CHAPTER 27: KILLER TO CATCH

"I do apologise. I thought I should stay and offer some condolences and encouragement to the wife," Chief Warren said as he stepped into the tavern. His boots thudded softly against the warped floorboards, the faint jangle of his belt cutting the silence.

Edward glanced up just as the chief’s eyes flickered to his half-open shirt. The missing buttons hung loose, his chest exposed to the lanternlight. Warren’s brow lifted in the faintest of questions, but—for reasons Edward couldn’t quite grasp—the man chose not to press. His gaze steadied instead, calm and businesslike.

"So," Warren began, "How is the situation? What’s the plan?"

Edward cleared his throat, the memory of Aeris yanking open his shirt still fresh. His voice, when it came, was even despite the internal fluster he had felt.

"We’ll look for the newcomers the widow mentioned. Aeris and I will split up, each of us will check different taverns, and see if anyone unusual stands out."

"I see." The chief nodded slowly. His tone turned thoughtful. "I haven’t heard of any newcomers arriving in Ashenhold, not in such numbers. Suspicious, indeed, that so many would gather in one tavern." His words lingered, weighted with unease.

"But before that," he added, stepping forward. Something rustled in his pocket as he reached inside.

"Here." Warren withdrew two small square pieces of engraved metal and held them out.

Edward’s brow furrowed, but Aeris moved first. She strode forward with crisp steps, bowing slightly as she accepted the tokens. "Thank you, Chief Warren."

Edward only scratched the back of his neck, uncertain what the objects were.

"I should return home," Warren said, his tone softening. "My wife is expecting me. Please keep me updated on any developments. And if you need assistance, don’t hesitate to seek me out." He gestured toward the tokens. "With those, you’ll have no trouble with any guards. They’ll allow you entry into any part of Ashenhold, as long as you show these to them."

He gave a final, firm nod and turned to leave. The soldier followed quickly behind until Warren’s voice stopped him.

"Where are you going, fool? You have the keys—you need to lock the tavern!" Warren sighed and continued out into the night.

The soldier froze in awkward silence, clutching the keys. Behind him, Aeris passed one of the tokens to Edward.

He studied it closely.

The emblem of Ashenhold was engraved deep into the metal’s surface.

"It’s an identification token," Aeris explained, noticing his confusion. "You heard the chief. With it, we can enter anywhere, any time." She slipped hers into one of her pockets.

"That should come in handy," Edward said, tucking his into a pocket that buttoned shut. He patted it once, making sure it’s secure.

"What now?" Aeris asked the moment she tugged her token away.

"It’s already late," Edward replied. "We should return home, get some sleep, and begin our search tomorrow."

The girl nodded in agreement, and together they stepped back into the quiet streets.

The walk was uneventful, save for a few drunkards staggering against walls, their laughter echoing from nearby taverns. The night air carried the faint smell of spilt ale and smoke, but beyond that, Ashenhold slumbered. Lanterns guttered low, leaving patches of shadow between the pools of light.

It wasn’t long before they reached the townhouse. Aeris disappeared into her room without another word, her footsteps fading behind the closed door.

Edward lingered. He leaned against the wall of his chamber, mind replaying the scattered pieces of the investigation.

The only information he had was that the killer probably used some form of magic, most likely ice magic. He also learned that an unusual number of newcomers visited the tavern.

The murder itself looked to be personal, very personal.

But together, none of it really fit.

Who would hold a grudge against a tavern keeper who kept mostly to himself? How could newcomers, strangers to the town and to the tavern keeper, harbour such malice so quickly? Could it be a coincidence? Or was there more hidden beneath the surface of Ashenhold than he realised?

Questions spiralled endlessly, offering no answers. With a weary exhale, Edward shoved them away. The hour was late, and fatigue pressed against his body.

He collapsed onto the bed.

The mattress cradled him, its softness wrapping around his body like a trap. His eyelids grew heavy, thoughts dissolving as the silence of the room thickened. Sleep claimed him almost instantly.

Edward slept long, far longer than he intended. The sun had climbed high into the sky before he stirred, its light prying at the edges of the curtains.

The bed was warm, too warm, and he sank deeper into it with each hour, letting the haze of slumber hold him.

Until—

BANG! BANG!

His door rattled under a series of sharp knocks.

"Edward!"

He groaned, rolling onto his side.

"Edward!" The voice was sharper this time, unmistakably Aeris.

He dragged himself upright, rubbing grit from his eyes, and stumbled across the room. With a tug, he swung the door open.

Aeris stood there, arms crossed, her expression colder than the morning air.

"What?" he muttered, voice thick with sleep.

Her eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by ’what’? It’s afternoon already. We have a job to do. Get off the bed and let’s get to work."

Edward blinked.

"Wait—afternoon?" His eyes widened.

But Aeris had already turned, striding down the corridor without sparing him another glance.

Edward stared after her, still half-dazed, then muttered under his breath,

"Damn... I don’t think I’ve slept till afternoon since I was a teenager."

Shaking his head, he turned back into the room and began pulling himself together.

He quickly got dressed and left the comfort of his new room, meeting Aeris in the dining area.

Edward glanced at the table; one plate was full, while the other was already empty and clean.

"I ate already," she said flatly.

"She made food?" he wondered, but then, as if in answer, a figure appeared—an older lady with a bright smile on her face.

"Ahh, Mr Edward. Your food has gotten cold. Here, give it to me, I will make you a new one—"

"No need," he cut her off with a smile. "I prefer cold food," he lied, not wanting the old woman to go through the trouble of remaking it.

He ate quickly, and moments after sitting down, he was already standing, his gaze landing on Aeris, who looked annoyed at the long wait.

"Let’s go. We have a killer to catch."