Chapter 23

Naomi

Calyx’s grip tightens on my arm as he pulled me into the rundown tavern, ignoring my protests. The dim lighting cast eerie shadows on the stained walls, the flickering lanterns barely illuminating the faces of the rough-looking patrons. The pungent stench of stale beer and sweat hung heavy in the air, mixed with the sharp tang of cigarette smoke that curled around trembling fingers. In one corner, a group of men sat huddled together, puffing on their pipes and filling the room with the sweet aroma of tobacco.

Cal’s jaw clenched, his eyes flicking around the half-light lit bar. He ordered two beers and led me to a secluded booth in the back. I could feel the weight of gazes on us as we walked by, mostly directed at Cal. My stomach churned with unease as we sat down on the coarse leather seats. I took a hesitant sip of my beer, feeling the bitterness of hops and malt on my tongue. It wasn’t my preferred drink, but I needed something to calm my nerves in this strained situation. As