Lust & Loyalty

Chapter 19

Daedalus and Shayera arrived at the inn just beyond the Vellenas border after a grueling three-hour drive. The air was crisp and cool, a stark contrast to the warmth of the car they had left behind. The night sky was clear, adorned with a blanket of shimmering stars that offered a fleeting sense of tranquility. The journey had surprisingly been a comfort. Daedalus and Shayera had filled the time with discussions about engineering—one of their shared passions. Their conversation was a refreshing distraction from the grim reality of their mission, providing a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos.

As they pulled up to the inn, Shayera noticed Daedalus's considerate gesture as he was already by her side, opening the car door for her. His touch was gentle yet firm, his eyes softening with care. Shayera smiled, touched by his attentiveness. “I can open a door,” she said playfully, trying to lighten the mood. Daedalus chuckled, his expression warm and relaxed. “You have a broken arm,” he countered with a teasing grin, “and therefore, I am permitted to assist.” He carefully lifted her out of the car, his hands strong yet tender, ensuring she landed safely on the ground. The cool night air nipped at their skin as he shut the door behind them. “Come on,” he urged, “we need to find out what’s been going on.”

The inn was quaint, exuding a homely charm with its rustic wooden beams and soft, golden lighting that created a welcoming atmosphere. An old-fashioned bell jingled as they entered, its sound echoing softly through the dimly lit lobby. An elderly lady sat in a cozy corner by the reception desk, her gnarled hands deftly working on a colorful sweater, the rhythmic click of her needles providing a comforting background noise.

Daedalus approached the desk, his arm protectively draped around Shayera’s shoulders, offering both support and solace. The old lady peered up over her glasses, her face lined with years of wisdom and kindness. “Can I help you, Sonny?” she asked, her voice warm but laced with the fatigue of age. Daedalus, his tone urgent yet courteous, responded, “We’re looking for a friend of ours. We believe she might have stayed here, or at least she might have been here recently.”

Shayera leaned in, her expression earnest and concerned. “Actually, there should be two of them, two women,” she added. The lady’s eyes brightened with recognition. “Yes, yes, we don’t get many guests at this time of year. There was only one room that fits that description. But they’re not two ladies anymore. There was only one staying here for several nights, and she seemed quite upset. I’m afraid she checked out some time ago.”

Daedalus placed his hands on the counter, his face etched with frustration and worry. “Do you know where she went?” The lady’s eyes showed a flicker of regret. “I’m not sure... Even if I did, Sonny, I’m sorry, I would have told you.” Shayera, her hand gently resting on Daedalus’s arm in a comforting gesture, turned to the old lady. “Thank you, ma’am. Is the room they stayed in still available?”

The old lady hesitated, her gaze shifting between them as if weighing their sincerity. “It hasn’t been cleaned up, but it is still available,” she admitted. Shayera’s hope flared. “Could we possibly look at the room? Maybe there’s a clue about where she went.”

The old lady’s expression softened, her eyes assessing the couple’s earnestness. “I’m not usually one to give away a room that hasn’t been cleaned,” she said, her voice tinged with unease. “But if you’re paying for the room…” Daedalus, sensing an opportunity, stepped forward with a reassuring smile. “We understand. What is the price?”

The old lady’s discomfort was evident as she handed them a price list. Daedalus glanced at it briefly before reaching into his pocket and withdrawing a substantial sum, far exceeding the usual rate. He placed the money on the counter. “I’ll be taking the room for two nights,” he said firmly. The lady’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s far too much for just two nights,” she protested.

Daedalus’s demeanor softened as he spoke gently. “The payment covers the room, the inconvenience of us using it before it’s cleaned, and the remainder is for my rudeness.” The old lady’s expression shifted from shock to amusement. “Sir, you can be rude to me anytime if you’re paying so handsomely!” she said with a chuckle. Shayera, her stress momentarily alleviated, laughed softly and gently nudged the cash back toward the lady. “Ma’am, he’s not usually this hurried or rude. We’re just in a difficult situation and hope she’s okay.”

The old lady, now more at ease, handed over the room keys with a nod. Daedalus took Shayera’s hand in his, their fingers intertwining naturally as they made their way to the stairs. The wooden steps creaked softly under their weight, the warmth of the inn contrasting with the chilly night outside. As they ascended, Daedalus’s touch lingered on Shayera’s arm, his concern for her evident in every gentle squeeze. Together, they hoped to find the clues they needed to locate Kathleen and ensure her safety, their bond growing stronger with each step they took.