Chapter 5: This Isn’t Normal Around Here, Is it?

Noah took a few deep breaths to calm himself. He was able to punch a door clean off its hinges. Who knew what he’d do to whoever was behind that door. There was another knock on the door and he almost snapped, if not for his experience at controlling his emotions while doing business. If this was just another noble trying to rope him into some kind of scheme, maybe, just maybe, he’ll have to use his fists in order to stop whoever else was coming. Nothing made a statement more than a punch to the jaw. He stomped to the door and swung it open, only to see a nervous-looking servant clutching a letter. "A message for you, my lord." The servant said with a hurried bow before practically shoving the letter into Noah’s hands and scurrying off. Noah frowned, closing the door behind him as he tore open the wax seal. The parchment was smooth, expensive, and carried the faint scent of lemons. But it was the message itself that really threw him off. "You’re welcome." That was it. Just two words, scrawled in an elegant but slightly chaotic handwriting. Noah blinked. "What the hell?" Then the wall across from him shimmered. At first, he thought his vision was playing tricks on him. The stone surface rippled, like water disturbed by a breeze, and the light from the fireplace flickered unnaturally, sending the shadows dancing along the walls of the room. Then, something stepped out. The first thing he noticed was that it was tall. Too tall. The monster unfolded itself unnaturally, as if it had been compressed into a space too small to hold it. Its body was thin but twisted, dark flesh writhing like liquid shadows. Glowing red eyes locked onto him, unblinking, and then it moved. And of course, Noah ran. Instinct took over before logic could even form. He lunged backward a second before claws slashed through the air where he had been standing. The door was his first thought, but the creature was already in the room, blocking the only exit. Instead, he vaulted over the desk, sending papers flying as he scrambled towards the far wall. The monster screeched, a high-pitched, grating sound that sent shivers down his spine. He barely ducked in time as another swipe nearly caught his shoulder. The sheer force of the attack sent splinters exploding from the desk behind him. "Nope! Nope! Nope!" Noah shouted, throwing a chair at it as he ran. The chair passed right through the monster’s body as if it were made of smoke. The creature paused for a brief moment before reforming, its gaze tracking him with eerie patience. "Now, that’s just cheating!" Noah cried out, looking around as if searching for someone to support his statement. He pivoted and sprinted toward the window. If Arlo could jump out of it, so could he. But just as he reached it, the monster moved with unnatural speed, cutting off his escape. It reared back, claws gleaming, ready to tear him to shreds, then the door burst open. A squad of knights stormed in, weapons drawn. Their armor glinted in the firelight as they spread into formation. The lead knight, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, barely hesitated before barking an order. "Contain it! Now!" Noah barely had time to process what was happening before the knights sprang into action. One of them slammed his shield into the ground, and golden energy erupted outward, forming a barrier around the creature. Another knight stretched his arm out, causing purple chains to materialize and lash toward the monster. The creature let out a bone chilling screech, thrashing violently as the chains wrapped around its limbs. It lashed out at the knights, but their weapons shined brightly, slicing through the inky darkness of its body. One of the knights took a glancing hit and was sent sprawling, but the others covered for him, attacking the creature without mercy. Noah scrambled backward, pressing his back against the wall, watching the battle that was taking place in his own damn bedroom. One of the knights finally drove his blade into the creature’s center. The monster convulsed, its body shuddering violently before disintegrating into wisps of shadow that faded into nothing. The room fell into silence, only the heavy breathing of the knights filling the air. Noah slowly peeled himself off the wall. "So, uh... does this happen often, or am I just lucky?" The lead knight turned to him, expression grim. "You’re unhurt?" "Physically, sure. Mentally? Jury’s still out." The knight wasn’t amused. He gestured for his men to inspect the remains, or what little was left of them. "That was an Abyss Wraith." He said. "A creature that can phase in and out of reality. We usually only encounter them in the depths of the cursed lands." "Neat. That explains so much." Noah ran a hand down his face. "I’m guessing it’s not supposed to be in my bedroom?" "No. Which means someone summoned it here." Noah stiffened. His gaze flicked back to the crumpled letter still clutched in his hand. "You’re welcome." His jaw clenched. "Arlo, you son of a—" Before he could finish, the lead knight stepped forward. "Who sent you that letter?" Noah sighed. "A guy who thinks he’s funny. And apparently likes setting up death traps." The knight took the letter from him, scanning it with narrowed eyes. "We already know Lord Arlo is capable of insane feats, but summoning an Abyss Wraith directly into the palace? That’s a new one, even for him." "Oh, he’s full of surprises." Noah muttered. Another knight stepped in, shaking his head. "We need to report this to King Cillian immediately. If someone can summon an Abyss Wraith inside the palace, there may be others around." Noah sighed again, rubbing his temples. "Fantastic. More meetings. Exactly what I wanted." The lead knight ignored his sarcasm. "We’ll escort you to the royal court, hero. Be ready." Noah glanced back at his wrecked room. "Yeah, just let me grab my dignity first." As some of the knights left to prepare for their report, Noah stared at the letter in his hand. What the hell are you playing at, Arlo?