The First Dragon God-Chapter 144: Trouble At The Inn

Leo and his group continued their hunt, pushing deeper into the vast forest as the day stretched on. The scent of blood and sweat clung to them, mixing with the damp, earthy air.

Every battle helped them to sharpen their instincts, and every kill added to their growing strength. The creatures they encountered became more challenging, more vicious, yet they refused to turn back. There was never such option from the beginning.

As their hunt continued, Leo felt it in his body. He felt the slow but undeniable growth.

Tatiana led the way, her eyes always scanning ahead, watching for danger. Ves moved with her usual deadly grace, her strikes becoming more refined, more efficient.

Miguel had become a wall of unshakable strength, taking heavy blows for the team. Mia, despite her usual complaints, had adapted to the pace, learning how to position herself better and using her stealth skills to strike when it mattered most.

Fiona, though still recovering, refused to stay idle, fighting alongside them whenever she could. The fire in her eyes remained was a reflection of Leo's own determination.

The sun was beginning to dip below the trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor.

"We should stop," Tatiana finally said, brushing some dried blood from her fingers. "It's getting late."

Leo exhaled, glancing up at the sky. He hadn't realized how much time had passed. The exhaustion in his limbs became more noticeable as soon as they slowed down.

"Agreed," Ves muttered, rolling her shoulders. "If we keep going now, we'll be walking blind in the dark."

Miguel stretched, cracking his knuckles. "And we'll need food before tomorrow. Let's head back."

Leo nodded. "Let's move."

They turned back, retracing their steps toward the capital. The dense canopy above made it feel like night had already arrived, the quiet sound of the forest making their footsteps seem louder than before.

The tension never left them as they continued on their way back to the capital. Yllandor's wilderness was unpredictable, and they couldn't afford to be careless.

They had just passed through a clearing when voices echoed from the path ahead.

Leo narrowed his eyes as he sensed trouble.

Emerging from the shadows of the trees was a group of beastkin, blocking their way. They were taller, broader, their bodies covered in tribal markings, fur dyed with streaks of red and black.

Their expressions were twisted in amusement and challenge, their postures loose yet predatory.

Leo immediately sensed their intent. These weren't random travelers and they weren't friendly either.

One of them, a wolf beastkin, stepped forward, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Outsiders," he mused, his golden eyes scanning the group. "Didn't think we'd see your kind walking around so easily."

Leo's fingers tightened around Nightshade's hilt. He could already tell where this was going.

Tatiana, unfazed, took a single step forward. "Move."

The wolf beastkin chuckled, glancing at his companions. "Look at that. The little vampire thinks she's in charge."

A few others laughed, their teeth flashing in the dim light.

Leo remained silent, but he could feel Ves tensing beside him. Miguel and Mia exchanged glances, their hands subtly shifting toward their weapons.

Tatiana exhaled slowly. "You think just because you're in numbers, you can intimidate us?"

The wolf beastkin's smirk grew. "Something like that."

Tatiana's expression didn't change, but the air did as a suffocating weight dropped onto the clearing.

The beastkin staggered, their eyes widening in shock as Tatiana released a sliver of her aura. A small glimpse of her true strength.

The leader stumbled back, his confidence crumbling instantly. The others tensed, their previous amusement vanishing.

Leo could see it in their faces. Fear.

Tatiana tilted her head slightly, her crimson gaze boring into them. "Still feeling brave?"

R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freewebnovёl.ƈom Only.

The wolf beastkin swallowed hard, the muscles in his jaw clenching. He was desperate to save face, but he knew—they all knew—that pushing any further would be a mistake.

Without another word, they turned and disappeared into the forest.

Leo let out a slow breath as the pressure eased.

"They ran fast," Mia scoffed, as the watched their receding back.

Tatiana rolled her shoulders, as if brushing off the interaction.

"They weren't worth my time."

Leo looked at her, with questioning eyes.

Tatiana smirked. "We're not in our territory, Leo. Killing them outright would only bring unnecessary trouble."

Leo exhaled, nodding in understanding. They didn't make things physical. That was the only reason they were left alive.

"Let's go," Tatiana said, already moving ahead.

The rest of them followed.

By the time they reached the capital, the city was alive with the sounds of night markets and taverns, the scent of grilled meats and sweet fruit filling the air. The streets were lit with soft glowing lanterns, giving everything a warm, golden hue.

As they entered The Burrow's Rest, the rabbit beastkin innkeeper glanced up from behind the counter. Her sharp eyes flickered over their bloodstained clothes and weary expressions.

"Rough day?" she asked.

Leo gave a small nod. "Something like that."

She hummed. "Your rooms are still yours. Try not to track too much blood inside."

With that, she went back to her work.

Leo didn't wait around. He climbed the stairs and entered his room, shutting the door behind him.

Fiona padded over to the corner, letting out a tired sigh before curling up on the floor.

Leo sat on the bed, rubbing his temples. His mind was too full and empty at the same time, with thoughts circling endlessly, yet none of them sticking.

Lucian. His strength. The Abyss. The unknown threats that lay ahead.

And the overwhelming feeling that he wasn't strong enough.

He exhaled, laying back against the mattress.

His exhaustion caught up with him and sleep took him before he could think any further.

....

Morning came too quickly.

Leo sat up, rubbing his eyes as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the window. He could already hear movement downstairs. He could hear the distant chatter of beastkin, the occasional clatter of plates.

Fiona stretched, yawning before standing.

He washed up quickly and made his way downstairs.

The rest of the group was already gathered in the main hall of the inn, seated at a table as plates of food were set before them. Freshly cooked meat, roasted roots, and warm, fragrant tea.

Leo took a seat. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until he saw the food. He quickly began wolfing down his food.

The group ate in relative silence, too focused on their meals to talk.

Then, shadows loomed over them.

Leo felt the shift in the air before he looked up.

A group of beastkin stood over them, with their sharp eyes and heavy presence.

There was no mistaking the look in their eyes.

They weren't here for conversation.

Leo exhaled, putting down his cup.

"Here we go again."