"Who the hell even are you?" Perytos snarled, slamming the stranger against the wall of the inn’s room. The weak boards squeaked; his strength was amplified by the determination to protect his only friend.

  Your skill(Oath resonance) has reached level 13-14

  “Who sent you huh? Was it the nobles? How much are they paying you? Tell me!” He grabbed the man by his throat. The ancient aura spilled again, but Perytos shook it off. He let the man down for a moment, to allow him to breathe.

  "ekh... damn... khe khe... buy me ... ekhe... dinner first... I can't stand being manhandled like this on an empty stomach." The man in wolf’s fur choked out; he rubbed his sore throat, flashing Perytos a quick shit eating grin. The smile died as soon as the furious teen raised his hand again; he wanted answers from the assailant.

  "Whoa, no need for all that, I was just joking. I’m not here for the wolf, at least not in the way you think.” The shorter man said, raising his hands placatingly.

  Now that I think about it, he does look young. Perytos thought absentmindedly. He decided to give the young man a chance to explain himself. His eyebrow rose and he tapped his foot impatiently.

  The stranger straightened and he held out his hand in greeting. “My name is Callum, nice to meet you." When Perytos didn’t move an inch, still waiting expectantly, the mysterious teen put his hand down.

  “Ekhmem, anyways... As I was saying, I am here about the Lykani, but not to capture it.” Callum’s eyes flickered with devotion; just long enough to notice. “I wish to protect it.”

  Perytos rolled his eyes. “Could you be any more vague? Protect how? How did you even recognize his race?” He was still suspicious, no doubt, but most of the worry melted away. Worst came to worst, he thought they could manage to run away. The green-eyed teen before him had an impressive aura, but physically he seemed... Meek.

  "Well, actually." Callum begun, dusting off imaginary dust from his leather tunic. "I am a member of the Primal humans- Was one at least. If someone were to recognize a Lykan it would surely be us." He added.

  Perytos knew there was probably a story behind it, but he let it be. He heard of the Primal humans of course. Even a town as secluded as Cortez’s Edge had tales of the beastly warriors of the forest. The story checked out.

  Maybe the guy isn’t so bad. Have I been too harsh on him? Perytos wondered for a second. Then again, the consequences of failure were too great. He decided. No, I did nothing wrong, but I could have been gentler. He decided to offer his olive branch.

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  "Listen, Callum. Maybe we got off the wrong foot, I just want to ensure Mercel's safety." He clasped the slightly shorter boy on the shoulder. He looked into the green eyes to make sure the other man understood him clearly.

  “He’s all I have left. I can’t afford to loose someone, not again. I’m sorry about earlier, the anger spoke through me. You understand right?” At the end his voice wavered as if he didn’t believe the lie himself; Callum pretended not to notice.

  There were reasons Perytos was honest. Mostly, he just wanted to be understood. Mercel was loyal without a fault, but he wasn’t a great partner to converse with. Also, he had a good feeling about Callum.

  Your skill(Survival instinct) has reached level 5-7

  “Hey don’t worry. No harm done. I could’ve been clearer at the beginning; Lykani are rare, I wanted to make sure he was being treated well.” Callum assured. He straightened and took a breath. He was interrupted before he ever began talking.

  Knock Knock Knock

  The doors bent inwards under pressure.

  "Hey there, boy. We saw the little pouch you have there, why don’t you come out and talk? You wouldn’t mind sharing with a brother in need- would you? The sleazy voice crawled in through the door’s gaps. Perytos felt the man’s slick voice grasp him and direct him to the door. His sheer disgust shook off the effect.

  There was also another thing. His shoulders tensed as he sensed it- Danger.

  That's exactly what i wanted to avoid. Perytos screamed inwardly. He brushed off the unnecessary thoughts. They had to get out of there fast. He quickly gathered what little belongings they had and sneaked over to the window...

  “I can hear you! Give us the pouch boy, don’t test us!” The voice rasped in anger. The door shook again, stronger this time.

  KNOCK KNOCK RATTLE

  The door barely hung on its rusty hinges. The rotted wooden frame began splintering.

  "Won't someone intervene?" Callum asked in a whisper. "They can't just rob us in broad day- nightlight... can they?” He paced around the room, muttering something to himself. Perytos just heard a quiet and frantic “Oh god, I’m going to get robbed!”

  "Quiet." Perytos hissed through clenched teeth. This wasn't good, not at all. If they handed over the pouch, they would have no funds- And with it, their only way out of the city. They could not let them see the money from Stanford.

  He slipped the window open as quietly as he could. The dirty glass slowly let go, giving a view of the pitch-black night. Just as he was about to force it open fully, an ear-piercing shriek of the rusty hingers alerted the thieves waiting at the door.

  "What is happening there?! Open the fucking door!" The filthy thief shouted in anger. Their time was gone; the man ran out of patience.

  BANG!

  The doors fell out easily and flew through the air from the force of the kick. At the exact same time Perytos was done helping Mercel out the window.

  "STOP, THAT MONEY IS MINE!" Perytos didn't listen. He escaped last, only looking back for a second: A tall, chubby man with an unclean long beard stood in the entrance of the small room.

  As the man noticed them escaping into the night, he hyperventilated. He spat on the ground and begun cursing them loudly; calling any gods who would listen to curse them- Perytos didn’t stay to hear the rest. As he was falling to the ground from the second story, he only thought one thing: Next time I'll pick a better inn.