The Fog Closes in

The fog was so thick I could barely see as I ran down the street. My head was spinning. I knew getting away from Rendell wouldn't be easy. Then I got a whiff of something—pine, smoke, and frost mixed with a darker scent I knew too well. Rendell’s man was coming, no doubt. But something felt off. Sharper, heavier than usual.

I couldn't think straight; bad memories kept flooding my mind. The past felt like it was weighing me down, so I just kept running. I sped up. The air got colder, and the edge of town was getting close. I tried to clear my head, focusing on where I was going and the stones under my boots.

The storm made the night darker, the fog swirled around, and I was about to sneak past the bar when Maeve's voice stopped me.

“Elara, where are you going?” I turned, my heart pounding. I didn't think she'd see me sneaking away. But there she was in the doorway, looking worried.

I swallowed, my throat tight, trying to sound calm. I felt bad about my decision, but I couldn't tell her the truth.

“Maeve,” I whispered, out of breath, trying to think of a lie. She just stared at me, waiting for my answer.I felt like she could see right through me, like she could see my intentions and my secrets. I froze. My heart was racing, and all I could focus on was her voice, her question, her worry. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. I didn't want her to stop me or see what I was hiding--about Rendell, the danger that followed me, or the life I had to leave behind.

“I…” I started, but the words wouldn't come. I faked a smile, knowing it looked fake. I was trying to trick her, but I was doing a bad job.

“I… I need to go somewhere else,” I lied, forcing a smile. Maeve softened, and her own smile hurt. She wanted to believe me; she needed to. I couldn't stand to disappoint her. I couldn't smile back, not when I was lying.

She was so kind, my friend—maybe my only friend in this town. I helped her at the bar—washing glasses, serving, and trying to repay her for keeping me safe.

But now I was leaving her in the dark, and it felt awful. Maeve tilted her head, watching me with a small frown.

“Going on an adventure, huh? You know nothing ever happens here.” She meant it, and she cared. She didn't deserve this, but I had no choice. Not with Rendell closing in; I was running for my life. If I told her the truth, she'd be in danger, dragged into my mess.

I looked down, on the verge of tears.

“I'll be okay, Maeve. I promise.” She didn't look convinced, but smiled. I could still see the worry on her face.

“You don't have to go alone, Elara,” Maeve said, her voice full of care. “I can walk you to the edge of town. It's dark, and you'll be safer with me.” My chest tightened, and I couldn't breathe. The thought of Maeve getting mixed up in this scared me. I couldn't let her walk into danger along with me.

“Maeve…” I said, trying to stay calm. “You don't have to. You're too kind.” She stepped closer, frowning.

“You’ve been like a sister to me. I can’t let you leave without saying goodbye properly. The road at night is scary, and I won’t let you go alone.” I bit my lip, feeling the weight of my decision. I didn't want to leave. She’d become my only to something good in this world. But I couldn't let her get hurt because of me.

Then, like the world was against me, I heard heavy footsteps coming down the street, too heavy to be normal. Must be wolves. I felt it that unmistakable feeling of a group of wolves, their energy like a storm. My heart slammed against my ribs.

The wolves walked into town, barely visible in the fog. The town elders were bowing at the front, paying respect to the man leading them. I knew who it was.

Or I thought I did.

For sure it’s Rendell Blackthorn’s man. I felt cold, and my blood seemed to freeze. I couldn't move; I was terrified. But something was wrong.

The man’s scent hit me next—sharp, metallic, crawling under my skin, unlike the rot and frost that usually clung to Rendell’s men. A darker presence, heavier, like ancient soil turned by clawed hands.

Even the way the elders bowed was different—deeper, more fearful. This wasn’t obedience; it was submission.

I saw the town leaders bowing almost to the ground. The man raised his hand, and the soldiers behind him moved without hesitation, blocking the only way out of town. Maeve gasped, stiffening at the sight of the soldiers.

“Elara, what—”

“I have to go,” I whispered, not really talking to her.

Maeve's brow furrowed. “Who are those people?” Her voice was cracking. My throat felt like it was closing; I bit my lip, trying to stay calm. The air grew thicker. Every alarm bell in my head was screaming at me to run—but where? We were trapped. I was trapped.

“Elara?” Maeve asked, her voice shaky. “What is going on?”

She deserved a straight answer. But telling her everything right then? Impossible. How could I drop that kind of bomb on her at a time like this?

“Look, I can't explain right now, okay?” I said, my voice strained, barely audible. I turned to face the figures now closing in. My heart was hammering, and I did my best to keep my terror from showing. Too late. My body was frozen, but my mind raced.

Rendell’s man or whoever this guy was—was here now. And there was nowhere to hide.

The man looked around the town, his sharp gaze cutting through the fog, looking for something... or someone.

For sure, he’s looking for me.

But why? Why would Rendell send this man when he could come to town with his own men?