As the sun rose over the forest, the sounds of daytime birds leaving their nightly shelters filled the air, beginning their hunt for food. Sunlight glimmered across the streams and filtered through the makeshift shelters of leaves and branches where Jax and Beth had spent the night.
Jax woke first. Stepping outside, he saw the ashes of last night's campfire still faintly warm. Peeking into Beth's tent, he saw her still asleep — her pale skin softly illuminated by the weak morning light.
He thought quietly to himself, *"What did that bastard Smokeveil boss do to make you risk your life trying to kill him?"*
Beth stirred a little, waking up as the sunlight reached her eyes. Jax panicked, quickly stepping away from the tent and trying to act casual — though his flushed face gave him away.
Stretching, Beth stepped out of her tent and took in the peaceful scenery before her. The leaves rustled gently in the cool morning breeze.
"You know," she said, "I've never been this deep into the forest. I can't even smell the city smoke from here."
She took a deep breath and smiled softly.
"It feels so calm… completely different from last night. I guess the forest isn't as scary during the day."
Jax glanced at her, not as mesmerized by the view, and said, cutting through the moment,
"Well, I'll go find something to eat. Mind packing up our stuff?"
Beth crossed her arms and smiled teasingly.
"Alright, but don't take too long, okay? Or I'll leave without you."
Jax smirked. "If you don't fall off the horse first."
She rolled her eyes as he prepped his handheld arcane cannon. The morning was peaceful; for the first time in days, everything felt calm.
About an hour later, Jax returned with two wild birds that looked like quails. Once everything was packed and ready, they mounted their horse — Jax in front, Beth behind — and rode through the forest in quiet serenity.
After several hours, they reached a small, rustic village. It was humbler than most — simple people, dirt roads, and wooden houses. Children played in the streets, a few men drank outside the tavern, laughter echoing loud enough to reach the forest's edge.
Jax and Beth exchanged a smile.
"This looks like a great hideout," Jax said.
"Temporary," Beth replied flatly.
Jax turned serious. "You still plan to face the Smokeveil boss? What could he have done that was so unforgivable?"
Beth's smile faded. "He killed my father… gambling debts. Then he forced the rest of my family to work for him so he wouldn't lose his money. I came up with a plan — I helped my family escape, told them I'd follow later… but—"
Her voice cracked as tears welled up. "I didn't plan on coming back alive that night. If I could've killed that bastard… I wouldn't have cared what happened to me."
Jax looked back at her, sympathetic.
"I'm sorry… But maybe fate gave you a second chance. I wasn't sure I'd make it out of that city alive either. You kinda helped me escape, you know? So I'm glad you didn't throw your life away."
Beth met his eyes, calmer now, comforted by his words.
The horse came to a stop in front of the tavern. A kind woman greeted them with a warm smile.
"Hello, travelers! How are you? Where have you come from?"
"Oh, from Gearford," Jax lied smoothly, knowing the infamy of Brasswick. He didn't want to risk being turned away now that they'd found a peaceful town.
Beth simply nodded politely.
The woman chuckled. "Gearford, huh? That's quite a trip! You must be exhausted. Most people leave *this* village to work there, not the other way around. This place is the end of the world, haha!"
Jax scratched his neck, smiling awkwardly. "Uh, how much for a room, ma'am?"
"Oh, the tavern rooms? Three gold coins a night. And please, call me Adelaide," she said cheerfully.
"Alright then, Miss Adelaide," Jax replied. "We'll stay. I'll just put the horse in the stable — where is it?"
She pointed to the far end of the village.
"Thanks, kind lady."
Beth dismounted while Jax rode off to the stable. Inside the tavern, two men argued over a card game. Jax and Beth headed upstairs, but before climbing, Jax took a cautious look around to make sure they hadn't been followed. Seeing nothing suspicious, he joined Beth upstairs.
Meanwhile, at the village gate, a hooded man appeared. His elegant attire gave away his identity — Gregory.
He seemed to be looking for someone. Spotting a drunk man slumped against a post near the tavern, Gregory knelt beside him and asked:
"Have you seen these two around here?"
He showed a rough sketch of Jax and Beth.
"A tall man, brown hair, bowler hat. And a blonde woman, green eyes, purple dress. He's twenty-three, she's twenty-one."
The drunk barely managed to lift his head before vomiting on the ground and passing out again. Gregory sighed.
He entered the tavern, scanning the lively room — a waitress serving drinks to an orc by the window, dancers performing on stage, laughter and piano music filling the air.
He approached the main counter, where Adelaide greeted him with her trademark smile.
"Good evening, sir! What'll it be to drink?"
Gregory smiled faintly. "Just some information… and maybe a whiskey."
Just then, Beth came down the stairs, heading to order food. Seeing Gregory, unaware of the danger, she smiled at Adelaide.
"Hi! Could you please prepare a lamb pie? I'd really appreciate it."
"Of course, dear," Adelaide said warmly. "If you'd like, take a seat while you wait — we can chat a bit."
Gregory's gaze shifted toward the young woman. Recognition flickered in his eyes.
*Beth?*
The woman matched the description perfectly — and the name confirmed it.