31

Another mystery?

Claud's eyes fluttered open, his vision blurry as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. His body felt heavy, every muscle aching from the recent battle. Slowly, he pushed himself up, blinking away the haze. He found himself in a dimly lit room, the air thick with the scent of old wood and dust. The walls were made of rough-hewn timber, and the flickering light of a single lantern cast eerie shadows around the space.

His mind raced, memories of the fight with the demon and the subsequent collapse flooding back. They had succeeded in banishing the demon, but the toll had been severe. Claud’s senses heightened, picking up every creak of the wooden structure and the distant rustle of leaves outside. Someone had moved them while they were unconscious. But who? And why?

Pushing himself to his feet, Claud began to survey the room. It was sparsely furnished, with only a rickety table and a couple of old chairs. The air was cool, carrying a faint, musty smell that hinted