ROYAL BLOOD 👑

Chapter 27: In the Shadow of Doubt

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As Beth led Elara and Amara towards the secluded corner of the tavern where her friends sat, a sense of apprehension settled over them like a heavy shroud. The dimly lit alcove seemed to draw closer with each step, its shadows stretching out to swallow them whole.

Elara's heart pounded in her chest as they approached the group of rough-looking men, her gaze flickering nervously from face to face. The men's expressions were unreadable, their eyes guarded and watchful as they regarded the newcomers with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

Beth's friends seemed to loom larger in the dim light of the tavern, their presence casting a long shadow over the alcove. Elara couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the sight, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end as she braced herself for what was to come.

As they reached the table, Beth cleared her throat nervously, her voice barely above a whisper as she addressed the group. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Elara and Amara," she said, her words hesitant but filled with determination. "They're in need of our help, and I couldn't turn them away."

The response from Beth's friends was immediate and unanimous. A chorus of grumbles and muttered curses filled the air, their faces darkening with disapproval at Beth's decision. Elara's heart sank at the sight, her stomach twisting with guilt at the thought of causing discord among friends.

One of the guy regarded Beth with a stern expression, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. "Beth, you know we can't afford to take in strays," he said, his voice rough. "We have enough to worry about as it is, without adding more mouths to feed."

As one of the guys regarded Beth with a stern expression, his words ringing with disapproval, Beth's demeanor shifted. Her brow furrowed in a deep scowl, her eyes flashing with a mixture of defiance and anger. She squared her shoulders, her jaw set in determination as she met the man's gaze head-on.

"You told me I can ask anything I want for today," Beth retorted daringly, her voice cutting through the tension in the air like a knife. "After all, you guys are too busy to even acknowledge my birthday."

The man's expression faltered, a flicker of guilt crossing his features as he flinched at Beth's words. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could utter a word, Beth pressed on.

"What do you have to say in this, Marcus?" she demanded, her gaze shifting to the man in the middle of the group. Despite his leaner frame compared to the others, Marcus exuded a quiet strength and authority that made the hairs on the back of Elara's neck stand on end.

Marcus sighed heavily straightened his posture, his expression firm as he met Beth's gaze. "Beth, you know our rules," he stated firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "We can't afford to take in strays. It's too risky."

Beth's scowl deepened at Marcus's words, her fists clenched at her sides in frustration. She knew he was right, knew that their group was already stretched thin with the burdens of their own struggles. But she couldn't bear the thought of turning away those in need, not when she had the power to help.

"Fine," Beth muttered bitterly, her voice laced with disappointment. "I'll find a way to help them on my own."

Elara watched in silence as Beth turned away from the table, her shoulders slumped with defeat. Despite the setback, a flicker of admiration stirred within her for Beth's unwavering determination to do what she believed was right, even in the face of opposition.

Beth reached into her pocket and withdrew a handful of coins, which she placed on the counter with a determined expression. "I'll pay for their stay," she announced, her voice unwavering despite the disapproving glares of her companions.