NEW LIFE, NEW BEGINNING.

Chapter: 103

******

VALE:

The days that followed my arrival in Drakenshire blurred into a haze, marked by the throbbing ache that settled behind my eyes. After suffering a relentless headache throughout the day, I found myself drawn back to the casino that evening, like a moth to a flame. The vibrant chaos of the casino felt strangely comforting, a distraction from the whirlwind of emotions that had taken hold of me since my arrival.

As I approached the bar, the lively sounds of clinking glasses and laughter enveloped me with a calmness that momentarily dulled the ache in my head. The warm glow of the overhead lights illuminated the polished surface of the bar, where patrons leaned in, sharing stories and secrets over their drinks.

The bartender, a tall man with a rugged charm, stood behind the counter, effortlessly mixing cocktails with a fluidity that spoke of years spent in this bustling environment. His short, tousled dark hair framed a face that bore the marks of experienc