Evangeline let the warm water cascade over her body, letting it wash away the lingering pain, the fear, and the trauma of their journey through the Whispering Forest. She sank deeper into the bath, sighing as the tension in her shoulders began to melt. The tub was wide, almost luxurious, and the warm scent of herbs clung faintly to the air. Bel had allowed them to use her bath without hesitation—despite their initial wariness, the mysterious woman in the woods had done nothing to harm them. If anything, she had shown them kindness. She had offered them warmth, clothes, healing… and, perhaps most important of all, a sense of safety. 'We have no reason to doubt her,' Evangeline told herself. And yet, she couldn't ignore the quiet voice in the back of her mind. This was still the Whispering Forest. Damon had warned them time and time again. Trust nothing. Not the shadows, not the silence… not even the kindness of strangers. 'Damon wouldn't trust this…' she thought, biting her lip. But Damon was unconscious, unable to lead, unable to offer his insight or guidance. And despite her instincts, despite every ounce of her learned caution, she couldn't deny the truth—this woman had helped them. She had returned home to find a group of armed, ragged strangers in her cottage, and yet, instead of fear or fury, she saw their wounds and offered them a place to rest. "What reason do we really have to doubt her…?" She rose from the bath, the towel wrapping around her curves as her wet hair clung to her shoulders and back. The scent of soap and herbs followed her as she stepped out, finding a clean dress neatly folded and left for her. Her sword and supply bag were untouched, right where she had left them. That alone told her something. She got dressed slowly. The dress was soft and comfortable, far better than the ragged remnants of her combat gear. Glancing at her old torn clothes lying on the chair, she felt her face heat up. Just the thought of being seen in something so tattered made her cheeks flush. Strapping her sword at her side, she stepped into the hallway. The voices of her friends carried through the wooden walls—familiar, lighter now, more at ease than they'd been in days. They were talking with Bel, and that caution she once heard in their voices had begun to wane. She followed the sound and stepped into the room. Her breath caught for a moment. Bel stood near the dining table, smiling warmly as if welcoming a daughter home. "You're finally out," she said kindly. "Come, come, let's have dinner." Evangeline's eyes widened. She hadn't expected this. The table was filled with food—steaming platters, baked loaves, vibrant fruits, savory meats, and pots of rich stew. It smelled divine, the aroma alone enough to make her stomach growl. After days of cold rations and near-starvation, it was like looking at a banquet laid out by royalty. "I didn't think I would be having guests," Bel chuckled softly, brushing her apron down. "I hope you don't mind this meager spread…" Meager? Evangeline blinked. They were all from noble families, accustomed to lavish meals… and yet even they could not deny it—this was extravagant. Leona stared wide-eyed at the feast before her. Her restraint broke, and with a growl of hunger, she reached across the table and grabbed a huge piece of steak, stuffing it into her mouth before anyone could stop her. Everyone froze. They watched, unsure of what would happen—would she choke? Collapse? Transform? Leona paused, her body unmoving. Then slowly, she muttered through a full mouth, "Jmmm… Delicious…" Her hand immediately reached out for more. Bel's smile remained unshaken. She took a seat at the head of the table. "Well, dig in. There's more where that came from." Evangeline looked toward Sylvia, who gave a quiet nod before lifting a spoon and tasting her food. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Hmmm… It's delicious." That was all it took. Like a dam breaking, everyone began eating. There was no hesitation now—forks clinked, spoons scraped, and laughter began to replace silence. It was their first proper meal in what felt like ages, and they devoured it with the unspoken desperation of survivors who had nearly lost hope. And through it all, Bel watched them—her eyes kind, her smile unwavering. There was something maternal in the way she looked at them. Not pity. Not interest. Something softer. Warmer. Like a mother looking at her lost children finally coming home. By the time the plates were emptied, Leona had eaten enough for seven. The others slumped back in their chairs, full and content, some even smiling for the first time in days. When their dinner was done… she gave them dessert and made them some tea. They now sat by the hearth—its orange glow flickering across the old wooden walls—where Damon lay unmoving, his breath gentle. He was dressed in fresh, crisp black tunics that Bel had prepared for him… his face at peace, as if asleep. Matia was the first to speak. "You said you know how to get us back home…" Bel glanced at her, nodding slowly. "I may be of assistance… however, as you know, the Whispering Forest is a dangerous place…" She took a sip of her tea, her smile still gentle, almost motherly. "This area is surrounded by danger at every turn… the Duhu Mountains are close. Then there's Ashergon's Nest…" She set her teacup down carefully. "That would leave passing through the forest. However… going too deep into it is a death sentence. That would make the only option cutting across it—and reaching the ancient city of Lysithara." They all nodded slowly… Evangeline clenched her fist. "That was our goal…" Bel nodded again, her tone even. "That is a dangerous undertaking. However… if you pass through Lysithara, you can reach a more stable region. From there, eventually… you'll reach areas ruled by the goddess races." Their eyes lit with hope at her words—small sparks of light in a dark room. Bel looked up at them, her expression softening. "The forest is dangerous… but Lysithara isn't exactly safe either. Most of its ancient residents—those who survived—are now twisted… monstrous things." She leaned back slightly, her gaze distant. "The worst of them… is their City Lord." Sylvia's eyes, now partially blind and appearing almost milky in color, remained fixed on Bel. Even like that, her curiosity never dulled. Bel nodded once more, her smile still plastered across her face… but there was a shadow behind her eyes. A quiet dread. "Pray you never encounter him… for you will never pass his riddle. Pray you never fight him… for you may never defeat him. He will remain… until his questions are answered." She stared into the flames of the hearth. "He is no longer man. No longer king. Now… he is a creature. A thing. Called the Keeper." She let the name hang in the air. "The Keeper of False Truths…" The fire crackled softly—but none of them moved. Their faces had paled at her words… even saying that name seemed to make the air heavier. Sylvia bit her lip, her voice trembling slightly—curiosity overtaking caution. "Wh… what is the riddle…?" Bel's smile didn't fade. Slowly… she shook her head. "I do not know. All those who met him met a most grim fate… far worse than death, for most…" A heavy silence settled over the room… none dared break it. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖 After a moment, Bel stood, brushing the folds of her apron down. "Well… would you look at the time," she said softly. "I suppose it's bedtime, children. Boys in one room, girls in the other. Erm… you…" She paused, her eyes landing on Evangeline. "Ahh… right. I never asked your names." They all paused. Evangeline nodded slowly. "Of course. How rude of us. I am… Number Two." She proceeded to introduce the others with their assigned numbers—never once revealing their real names. Bel's lips twitched slightly at that, her smile amused but polite. She nodded slowly. "I see… what unusual names you have. Very well then. Good night." She turned slowly and began walking toward one of the adjacent rooms, the sound of her steps soft against the creaking wood…