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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: A Stranger

The days following my visit to Mother's grave passed in a blur of routine – sharpening the axe, carrying out the King's orders to execute prisoners, and facing the fearful stares of the Solis Realm's inhabitants. The faint whisperings by the grave still echoed in my mind, a mystery I could not shake. Was it her voice, or just the wind teasing my grief, I did not know?

That night, the sky was heavy with dark clouds, shrouding the land in oppressive darkness as I trudged back from the execution ground. The hill loomed ahead, its silhouette barely visible in the distance. As I approached, a figure emerged from the darkness at the top of the hill. Wearing a black cloak that swallowed all light, the stranger's face was just an endless black void - only two red streaks pierced the darkness, like eyes burning with a chillingly sharp fire. Beside her was a giant black panther, its shape shimmering faintly, looking quite strange that I could not explain.

"Who are you?" - I called, my hand gripping the axe handle, the night increasing my alertness.

The figure turned back, red eyes staring at me, a gentle voice cut through the silence.

"I am Aurora, a witch, a wandering traveler, and this is Heilbronn, my companion and steed, we have no evil intentions" - Her words seemed to echo in my mind, calm but full of worry.

I frowned, the isolation in life increasing my caution.

"It's rare to see strangers in these places, especially at this hour. What brings you here?" My voice was sharp, my hands clenched.

Aurora tilted her head, her cloak swaying as her wand—almost invisible—twirled between her fingers. Heilbronn's gaze remained focused, silent.

"I am a traveler, a seeker of magic from distant lands—Sealanka, Nanji, and beyond. I have wandered to learn, to master the crafts of every realm. I have found no shelter in this strange land tonight. May I trouble you with a place to rest?" Her voice was a soft plea, her red eyes unblinking.

I glanced up at the dark sky, my resolve firm.

"It's getting late. The inn is probably closed or full by now. Perhaps you should find somewhere else." I said curtly, not wanting to risk my life.

Aurora stepped closer, her persistence unwavering despite the darkness.

"Come on, pleaseeeeee, I've come quite a long way, I don't want to sleep in the woods or on the ground anymore, I just need a shelter for the night." - Her voice softened, carrying a strong determination that countered my hesitation.

I hesitated, still wary of these strange people and Heilbronn's stare made me even more nervous.

"He doesn't bite" - Aurora chuckled and pointed to Heilbronn to calm my anxiety.

Sighing reluctantly and having no other choice after a few more of her pleading, I gave in.

"Okay. Come with me. You can stay at my house for the night, just one night." - I turned back, leading the way, the cloaked stranger and her ghostly cheetah following behind, their presence a puzzle in the dark.

I led them to my home, for although I was a Baron, I did not live in a lavish mansion. My home was a modest one, slightly larger than a commoner's, its simplicity mirroring my own life. I had no servants - they were too fearful and prejudiced against executioners. On the way, Aurora and Heilbronn trailed behind me, and a vague unease crept over me.

"Are you a Rabbit Outsider? I rarely see an Outsider around here, they usually go to the capital or somewhere more bustling.

" - I ventured to ask, glancing at her.

Aurora lowered her hood, revealing her face more clearly. Her short, pale pink hair framed her scholarly features, framed by a pair of round glasses. She was indeed a rabbit witch, and I couldn't help but notice her delicate features - an unexpectedly striking beauty for a traveler.

"...pretty..." - I blurted out, then quickly cleared my throat, feeling a little embarrassed.

She blinked, a shy smile on her lips. "Yes, I am a Rabbit Witch, and you're right—I was on my way to the capital. But I… got lost because there was so much good food along the way." Her voice was a mixture of embarrassment and excitement.

I raised an eyebrow, a small laugh escaping me. She looked strangely adorable in her innocence. As we continued, our conversation flowed, and my guard began to drop, feeling no threat from her.

Soon, we arrived at my house. Stepping inside, Aurora looked around, taking in the sparse but tidy space, while Heilbronn sat down on the floor, his imposing figure exuding a quiet strength. I kept my distance from him—his fierce appearance made me wary, though I couldn't explain why he seemed so "ghostly."

Aurora turned to me, her glasses glinting in the candlelight.

"Thank you for your kindness, Charlie. This place is… warmer than I expected." She smiled softly, her wand resting beside her.

"It's okay, make yourself comfortable. I'll prepare a place for you two." I nodded, going to get a blanket and a spare rug.

The night was getting late when I made a small room for Aurora, leaving Heilbronn to rest near the fireplace. The house was quiet, save for the crackling of the fire. I returned to my room, the weight of the day weighing heavily on me. Lying on my bed, I stared at the ceiling, recalling the whispers from the grave echoing in my mind. Was it just my imagination, or was it clearer tonight?

A soft rustle came from the hallway, and I sat up, my heart pounding. Through the crack in the door, I thought I saw a flash of movement—a shadow that didn't belong to Aurora or Heilbronn. A chill ran down my spine, and for a moment, I heard it again—a whisper, faint but clear.

"Charlie…be careful…"

I stiffened, straining to listen, but the sound faded into silence. Was it the wind, or something else? I don't know, shaking my head, I lay down, my unease clinging to me like a second shadow. Outside the window, a faint light flickered—Aurora's wand, glowing softly as she muttered an incantation. Her voice, soft but powerful, echoed off the walls, a reminder of the magic I had invited into my home. Was it a blessing or a curse? The whispers still echoed, no one responded, when sleep finally came, the whole house gradually became quiet and peaceful.

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