"Shit,"
I quickly closed the door before anyone could notice, but Jan was already approaching.
"Everything alright?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.
"You look like you've seen a ghost."
I forced my expression to remain neutral, calculating how much I should reveal.
Louise was dangerous, especially in his current state, but telling the group I'd been keeping him prisoner would raise too many questions.
"We've got a problem," I said, keeping my voice low. "There's something out there hunting us."
Jan's hand instinctively moved to his sword.
"The central cities forces?"
I shook my head.
"Something worse. A monster with abilities beyond what we've seen before. Fire-based, extremely dangerous, and now it knows where we are."
"Should we move locations?" Jan asked, already thinking tactically.
"No, this place is still our best option. Multiple escape routes, reinforced walls, and Richard's forces don't know about it yet. We'll just need to double the watch tonight."
