Chapter 5 Weakness

INGRID.

The smell of wet soil air was heavy with a damp chill as I followed Asval through the dense forest. Every step felt like an intrusion, the crunch of leaves underfoot too loud, too obvious. He walked ahead while holding a lantern lamp that serves as our light in the dark night.

"Are you sure this is the way?" I asked impatiently, breaking the silence.

He didn't turn to look at me, he was busy watching his every step. "What? Doubting me already?"

"I'm just saying, it feels like you're leading me to my death, not to some kind of village."

"Look, if the Alpha wanted you dead, Ingrid, you wouldn't have woken up to witness another night." he replied, his voice calm but sharp enough to cut through the night air.

After what felt like an eternity, we stopped in front of a thick curtain of vines and ivy. The tangled plants were so dense they looked like a solid wall, their edges curling inward like they were guarding a secret. I glanced around, and it felt like the forest itself was alive, conspiring to keep this hidden.

Asval glanced at me and smirked, "You ready?"

Asval stepped forward, his hand brushing over the twisted vines. With a firm pull, he parted them, peeling the curtain away as if it were nothing more than cloth.

My mouth slightly gaped when the almost wall like curtain of thick ivy and vines melted away from his touch as if it was a secret passage.

The moment the ivy gave way, the forest opened up, and I froze. My jaw slackened as I stared, unable to find the words for what was in front of me. It was breathtaking-so much so that my mind went blank, and all I could do was take it in, my awe leaving me utterly speechless.

Inside was Ashenfall.

The village looked like something out of a dream. From the stone bridge where I stood, the river stretched out below me, its surface catching the glowing light of the moon. Tiny boats bobbing gently along the water, their lanterns flickering like fireflies as they drifted between the houses perched on either side of the bank.

The homes were snug and warm-looking, with timbered roofs and ivy creeping up the walls. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, carrying the scent of burning wood and faint traces of cooking meals. I could hear the distant murmur of voices and the soft laughter of children playing near the water's edge.

Above it all, the dark castle stood tall, its spires piercing the sky. It was menacing, though-it was beautiful, almost protective, like it had been watching over this little haven for centuries. As I leaned on the stone railing of the bridge, I let the peace of it all wash over me. For once, it didn't feel like the world was closing in. Instead, it felt like it was holding me in a quiet, golden embrace.

The lantern light spilled across the cobblestones, painting everything in shades of amber and gold. I walked slowly, my boots clicking softly against the stoned ground. The houses and taverns around me seemed to grow out of the forest itself, their wooden beams twisted like the branches of old trees. Ivy crept along the walls, weaving in and out of the lanterns that hung low, their soft glow flickering like fireflies caught in the breeze.

"Welcome to Ashenfall," Asval said, finally glancing back at me. "Beautiful, isn't it? This could be your new home."

"I didn't agree with that," I muttered.

Asval chuckled at the thought and shrugged his shoulders. "Hm, your lost."

A woman approached us, her dark hair tied back in a tight braid. She had a scar running down her cheek, a harsh contrast to her otherwise soft features. Her eyes darted to me, sharp and assessing, before settling on Asval.

"Another one?"

"Yes," Asval replied.

"She's not a threat, is she?"

"No, I hope not." Asval let out a chuckle. "Just kidding, she's not. She's a human, just like you."

"I'm right here," I said, waving a hand. "You can talk to me, you know."

"My apologies." The woman let out a warm smile, "Welcome to Ashenfall. . ." She stopped, as if she was waiting for me to say my name.

"Ingrid Hearst."

"I'm Isabella," she said. "A watcher." I simply nodded and let my eyes drift to the blade strapped to her thigh.

"Isabella, I'll leave her to you." Asval cut in, "Make sure she gets settled."

"Settled?" I asked.

"You'll see," he said, already walking away.

Isabella sighed and motioned for me to follow her. "Come on."

We weaved through the village, passing people who stared at me as if I were something unusual. Probably because I look foreign to them.

"What is this place, anyway?" I asked as I managed to keep up with Isabella's fast pace, almost leaving me behind.

"A safe haven," she said. "For humans like us."

"Us?"

She stopped and turned to face me, her eyes narrowing. "For humans who don't have claws or sharp fangs, or fur. For people who they treat as food, and for people who don't belong out there."

I frowned. "And who decides that?"

"The world does," she said simply but it carried weight, before continuing on.

Our foot stopped in the middle of the village, long wooden tables stretched beneath the open archways, each one set with mugs, candlesticks, and scattered crumbs from earlier feasts. Isabella went straight to one of the cabins.

The moment I stepped into the tavern, the air hit me-thick with the smells of roasted meat, stale ale, and the faint hint of smoke from the hearth.

The stoned floors creaked underfoot. Lanterns hung from iron hooks, their dim flames casting flickering light that danced on the rough stone walls.

The main room was crowded, full of people talking, laughing, and arguing, their voices a constant buzz that mixed with the clinking of mugs and the shuffle of feet.

A long counter stretched along one wall, where a gruff-looking barkeep filled tankards from barrels stacked behind him.

I climbed the narrow staircase, following Isabella to the second floor, the wood groaning with each step. Up here, the noise from below faded into a dull hum, and the air was colder. The hallway was narrow, lit by a single candle on a wall sconce.

Inside the room, it was even plainer than I expected. A small bed with a straw-stuffed mattress sat against the wall, its blanket thin and patched. A single window let in a sliver of moonlight, though the glass was so dirty it barely made a difference.

I let my fingers brush the rough walls, feeling the cold stones beneath the plaster. It wasn't much, but it was quiet. For now, that was enough.

Isabella was watching me as I rubbed my finger tips. "It wasn't much but you'll get used to it. It's just that. . . it's been a while since someone occupied this room." she said, smiling faintly.

"Somebody already owns this room?"

"The previous owner is gone. Long gone." She gulped and cleared her throat. "He didn't survive when those bloodsuckers attacked this village."

I swallowed my saliva, and didn't know what to say. "I'm. . .sorry to hear that. How can vampires still pass through this place? I thought these werewolves were protecting you?"

"They are." she assured, "But when those bloodsuckers are hungry for blood they will do whatever it takes to satisfy their thirst. They show no mercy."

Moments of silence stretched before Isabella decided to speak again.

"I don't know what the Alpha's intention behind saving and keeping us alive but I'm very thankful. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him, for them." Isabella leaned on the door frame, arms on her chest. "You're a lucky one, even though those monsters attacked you, you didn't even suffer a single drop of blood nor a scratch. Impressive."

I gulped and looked up to her. That scar on her face, did those vampires do it to her? Isabella smiled at me as if she could read my mind.

"Yes. This scar? They gave it to me but I survived." she answered, her eyes burned with rage.

Their lives are constantly at risk, with no certainty of when those vampires will attack them again. Death looms over their head at every moment. Is that why Asval wants me to protect them?

Before I could even ask any more questions, Isabella was already out of my sight with the door closed.

I sat on the cot, the thin mattress creaking under my weight. My mind raced, trying to piece together what I'd walked into. A haven for humans? It sounded too good to be true. And things that sound too good to be true usually are just the opposite.

The door creaked open, and a young boy peeked in. He couldn't have been more than ten, his face smudged with dirt.

"Hello," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Hi," I awkwardly replied.

"What's your name?" he said. "Are you new?"

"Yeah, looks like it," I said. "I'm Ingrid. Do you also live here?"

He nodded. "I'm Evan! My mother and I live here. She's a healer. She provides herbal medicine so when people get sick, they'll get their strength back!"

"Oh, is that so? Your mother's amazing, isn't she?"

He nodded again, his eyes darting around the room. "It's not so bad here. Better than out there."

"Is that right?" I asked, leaning forward. "Why? What's out there?"

He hesitated, his small fingers gripping the doorframe. "Bad things."

"Like what?"

"Monsters with sharp teeth!" he whispered, as if saying the word out loud might summon them. "They are bad! They hunt us! But you'll be okay," he said, offering a small smile. "The Alpha will keep you safe here."

They sure do trust that wild beast, huh?

"Thanks, kid," I said. "Now go on, before your mother wonders where you are." He nodded and disappeared as quickly as he'd come.

I leaned back against the wall, staring at the ceiling. Safe haven or not, Ashenfall was far from safe. But for now, it was the only lead I had. And I wasn't about to waste it.

If this is the only way to keep a close eye on Vesarius Rage, to know his every move, then I have no problem staying here for a while. Looks like carrying out my plan to take him down and securing my freedom will be far simpler than I expected.

Who would have thought? A wild, untamed monster showing compassion and sympathy towards humans-feelings a creature like him shouldn't possess. It's a sickness that will consume and eat you alive.

Now that I know he has a soft spot for humans. Seducing and winning him over won't be as difficult as I once thought.

One weakness that will be a reason for his downfall.