The following days made Elena uneasy. Everything had been calm, quiet.
The buzz caused by Gerald's death had begun to die down, and everyone soon settled back into their normal routines.
At night, images of how she killed Gerald plagued her thoughts and dreams.
A swirl of emotions twisted inside her—guilt, satisfaction, fear. All of it combined left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Amber came by the tavern later in the afternoon. Her face was pale, her freckles standing out boldly against her skin.
"Hi, Elena… how are you doing?"
"Amber," Elena called out happily, wrapping her arms around her friend in a tight hug.
"I'm sorry I didn't come to see you all this while." They broke apart, and Elena led her to a chair.
"I've been dealing with some personal things," Amber replied, scratching the back of her arm and staring at the floor, her eyes evasive.
"It's fine. I can't be mad at you even if I tried."
"Can you bring me a cup of ale? I really need it."
"Sure."
Elena went to fetch it, and Amber downed it in one go.
"Okay…" Elena muttered, surprised by her zeal.
"Thank you. So tell me, what really happened at Gerald's place?" Amber asked, lowering her voice as she shifted closer.
There were only a few people in the tavern eating and drinking. Afternoons were never busy.
Elena explained everything in detail, leaving Amber stunned.
"You're the one who actually killed Gerald?" Amber asked in a yell-whisper.
"Yes—and you don't have to say it. I feel horrible about it."
"Horrible?" Amber scoffed. "Elena, you're amazing! That guy deserved everything he got and more. Have you been able to find the person who saved you?"
"I wish…" Elena replied, rolling her eyes.
"The guy literally disappeared. He hasn't even tried to contact me. He could have at least told me his name or let me see his face." She sighed and rested her head on the hard wooden table.
"It's alright. You'll find him one day—"
"Good afternoon, Tiger!" a loud voice yelled as the tavern door flew open.
"Oh God…" Elena groaned, covering her face as people glanced at their table.
"Who's this uncultured swine?" Amber asked with a glare.
"He's my—" Elena paused, taking a deep breath. "I am her new friend, and my name is Dante. Nice meeting you," he said, grabbing a chair and sitting down.
"How are you all doing?" he asked, a bright smile pasted on his lips.
"Who invited you to sit with us?" Amber asked, her voice low and dangerous.
"Woah… I'm so scared. I'm literally shaking in my boots," Dante replied, faking a shiver.
Elena tried to hide her smile. Amber's eyes twitched, her hands clenching into fists.
"Elena, tell him to leave immediately. He's not welcome here."
"If anyone here should leave, it's you," Dante shot back. "Because I'm Elena's friend—"
"And I'm her best friend," Amber cut in.
"Friend, best friend—who cares?" Dante replied casually.
He leaned toward Amber, his lips forming a smirk.
"I bet I'm Elena's favourite—"
"Don't you dare!" Amber slammed her fists on the table.
Dante burst into hysterical laughter.
"Amber, the more you react like this, the more pleasure he gets," Elena muttered. "This guy is a rage-baiter."
Dante held his chest, trying to regain his breath.
"Look, I'm sorry, red-haired. I couldn't resist teasing you."
"My name is not red-haired. It's Amber!"
"Alright, alright." Dante raised his hands in surrender. "I'm sorry."
Amber shot him a glare. Elena squeezed her arm gently, urging her to let it go.
"You do have a bit of a temper, though."
"Dante, that's enough," Elena snapped, and he backed away.
"As much as I hate to agree with him," Elena sighed, "you're not usually this sensitive, Amber."
"I just hate his guts and his stupid face!"
Dante clutched his chest in mock horror.
"How dare you? My face is my most valuable asset. The ladies love it."
"Remind me what you're doing here again?" Elena asked tiredly.
"It's a tavern," Dante pouted.
"You've been dropping by too often. Don't you have work to do in the afternoon?"
"Well, I ditched my brother to come see you—which, by the way, he's going to kill me for. And you don't even appreciate my efforts."
"You didn't come because you care. You're just lazy. And wait—you have a brother?"
"Yes. My older brother."
"Has he ever been here before?"
"Nope. He doesn't go out much."
"That's because he's more responsible than you'll ever be," Amber muttered.
"I won't argue with that," Dante chuckled.
"I'd love to meet him someday," Elena said—but her smile vanished as a bucket of cold water was poured over her.
She gasped.
Amber and Dante jumped to their feet.
Aunt Kate dropped the bucket with a loud bang, her lips twisting into a cruel smile.
"I hope you enjoyed the quick bath I gave you."
Elena clenched her fists.
"How could you do this in front of my friends?"
The tavern was now empty, save for Dante and Amber.
"I don't give a rat's ass about your 'friends.' I asked you to wash my darling son's clothes this morning. He's returning today, and I want something fresh for him to wear. Instead, you're here gossiping with these good-for-nothings!"
"I washed his clothes last week. They're clean!" Elena snapped.
"Well, I want them washed again."
"I won't do it."
Kate froze, shock flashing across her face before anger took its place.
"What did you say?"
"I said I'm not doing it."
"You little bitch!" Kate raised her hand.
Elena closed her eyes—but the slap never came.
She opened them to see Amber gripping Kate's wrist tightly.
"Don't you dare touch her."
Kate shrieked. "Let go of me, you insect!"
Her body trembled.
Amber's grip tightened. Pain crept slowly, and Kate screamed.
"You witch! Let me go!"
Kate raised her other hand—Amber caught it too and began to bend it.
A chill ran down Elena's spine. The air grew heavy, oppressive—familiar.
"Amber, that's enough! You're hurting her!"
"After everything she's done to you?" Amber snapped. "She deserves it!"
Dante pulled Amber away forcefully.
Kate collapsed onto the floor, groaning.
"You were about to kill her," Dante said sharply.
"She deserves it!" Amber yelled.
"Calm down!"
"If you want to keep taking trash from her, that's your choice. I'm done!" Amber stormed out.
As she left, her eyes glowed faint red in the sunlight.
Dante watched her go.