Istepped into the inn, and a strange sensation washed over me.I couldn't put my finger on it, but something felt off.
The inn was cozy, its wooden beams and stone fireplace giving it a rustic charm.The smell of pine and burning logs filled the air, mixing with the faint scent of freshly baked bread.Guests sat around tables, chatting and laughing, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of the fire.
Despite the inviting scene, I couldn't shake the unease creeping up my spine.I scanned the room, looking for anything out of place.Harlow stood behind the counter, her smile as welcoming as ever.She waved at me, her eyes crinkling with genuine warmth.
Everything seemed fine on the surface.The guests were relaxed, their conversations punctuated by bursts of laughter.The decorations were festive and meticulously arranged.Yet, my instincts told me otherwise.Years of training had honed my senses to detect even the slightest anomalies.
As I moved through the inn, my eyes continued to search for any clues that might explain my unease.The rooms were as they should be: clean and orderly.Guests were engaged in their activities, seemingly unaware of anything amiss.
But that nagging feeling persisted.
I paused near the Christmas tree, its lights casting a soft glow on the floorboards.For a moment, everything seemed still and serene.Yet deep down, I knew something wasn't right.
I took a deep breath and tried to shake off the feeling.Perhaps it was just paranoia from too many years on edge.Or maybe there was something more lurking beneath the surface that I hadn't yet discovered.
Only time would tell if my instincts were correct.
I scanned the room, looking for something, anything, that might explain the prickling at the back of my neck.My eyes fell on Harlow behind the counter.I nodded in her direction, but my mind was elsewhere.
And then it hit me.
Where was Claire?
My heart rate quickened as I made my way over to Harlow.She looked up; her smile fading slightly as she took in my expression.
"Where's Claire?"The question came out more abrupt than I'd intended, but I couldn't help it.Every instinct I had was screaming that this was about her.
Harlow's face fell, and she glanced away for a moment before meeting my eyes again."She's… she's busy."
I leaned in closer, trying to keep my voice steady."Can I see her?"
Harlow hesitated, biting her lip as she looked around the room."Christian," she started, but I cut her off.
"I need to see her."My voice was low, urgent.I knew I was being too forward, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
Harlow's shoulders slumped slightly as she sighed."All right," she said softly."Come with me."
She led me through a side door and down a narrow hallway that seemed to stretch on forever.The further we went, the stronger my unease grew.We finally stopped in front of a closed door.
"Claire?"she called out softly.
From the other side, I heard Claire's muffled voice."No, I haven't seen her in… I don't know, four, maybe five hours?"
I didn't wait.I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Claire turned to look at me, phone pressed to her ear.Her eyes were wide with surprise, and I could see the strain etched on her face."I—yes, yes, I understand," she said, still holding my gaze."Thank you."She hung up the phone and set it down with a trembling hand.
"What is it?"I asked, closing the door behind me.The room felt small and suffocating.
Claire tried to force a smile but faltered."I…"
"Don't," I interrupted."You don't have to pretend."I stepped closer."What's happened?"
Claire's façade shattered.One moment she stood there, trying to keep it together, and the next, she broke down completely.Tears streamed down her face, her shoulders shook with silent sobs.
I froze.I'd faced countless dangerous situations in my life, but this?Watching someone I cared about crumble right in front of me?That was new territory.
Instinct kicked in before my mind could catch up.I closed the distance between us and pulled her into my arms.She collapsed against me, her body trembling as she wept uncontrollably.
