章 35: in the Dark

David, Ivane, and Giorgi walked back in the direction of their inn, the feeling from their mysterious encounter casting a shadow over them. The night had closed in, thick with the smell of damp earth and wood smoke; it was as if the town itself held secrets that refused to let go. And in his mind echoed the words by the woman, stirring more questions than answers for David.

By the time they reached the inn, the common room was deserted, but for the innkeeper, who was polishing a glass behind the bar. He looked up as they came in and nodded briefly, holding his gaze a fraction of a second too long. David caught it but otherwise shrugged it off, too addled in his mind to consider a reason for it.

They settled around a table near the window, the flickering shadows of the fire dancing across their faces. Giorgi slumped back in his chair with a low sigh.