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Ray stepped into the tavern behind Teo, with Gaia close at her back. He led them through the crowded space as Ray lowered her head to avoid being recognized.
Finally they stopped beneath the stairway of the tavern, a hidden spot enough to stay unnoticed, yet witness it all.
Gaia quickly positioned herself slightly in front of Ray, the perfect shield without making it obvious, while Ray peeked past her shoulder.
At the middle of the tavern, several tables were stacked together as a man stood above it.
"The third one this month.." he said, his gaze burning with fury. "That's about fifteen people who have vanished near the east road and the officials are doing nothing."
A bald huge man with a scar who stood a few steps besides them, slammed his palm on the table. Which frightened both Gaia and Ray. "This isn't normal," he barked. "If the official won't do anything about it, then it's about time we take matters into our hands."
Murmurs of agreement spread amidst the crowd, but a few begged to differ. Teo leaned closer to Ray without looking at her. "They have been meeting like this every few days. No one trust the officials anymore."
Ray's thought spiralled. In her original novel, this had been a minor issue. She never thought it would become as severe as this.
She had never written down secret meetings amongst the commoners, neither did she write that many people.
So what changed?
Before she could think further, the tavern door creaked open. Her gaze subconsciously drifted toward that direction, and immediately a dread swept through her.
A striking figure stepped inside, his presence overwhelmingly intense. Those who had noticed him at his entrance instantly knew to keep their distance.
It was Lucian.
Ray instantly drew her hood Lower leaning closer to Gaia. What is he doing here? Does he know I am here too? Don't tell me he followed me?
She peeped through her shoulders as his sliver cold gaze scanned the place, as though in search of something.
Or someone.
"Lucian…" Aziah walked in, a little out of breath. He had yelled his name for a while amidst the crowd, but Lucian had not heard.
"What is it? Did you see someone?" He asked.
Lucian remained still, glancing passed everyone in the tavern.
Could I have truly been mistaken? he thought.
"Or was it someone that looked like her?" he muttered out.
"Looked like who?" Aziah asked. Then his eyes fell on the few people who were now aware of their presence. Their faces made a stern expression, as though they knew they did not belong in that place.
"I think we need to go." Aziah whispered slowly.
Lucian nodded in agreement, then a smile tugged on his lips. "I must be seeing things." He concluded.
Just as he was about to leave, a woman's voice cut through the noise.
"The guards said there were no signs of struggle, and they could have left on their own accord." She insisted. "But, they have yet to return, and they still refuse to conduct a proper investigation."
"Because they are useless," the bald man spat. "I say we take matters into our own hands." His fist clenched tightly.
"Let's march to the palace and demand a response from the king," another yells. As the rest agree with him. Slamming their hands on the table.
Ray stood still. This wasn't supposed to happen. What are they doing?
When suddenly Gaia squeezed onto her arm. My lady…" she called, her voice shaken. "I think we should go."
"She is right." Teo agreed. "I don't think it's safe here."
Ray nodded in agreement. It was obvious it wasn't safe, but now Lucian was not too far away from her. And if truly he had followed her here, he would find her in no time.
About to leave, a soothing yet familiar voice draws her attention. Instantly, she snapped her head towards the direction.
"What happens then?" The young lady asked. Her golden plaited hair masked with a purple cloak, silencing the raging crowd.
"what happens when you get to the palace…. and the king refuses to respond?" She asked.
A faint smile flickered across her lips and disappeared just as quickly.
I know that voice…It can't be. Or could it?
Ray gradually left Gaia's side, trying to move past the crowd and see the face of the one speaking.
Her hood slipped down onto her shoulders.
But still, she continued to move, unintentionally shoving the people in her way aside.
For a moment the crowd went silent.
Suddenly the bald man broke it. "Then we will bring him to the ground." He said, causing a raging outburst.
The young lady gave a quick smile as she turned to leave, as two others. A male and female followed after.
Lucian had paused to witness the entire scenario.
"Scary crowd.." Aziah mocked, as he pulled Lucian by the arm to leave.
Lucian breath hitched.
His gaze caught the face of someone in the distance. It was Celestine.
What is she doing here? He thought, his body instinctively moving through the crowd.
The people raged, yelled and slammed their palms on the table. Their voices echoed with pain and anger, as Ray pushed through them to see.
It can't be her, why is she here?.
Before Lucian could reach Celestine, someone shoves past him. Slightly nudging a girl by their side. As she loses balance.
Instincts kicks in, and quickly Lucian catches her.
Her hood falls.
And Ray saw.
Golden blonde hair. Pale skin and light green eyes, almost ethereal. Held tightly from falling to the ground.
It truly is her. The female lead. Aleena.
Ray's gaze swept from the damsel in distress, to the savior who held her in his arms. And instantly, her heart sank.
Lucian stared at the young lady in shock, then slowly lifted his gaze. His eyes met Ray's.
For a second, he froze.
And Ray wished she hadn't looked.