Chapter 173: Alistair

By the time the last embers of the fire dwindled into glowing embers, Lucian's companions were sprawled out on makeshift beds of furs and blankets, fast asleep. Exhaustion had finally claimed them, their dreams filled with visions of boar stew and a warm, safe haven. Lucian, however, found sleep elusive. The day's events swirled in his mind – the terrifying beast, the endless forest, and finally, the woman, Alistair. He couldn't shake off the feeling of intrigue that surrounded her. Why was she alone in this remote clearing? What story did her eyes hold, eyes that seemed to see right through him? He shifted closer to the fire, the flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the walls. A creak from the doorway made him turn. Alistair stood there, her dark silhouette framed by the faint moonlight filtering through the window. "Can't sleep?" she asked, her voice a soft murmur. Lucian shook his head. "Not yet. Too much on my mind, I suppose." She walked further into the room, the fir