Grayson's Veil

Chapter 15

Grayson and Phoebe were heading back to town as the sun slowly rose in the sky.

They were both exhausted and dirty from their night of fighting. When dawn had broken through the skyline, everyone had decided to separate to clean and get essentials, then regroup to start their journey to find Eleanor. Grayson would have preferred to go about the search alone, but then Alice had to remind him he was going into uncharted territory.

Once Alice had enough strength to stand, she approached Grayson.

The word Lamia hung in the air after it was said, causing a heavy atmosphere. No one really knew what a Lamia was, but the way Alice had said it, it was something they did not want to cross.

Grayson had decided to sharpen his sword after fully recovering. His wet stone made a scrapping sound that was pleasant to his ears, making him feel relaxed and prepared.

Alice cleared her throat since he did not acknowledge her when she approached.

He did not stop sharpening. "Yes?"

"I have an idea which way the Lamia could have possibly gone with Eleanor. However, I will not tell you unless you promise me to let us come with you."

This condition made Grayson stop. He lifted his head to look at her. "No, you will be in my way."

Alice scoffed. "Grayson, you're entering into a whole new realm. You are going to see many things that should not exist. And once that veil is lifted from your eyes, it will never be placed down again." She paused as if thinking of her next words carefully. "You are going to need our help to keep you sane."

Grayson narrowed his eyes, thinking on her words. "Alright. You and Avice can come with me, as a guide."

Phoebe had overheard their conversation and came running over to them. "I am too! I need to make sure Eleanor is safe! And, I have coin that can help us with food and shelter." She pouted her lips and batted her lashes.

Grayson groaned and brought a hand through his hair, causing the curls to fall over his eyes more. "Fuck. Fine, unfortunately I do not have any money. And as for the witch I am sure she has been living mainly off the land."

Alice shrugged at his words. He was not completely wrong.

Avice climbed up onto Alice's shoulders and curled around her neck while staring at Grayson. "It is settled. Let us go our separate ways to get materials and things we will need for the journey and meet at the edge of my forest by noon."

That was already several hours prior.

Grayson and Phoebe had just stepped into town, with Grace following, when Grayson noticed something was off immediately.

Even though it was early morning, patrons were already gathered in the streets. As they passed by, Grayson could feel their eyes on them, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to rise. His hand twitched to grip the pummel of his sword, but he refused to do it. The action would be viewed as a threat, which would cause detainment and, therefore, delaying his chance to find Eleanor.

Grayson put his hand on the small of Phoebe's back to guide her faster to the brothel. She giggled at the contact.

"Calm down Grayson, we will be there soon enough," She cooed and batted her lashes at him.

Grayson rolled his eyes and leaned over so his lips nearly touched her ear. "We are being watched." He said simply.

Her eyes widened slightly but went back to normal as she pretended that he said something naughty in her ear and gently slapped his chest.