Chapter 2: The Magic Hat Tavern

The cold wind gave way to warmth — a chaotic blend of laughter, roasted meat, and the clinking of mugs.

As we stepped into The Magic Hat Tavern, the world shifted. Wooden chairs creaked, bards sang off-key, and the scent of cinnamon, sweat, and fire wrapped around us like a drunken embrace.

A red-bearded giant slammed his mug on the counter. "Another one!" he roared. The barkeep sighed. "Helndrik, mugs don’t regenerate on their own."

Our first drink landed with a heavy thud. It was time to relax… or pretend we could.

Hitomi raised her mug high. “To us! And to whatever madness comes next!” Brek smirked. Laima looked away, uncertain. Noctua scanned the room like a predator. Prometheus simply touched his necklace, fingers searching for answers.

But something stirred.

Noctua’s gaze locked onto a shadow in the corner. No face. No voice. Just a presence that shouldn’t be there.