NOVPUB
Chapter 44 - Forty Four
The moon was high when Adrien and Damien reached the edge of the city, its silver light casting long shadows across the stone path. A low growl rippled through the mist ahead, followed by the flicker of crimson eyes. 𝚗𝚘v𝚙𝚞b.𝚌𝚘m
From the darkness, Nyxaris emerged. The large wolf cub moved with eerie grace, its obsidian-black fur swallowing the moonlight. Its body shimmered subtly, flickering between solid and ethereal form, as if caught between this world and the one beyond. The curved horn on its head glowed faintly, catching Damien's gaze. "That's... yours?" Damien blinked, taking a cautious step back. Adrien gave a half-smile. "He's not for decoration."
Nyxaris padded forward and rubbed its head against Adrien's leg, emitting a low, content hum that sounded more like shifting smoke than a growl. Adrien crouched, scratching behind its ear. "Good hunting?" he asked. The creature gave a soft rumble of approval, then turned its head toward Damien, studying him in silence. "He's a friend," Adrien said simply.
Nyxaris blinked once, then looked away, as if deeming Damien harmless—or unimportant. Damien let out a slow breath. "You never mentioned your pet was a shadow beast."
"He's not a pet," Adrien corrected, standing. "He's Nyxaris. Companion. Guardian. Sometimes moodier than me." Nyxaris let out a quiet huff, as if in agreement. Damien gave a half-laugh. "Well, if this tournament lets you bring him, I feel bad for the poor sods facing you." Adrien's grin returned, sharp and sarcastic. "Let them bring their dogs. I've got a wolf touched by shadows."
The trio camped just beyond the city walls, the fire crackling low as stars blinked into view overhead. Nyxaris lay curled near the edge of the light, his body fading between form and fog as the breeze stirred his dark fur.
Adrien leaned back on a flat stone, tossing a small piece of dried meat toward Nyxaris, who caught it mid-air with a snap that barely made a sound. Damien sat across the fire, sharpening his sword with rhythmic strokes. "You know, I've been in a few skirmishes. Guild raids, bandit cleanups, tavern brawls... but never a tournament." Adrien glanced at him, one brow raised. "And here I thought you lived for theatrics." "Only when there's coin and cheering involved," Damien said with a grin. "But seriously, what's the plan? Go in loud or stay quiet until we strike?"
Adrien's gaze shifted toward the horizon where the city lights bled into the night sky. "We watch first. See who's strong, who's pretending. The Evermoon Tournament's not just steel and speed—it's politics too. Some of these guilds will throw their weight around." Nyxaris let out a low growl. Adrien smiled. "He agrees." Damien looked between them. "That still weirds me out, how he understands everything."
"He's smarter than most people," Adrien said, tossing another bit of food. "And he knows how to keep me alive." "You mean he does all the work while you look cool and brood dramatically?" Adrien snorted. "Exactly." They shared a quiet laugh, the kind that came easily in safe company.
After a pause, Damien said, "You ready for this?"
Adrien looked into the fire, shadows dancing across his face. "I don't think I've been ready for anything. But that never stopped me." Nyxaris stood, stretching, then walked over to Adrien and lay beside him, eyes glowing faintly like embers under moonlight. The flames crackled. Tomorrow would bring blades, blood, and ambition—but for now, there was peace.
