The smell of roasted meat, old wood, and ale lingered inside the inn's hall.
Kai sat at a corner table with Elina and Lina, steam rising and poking at the half-eaten stew in front of him.
Elina munched her share; cheeks puffed like a squirrel.
Lina, sitting across from Kai, nibbled on dried bread while her green hare dozed curled beside her seat.
Just a typical evening—until the noise started.
Voices rose from a nearby table. Then from another.
Soon, the whole room buzzed with whispers and half-panicked murmurs.
"Did you hear what happened in Veyhill City?" a merchant exclaimed to his companion.
"The whole district's in chaos. The manor was burned down. Some even think it was orchestrated."
Lina's hand trembled mid-reach for her cup.
Just for a moment.
Then she drew it back smoothly and sipped, eyes calm like nothing happened.
Kai noticed.
Before he could say anything, Elina blinked.
"What does that mean? Is that bad?"
