Message From The Unknown

Message From The Unknown
Chapter 155: Message From The Unknown

Cain and Andrew left not long after, leaving Lena and the others at the entrance of the pack house. Once the first group was no longer in sight, Lena led the remaining party toward the house in the forest.

The path was exactly as she remembered it: narrow, with overgrown bushes and the gnarled roots of trees emerging from the soil. The crunch of fallen leaves filled the silence, and the air grew colder the deeper they ventured, heavy with the damp scent of ancient wood. The trees here stood close together, their branches twisting overhead to block out most of the light; the land remained wild, untouched by the development seen near the Alpha’s residence.

Shayla walked beside Lena with an unreadable expression—serious, yet visibly worried. Reah and Commander Orion followed a short distance behind, both alert with their hands resting near their weapons. Behind them, Vitto and General Liam remained near the entrance of the forest to stand watch as instructed. Lyra sat on a rock by the river, her arms crossed; she chose not to approach the strange house, as it made her feel profoundly uneasy.

The house sat up ahead, looking just as it had before, though it was now day. The door stood wide open, creaking softly as the wind brushed past. One of the windows had shattered—a new development—and shards of glass still clung to the frame. The other windows were open, displaying a bright, strangely inviting interior.

There was someone inside, standing by a window with a cup in their hand. Lena immediately felt a jolt of recognition, even without seeing their face. Her body ran cold with terror, but she refused to let fear stop her from seizing this opportunity.

“This is it," she said quietly, stepping toward the bridge.

Shayla’s hand rested on the hilt of her sword. "You're sure?”

Lena nodded.

They crossed the narrow wooden bridge. The river beneath flowed calmly, indifferent to the tension above. As they approached, the figure inside left their post and came to the doorway. The stranger pointed a finger at Lena, then at Shayla and Orion, before shaking their head.

The message was clear: she was to enter alone.

Shayla stopped abruptly. “No.”

Reah stepped forward. “I don't think we have a say in this.”

Lena agreed. There was no telling what this person was capable of, and they weren't ready to find out. It was better to remain cautious and obey. “I’ll go,” Lena said before the others could argue.

Orion frowned deeply. “Absolutely not alone."

The figure inside tilted its head as if overhearing them, then pointed at Lena again, gesturing for her to come forward.

"I'll stay by the door," Shayla said, raising her voice just enough for the stranger to hear. When the figure gave no reaction, Lena nodded and checked the small dagger in her thigh holster. Without another word, she walked up the stairs.

The wooden floor creaked beneath her feet. Inside, the house was strangely warm, especially considering the open windows. At the center of the room stood a clean table set with a cup of warm milk and a plate of freshly cut fruits—apples, watermelon, and berries.

Lena was confused. When she had first seen the house, it felt like a lived-in home, but now it felt abandoned, yet the stranger was offering hospitality as if they owned the place. She was focused on the counter across the room and didn't realize the stranger had moved to the table until they took a seat.

“You are not afraid," the stranger said, setting their cup down.

Lena stiffened. She slowly turned to look at the figure, hoping the hood would fall, but the cloak remained firmly in place. Dread rose in her throat.

"You are now terrified. Is anything wrong?” the stranger asked.

Lena gulped. The voice was hauntingly familiar—so familiar it frightened her to even try to place it. She hesitated, then finally asked, "Why?"

The figure stared at her for a moment before picking up a slice of fruit and eating it. "See? It is safe.”

Lena reluctantly approached the table. Her hands trembled as she lifted the cup, but she forced herself to take a sip. The milk was warm and sweet, a comfort that felt painful given the circumstances. She ate a piece of fruit, never taking her eyes off the stranger.

Silence stretched between them for five minutes before the figure spoke again. "You're searching for answers, correct?”

Lena swallowed and nodded. “Who are you?"

The stranger tilted their head. “My identity does not concern you, nor will it help your race’s current situation."

“That’s not an answer,” Lena said flatly.

The stranger chuckled softly. "No, but it is the truth. My identity will be revealed after all this is over, because it will only matter then.”

Lena clenched her fists. “You asked me to meet you. You've been watching me. Why?"

"Because you are the halfling the crawlers are interested in," the stranger said plainly, "and the one I was sent to find."