Finn wakes up later than usual, his body feeling heavy. His head still throbs from yesterday’s sharp pain, a lingering reminder of why he has decided never to think about that taboo topic again.

  Descending the stairs, he hears hushed whispers and murmurs echoing through the lobby. The inn is unusually busy in the morning.

  He spots Mira gossiping with some patrons. As she finishes her conversation, she waves at him.

  “Morning, Mira!”

  “Morning, Finn. Did you sleep well?”

  “Kind of,” he shrugs, then gestures at the commotion. “What’s all the noise about?”

  Mira is still caught up in the news. “Ohh, some people saw a gruesome sight last night. Dozens of predators were slaughtered right in front of the town’s arch door!”

  Finn raises an eyebrow. “Slaughtered in front of the arch door?”

  “Yes! Normally, because of the magic barrier, no predators dare to approach the town, let alone step near it. But now, they’ve been spotted right at the entrance.”

  “What could be the reason?”

  Mira lowers her voice and covers her mouth. “There are plenty of rumours. The knights and the guild are investigating it. Some think the predators tried to attack the town but were stopped by hunters or knights. But here’s the thing—those were B and even A-rank predators! We don’t have many high-ranking magicians or swordsmen here, and even if we did, why would they kill them without reporting it to the knights for compensation? Unless… they’re trying to hide their identity.”

  Mira is deep in thought, her female investigative instincts kicking in. It’s rare for something this big to happen in a small town like Mistwood.

  “No high-ranking warriors are stationed here, and those who left for the capital won’t return until the Blessing Month. Unless…” She narrows her eyes at Finn. “It’s a new visitor.”

  Finn notices the spark of curiosity in her eyes and immediately waves his hands. “Whoa, hold on. You don’t think I did it, do you?”

  “Well, you fit the bill! You’re new in town, so it’s only natural for me to suspect—”

  “Stop right there. If I had that kind of power, I wouldn’t have been so messed up on my first day here.”

  “Fair point. But… what if… you’re just playing the long game to lower our guard?”

  Finn sighs. “Mira, with that kind of extrapolative imagination, you should write a novel.”

  She bursts into laughter. “Just saying! Don’t take it to heart.”

  “Let’s hope this doesn’t spread too much. The last thing I need is people tailing me because they think I’m some mysterious warrior in hiding.”

  Before Finn can sit down for breakfast, Risa bursts into the dining hall, her short hair a tangled mess from running.

  Still catching her breath, she pants, “Mor—morning, Finn! I… pant… I heard what happened at the arch door!”

  Finn gestures for her to sit and catch her breath first. “Morning, Risa. You’re quick at picking up news. Are you thinking that… it could be Inky’s doing?”

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  Risa lowers her voice. “I heard the slain predators were high-ranking. And the way they were killed… it’s as if something much stronger than them ripped their bodies apart. This reminded me of Inky.”

  “That’s a valid point. But where did you hear the details?”

  “I just came from the guild. The hunters were talking about it.”

  “I see. It’s too early to jump to conclusions. Have you shared any of this with Audrey or the others?”

  Risa shakes her head. “No. I only asked Audrey and Emily if they knew of a predator that looks like black smoke or looks plushie-shaped before the gruesome scene in front of the arch door was discovered. Since they had no clue what I was talking about, so I didn’t push further.”

  Finn crosses his arms and nods. “Here’s the plan. I’ll help my friend move out of the Sanctuary first. In the afternoon, I’ll go to the Hunters' Guild to ask around while handling my spoils. Want to join me?”

  “Sure! Oh, you haven’t had breakfast yet, right? Let me treat you. I just made some money from selling spoils!”

  Finn chuckles. “I won’t say no to that. Thanks!”

  They enjoy breakfast before going their separate ways.

  Finn picks up some fresh fruit from the market before heading to the healing chamber. Frank and Steve are already there when he arrives.

  “Good to see you all!” he greets, waving.

  Steve grins and pulls him into a bear hug. “Good to see you too, Finn!”

  Frank, ever the reserved one, gives a small nod. “Glad you returned safely.”

  Steve adds, “Caroline told us about your encounter after we got transported back to town. You have to tell Frank and me everything. We don’t want to miss any details.”

  Finn laughs. “Of course! But let’s help Rathen move back to his house first. Then I’ll tell you everything.”

  They help Rathen carry his belongings home. There’s not much to move, but the gesture matters.

  Once settled, Caroline serves them water, sliced fruit, and the pastries the guys brought. “Thanks, Caroline.”

  Finn recounts his journey, adding one last piece of good news. “By the way, I found Risa in the labyrinth.”

  Steve’s eyes widen. “Seriously? Congrats! But… I’ve always wondered, who is she to you?”

  “She’s the daughter of an important friend,” Finn replies simply. “I was entrusted to find her, and I’m glad I didn’t let my friend down.”

  They don’t press further. Instead, Steve brings up the reward. “We sold the predator remnants and magic cores to the merchant.” He places a bag filled with coins on the table. “Everyone’s already got their share. This is yours.”

  Finn takes it with gratitude. “Thanks, Steve. I couldn’t have earned this without you all.”

  They chat until Caroline suddenly asks, “Did you hear about what happened at the arch door?”

  News sure spreads fast in a small town.

  Steve recounts what he heard on his way to the Sanctuary this morning. His account matches what Finn already heard from Mira and Risa.

  Frank, ever direct, offers his own take. “Their wounds… they’re not from a magician or a swordsman. It’s like they were killed by their own kind.”

  Finn frowns. “That’s strange.” He keeps his tone casual, masking his thoughts. “Could they have turned on each other? Maybe the strongest ones survived and walked away. But why would they fight right in front of the arch door? I thought, like other places, Mistwood is surrounded by a magic barrier to keep predators away.”

  Frank doesn’t hesitate. “The knights and the guild are investigating the barrier now. But…”

  “But what?” Caroline asks.

  “Why is it happening now?”

  With winter approaching, most hunters have returned from their expeditions, bringing in their final spoils. The harsh cold drives both people and beasts into shelter. Many predators either go dormant or hibernate during this season. So why would a pack of them suddenly emerge, fighting on the doorstep of a human settlement?

  Even after finishing their fruits and pastries, no one has an answer.

  Eventually, Finn rises to leave. “I’ll catch up with you all later. I’m meeting Risa at the Hunters' Guild.”

  He arrives at the guild and finds no sign of her. Just as he is about to ask the receptionist about Risa’s whereabouts, Emily approaches him.

  “Hi Finn, are you looking for Risa?”

  “Yes. Did she leave you a message for me?”

  Emily shakes her head. “Not exactly. The Warden is meeting with her upstairs… and he’s asked for you to join them as well.”