Stuck In Between

Chapter Twenty-One

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𝓒𝓗𝓐𝓟𝓣𝓔𝓡 𝓣𝓦𝓔𝓝𝓣𝓨-𝓞𝓝𝓔
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╰➢ Chapter 21, let's go!

The towering gates of Celestoria's capital loomed ahead, shadowing the hooded figure on the massive black horse that approached. The knights stationed at the entrance eyed the stranger suspiciously, gripping the hilts of their swords. Cerberus, with his muscular frame and glistening mane, exuded an intimidating aura that made the knights exchange uneasy glances.

"State your name and purpose," one of the knights demanded, his voice firm but cautious.

Y/n sighed beneath her hood, recognizing the tension in their posture. Slowly, she reached up and pulled back the fabric, revealing her face. Gasps rippled through the guards as recognition lit their expressions.

"It's her," one knight murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

The leader of the group hesitated for only a moment before motioning for the gates to open. "Let her through," he ordered.

Y/n raised a brow in surprise. No questions? No suspicion? She tilted her head as Cerberus began to walk forward, his heavy hooves echoing against the stone path. The knights' awestruck expressions lingered as she passed, their eyes betraying both admiration and fear.

As the gates groaned shut behind her, the sprawling capital city unfolded before Y/n's eyes. The streets were bustling, yet the air was thick with tension. High elves filled the city, their elegant, pointed features unmistakable. Among them, a few humans moved about, but their demeanor was starkly different—stooped shoulders, downcast gazes, and collars that marked their servitude.

The elves' attention turned sharply to Y/n and Cerberus as they passed. Whispered murmurs spread like wildfire. Some gawked at Cerberus, enchanted by his striking appearance, while others focused on Y/n with thinly veiled curiosity. She felt their gazes like daggers.

"Great," Y/n muttered under her breath, her irritation rising. She glanced at Cerberus, whose ears flicked back in discomfort. Understanding his unease, she leaned forward and patted his neck. "Let's move faster," she murmured.

Cerberus quickened his pace, navigating the crowded streets with a grace that belied his size. Y/n's eyes scanned the area, and that's when she spotted it. A modest tavern tucked between two larger buildings. She directed Cerberus toward it, eager for a moment of respite.

The crowd's whispers intensified as she dismounted in front of the tavern. Cerberus sat obediently, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings while Y/n walked inside. The wooden door creaked as she entered, and the lively chatter inside abruptly ceased.

All eyes turned to her, a mix of fascination and apprehension written on their faces. To her left, dancers on a small stage froze mid-performance, their gazes fixed on her. Y/n pretended not to notice and strode purposefully to the bar.

The bartender, a stocky elf with salt-and-pepper hair, approached her cautiously. "What'll it be?" he asked.

"Water," Y/n replied curtly, glancing around the room. Conversations had resumed, but the energy felt different—nervous, watchful. The bartender placed a glass of water in front of her, and she took a slow sip.

"Why's everyone staring at me?" she asked, her tone edged with annoyance.

The bartender hesitated, leaning slightly closer. "You're Y/n L/n, aren't you?"