Chapter 45 – The Town of Nocthollow
We walked deeper into the forest, the light dimming with every step. The trees loomed above us like silent guardians, their twisted branches whispering secrets to the wind. I followed closely behind him, unsure of where he was leading me — but trusting my feet to keep moving anyway.
Eventually, the dense trees began to thin, and a strange light seeped through. Ahead of us, the path opened up, revealing what looked like the edge of a town nestled quietly within the heart of the forest.
He paused, turning slightly to glance at me over his shoulder — his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he stepped forward into the town.
I followed, my curiosity growing.
A town? Hidden beside a forest this dangerous?
But it was nothing like I expected. The place was... beautiful. Unnaturally so.
Stone houses covered in ivy and glowing lanterns lined the cobbled streets. Market stalls buzzed softly as people bartered goods. Children laughed as they ran barefoot through alleyways. It was a strange blend of warmth and secrecy — like a dream that didn't want to be woken.
Yet... as we walked through, I noticed the change. People were beginning to turn. Their eyes — all shapes and colors — followed us with quiet curiosity.
I leaned closer to him. "What is this place?"
He didn't answer right away. He kept walking, eyes straight ahead. When he finally spoke, his voice was cold, distant.
"This is the town of Nocthollow."
He didn't even glance at me.
"Nocthollow..." I echoed softly, letting the name roll off my tongue. It felt ancient. Like it belonged to a world outside of time.
I searched my memory, wondering if I'd ever read anything about it in the Royal Library. I'd spent countless hours back home studying other kingdoms and hidden towns — but Nocthollow?
It was unfamiliar. Almost erased from memory.
Still, he said nothing else as we moved deeper into the town.
Finally, he glanced at me and said, "Nocthollow is different. You won't hear about it from any human mouth."
Then he turned again, his cloak brushing the dusty ground.
I noticed how people moved out of his way with silent respect — some bowed, others offered soft smiles. And strangely, he returned their greetings. A small nod here, a rare smile there. It made me wonder...
Who is he to these people?
Soon, we stood before a massive iron gate. Behind it was a towering mansion, shadowed and regal, with spires that seemed to pierce the sky.
As we approached, the gates creaked open. Servants were already waiting. They bowed deeply as he passed.
From within the entrance, a man emerged. He had the same pale purple eyes — the same glow in his presence — but his hair was tied neatly back. There was something warmer about him, like a flame compared to ice.
"Oh, Theron," the man said with a wide smile, "I've been looking for you everywhere."
His eyes landed on me, glinting with curiosity.
"And who do we have here?" he asked, cocking his head.
"Theron, you didn't tell me you had a maiden."
Theron, I repeated the name in my mind. So that was it...
Theron gave a quiet, amused sigh. "Kaelen, must you always jump to conclusions?"
He looked at me briefly, then back at him.
"She was lost in the Forbidden Forest."
Kaelen's eyes softened as he looked at me again. "You wandered through that place? And survived?"
He gave a respectful bow. "I hope you're not hurt, my lady."
I smiled gently. "I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."
Kaelen turned to Theron. "She needs rest."
Without waiting for a response, he clapped his hands, and a maid appeared from the hallway. She curtsied low.
"Take our guest to one of the east rooms," he said, voice calm but commanding. "Ensure she is comfortable."
The maid bowed again. "May we go now, my lady?" she asked gently.
I nodded and followed her inside, my steps echoing softly through the grand halls.
As I disappeared around the corner, Kaelen turned toward Theron.
His voice dropped.
"Is she… Sylmara's daughter?"
Theron's expression darkened, lips pressed in a firm line.
"Yes," he said quietly. "She is."