A Villain by Default

Chapter Nine

Eclipse

The Mist Forest has a way of playing tricks on you. The air is heavy, saturated with mana, and the faint whispers of the wind through the gnarled branches almost sound like a warning: Leave while you can.

But I'm not stupid. I know what's coming—something big enough to make even the monsters scatter. And here I am, creeping through the undergrowth like a thief, praying the forest doesn't decide to throw me into the mix.

The scent of damp earth clings to my clothes as I crouch beneath a low-hanging branch, watching a hulking black bear sniff the air. Its fur gleams with an almost metallic sheen, a sure sign that this beast is no ordinary animal. It's one of the mana-infused creatures that call this cursed forest home—a predator that could tear me apart without breaking a sweat.

I hold my breath. If it catches even a hint of my presence, I'm done for. Luckily, my weak mana signature barely registers in this forest, where even the plants radiate energy. The bear's nose twitches one last time before it lets out a grunt, its massive shoulders relaxing. It turns away, lumbering deeper into the mist.

Only when it's out of sight do I exhale, slowly and silently. My knees protest as I straighten up, but I can't afford to rest. Not yet. My eyes lock onto the prize—a patch of silverroot nestled at the base of a tree. Its crystalline tendrils shimmer faintly, pulsing with a steady rhythm like a heartbeat. Just touching it makes my fingertips tingle, a faint jolt of energy sparking through my hand.

I wrap the silverroot in a cloth and tuck it into my satchel, securing it tightly. One more thing for the collection. Not that it'll do much good if I'm dead.

The forest is too quiet now. The usual rustles and distant cries have faded, replaced by an oppressive stillness. I glance up at the canopy, where the last traces of daylight are fading into a murky twilight.

"It's almost time," I mutter, tightening my grip on the satchel. "The chaos is starting."

And I need to be far away when it does.

Seraphine

The indignity of it all.

I sit on a fallen log, nibbling on the leftover meat Eclipse had so graciously—or perhaps condescendingly—left for me. It's surprisingly well-cooked, though I'd never admit it aloud. The flavors linger on my tongue, a stark contrast to the gritty, uncivilized setting around me.

But of course, I'm not foolish enough to lower my guard entirely. My eyes sweep the misty forest as I eat, wary of any potential threats. This place is a nightmare of twisted roots and shadows that seem to move when you're not looking.

As I take another bite, I catch a flicker of movement from the corner of my eye. My hand immediately goes to the hilt of my dagger, but I freeze when a familiar figure steps into view.

"Silva?" My voice comes out sharper than intended, but can you blame me? Her sudden appearance is… unsettling.

She's as composed as ever, her posture immaculate despite the mud and grime of the forest. She's dressed in her usual attire, and her calm, penetrating gaze makes me feel like a child caught sneaking sweets.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness," Silva says, bowing with a grace that feels almost mocking in this setting. "Forgive my intrusion. Have you, by any chance, seen my master?"

Eclipse. Of course.

I chew quickly, trying to finish my mouthful without looking completely undignified. Swallowing hard, I stand and wipe my hands on my cloak. "Yes, I've seen him," I say, gesturing vaguely. "He's… somewhere south. Doing whatever it is he does."

Silva's lips twitch, just barely, as if she's suppressing a smile. "Thank you, Your Highness. If you'll excuse me…"

She turns to leave, but I find myself stepping forward. My pride wars with my curiosity, but the latter wins out—barely.

"Wait." My voice is quieter this time, tinged with hesitation. "I have a question. About Eclipse."

Silva pauses, her expression unreadable. "If it's quick, Your Highness. My master may require my assistance soon."

I hesitate, glancing down at the bundle of meat in my hand. "Does Eclipse… cook? For himself?"

Her eyes widen slightly, the faintest hint of surprise breaking through her calm demeanor. "I have never seen him do such a thing," she replies, her gaze flicking to the bundle I'm trying to hide. "Did my master prepare food… for you?"

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I fumble to conceal the bundle behind my back. "It's not what you think," I snap. "It was a reward. For helping him fend off monsters. Nothing more."

Silva's polite smile doesn't waver, but there's an unmistakable glint of amusement in her eyes. "Of course, Your Highness."

Before I can retort, the ground beneath us trembles. It's faint at first, but it quickly grows stronger, a low rumble that sends vibrations through the soles of my boots.

Silva's hand moves to the dagger at her side, her expression sharpening. "It seems we're out of time."

I nod, my earlier embarrassment replaced by a cold determination. "We need to move. This forest is about to become… unpleasant."

Without another word, Silva and I exchange a brief, tense glance before parting ways. She moves south with the grace of a predator, her steps soundless despite the uneven terrain. I head north, clutching the bundle Eclipse left behind.

The mist thickens as I walk, swallowing the forest in an eerie silence. My mind churns with unanswered questions, but one thought rises above the rest:

Eclipse is far more enigmatic than I ever gave him credit for.