
He picked up his food and stood up.
Come on, Skarn.
Skarn stood and followed him without a sound.
Helena was still mumbling to herself.
Eamon walked upstairs again and smiled faintly to himself.
He had seen enough in his life to recognize when someone cared deeply.
He didn't say anything more.
He just returned to his room.
The day was far from over.
And the night… it would bring new steps forward.