#Chapter 42: Worst Case Scenario

Raven The tavern was dimly lit and packed, the air smelling thickly of alcohol and smoke. It seemed the entire village was there tonight, celebrating the warriors returning safely. We made our way to a table in the corner, our cloaks up to shield our faces despite the crowded atmosphere. The guards, chattering loudly about the battle, made their way to the bar to pick up enough pints for all of us as Neil and I took our seats. It was now or never. Leaning in, I dropped my voice. “There’s something I need to tell you. It’s about last night. While you were gone.” Neil’s brow furrowed, but he nodded for me to continue. “Hannah came to see me,” I said. “Or rather, she ambushed me—with a knife to my throat.” A flash of surprise crossed his face, but Neil didn’t interrupt, simply letting me continue. “She, uh… wasn’t expecting me to be armed,” I added. “She backed off when she realized I had a blade of my own. But I think she might have killed me giv