Mela''s eyes fluttered open to the dim light of a solitary candle. The rain battered against the window. She lay on a prickly straw mattress, a coarse blanket barely concealing her discomfort. The musty air mingled with the sharp tang of antiseptics, a lingering of recent medical care.


    Struggling to sit up, Mela winced at the pain radiating from her injuries. Her spiked mace was within reach, a reassuring presence amid the uncertainty.


    The door creaked open, and an unknown figure stepped inside, holding a book in one hand and a candle in the other.


    His dark hair partially obscured his face, and the soft glow of the candlelight revealed his finely crafted attire. A katana was sheathed at his waist, and an ornate crossbow, intricate and rare, was slung over his shoulder.


    The figure glanced down at the book. “Too many descriptions… dreadfully boring.”Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    He looked up from the book and his eyes widened slightly as they met Mela’s. “It’s you... I recognize you from somewhere.”


    Mela’s grip tightened around her mace, her eyes narrowing. “What?”


    The figure''s expression shifted quickly, his surprise masked by a casual demeanor. ''Never mind. Where are my manners? I’m Felix. I saw you running and caught you in the alleyway. You were heavily wounded, so I brought you here to tend to your wounds.''


    His gaze softened, assessing her injuries. “Looks like you had a rough time.”


    Mela eyed him warily. “Why should I trust you?”


    Felix''s expression shifted, his gaze dropping for a moment. “I don’t know you, but I’m offering my help. If our paths cross again, perhaps we’ll understand each other a bit better.”


    Mela’s suspicion was clear, though she couldn’t deny the relief of having her wounds tended. “I don’t have time for this. The knights will be closing in.”


    Felix’s hands froze. “Knights? What knights?”


    Before Mela could answer—a heavy knock echoed through the door. The room held its breath. Outside, thunder rumbled, the storm creeping closer like a warning.