As the rising unfolded, the tension between the trio was as thick as the underbrush surrounding them. Theory kept his unease to himself, trying to appear indifferent to Caspian's insights, while Caspian played the part of the unaffected guide, leading them through the dense woods of Faltaire with an ease that spoke of his intimate knowledge of the terrain.

Niro, for his part, seemed oblivious to the silent exchange that had transpired between Theory and Caspian. His focus was solely on the path ahead, and the mission that had brought them into these woods. But there was a perceptible alertness about him, a warrior's instinct that nothing escaped his notice for long.

As they trekked, horses in tow, the forest grew thicker, the light dimmer, and the path more treacherous. Theory's legs burned from the effort of keeping pace, but he refused to show any sign of weakness. They had to keep moving.

Caspian, in the lead, finally halted. "This is a good place for a brief respite," he announced, gesturing to a small clearing. "We're not too far from the next village now."

Theory's gaze lingered on Niro, watching the way droplets of water still clung to his skin from the earlier wash. It was difficult to concentrate with the memory of their shared closeness pressing at the edges of his consciousness, and Caspian's words about his impending heat circling in his mind like carrion birds. 

It didn't seem like all that much time had past since his last one, but after they had rushed from the village, he and Niro spent several nights riding. In actuality, it had been a little over a moon since they shared his heat and he's overdue. Not to mention he was running out of his tonics. 

"I don't need rest," Theory said curtly, more to avoid his own thoughts than out of any real desire to press on.

Niro shot him a quizzical look. "We'll stop for a moment," he decided, overriding Theory's objection. "Keep your strength up."

While Niro and Caspian sat, Theory paced the perimeter of the clearing, unwilling to let down his guard or give into the fatigue that was clawing at him. He could feel Caspian's gaze on him occasionally, a weight he tried to ignore.

After a time that felt both too short and agonizingly long, they resumed their journey. The mountains loomed closer with every step, a stark reminder of the task ahead. And with the distance gained, the strain between Theory and Caspian tightened, a silent war of wills and secrets.

It wasn't until the sun began its descent, casting long shadows through the trees, that they decided to make camp again. This time, Theory volunteered for the first watch, still unwilling to let his guard down around Caspian.

Niro didn't argue, though he clearly should have. Theory was in no shape to take watch after yet another night of no sleep. But as Theory sat by the newly kindled fire, watching the shadows dance, he couldn't help but question Niro's judgment. Hadn't he noticed Theory's condition? How could he protect any of them when he felt like he was on the verge of falling apart?

Caspian, meanwhile, seemed to sense his inner turmoil. "You can't fight your nature, Theory," he said softly, almost kindly, breaking the silence.

Theory glared at him. "And what would you know about my nature?"

"More than you think," Caspian replied with a half-smile. "But for what it's worth, I'll keep your secret. Your... condition... doesn't concern me. Your mission, however, does."

Theory considered this. Caspian had shown no overt hostility, aside from their initial meeting, but his help came at a price they had yet to understand. The Incubus was a puzzle, one that Theory felt he had no time or energy to solve.

Niro, catching the tail end of their conversation, joined in. "We all have our secrets, Caspian. Let's just focus on the task at hand. We find the Elf, get the help we need, and go our separate ways."

Caspian nodded, seemingly satisfied. "As you wish."

The rest of the night passed without incident, but Theory's unease grew with each passing hora. With the dawn came the stark realization that their journey was about to become even more perilous. They were no longer just battling the dangers of Faltaire's woods; they were also fighting the ticking clock of Theory's condition, the uncertainty of their mission, and the ambiguity of their newfound companion's intentions.

***

As the rising light filtered through the dense canopy, Theory was still visibly exhausted, the price of a night spent chasing shadows and suspicions...again. At this point, he was ticks away from collapsing. Despite Caspian's calm demeanor throughout the night, Theory's trust was a fortress unbreached. His instincts, honed by years of survival, whispered that danger, although unseen, was as present as the air he breathed.

With the forest beginning to awaken, the trio packed up swiftly. Theory's attempt at nonchalance was betrayed by a yawn he couldn't quite suppress, earning him a raised eyebrow from Niro. The Shifter's gaze was a silent, pressing thing, but Theory waved it off. They had more immediate matters at hand—like the distance to the nearest village, a prospect that offered more than just shelter.

"We should reach the outskirts of Glimmerden by midday. The perfect place to resupply and gather information," Caspian told them, his gaze flitting between the two Shifters. "And for you to rest, Theory. You look like you could use it."

The jibe was light, but Theory bristled nonetheless. He had no retort, though, too weary to spar with words. Instead, he mounted his horse and followed Niro's lead, keeping his senses alert for any sign of the village. Annoyingly enough, Caspian mounted behind him, though he thankfully kept a respectful distance. Unlike Niro...

It was indeed midday when the trees thinned and the first signs of civilization appeared. The village of Glimmerden was a quaint assembly of stone and timber, with smoke curling up from chimneys and the distant sound of a blacksmith's hammer ringing through the air.

The villagers eyed them with open curiosity, some with outright hostility, their gaze lingering on Caspian with wariness.Theory didn't know if it was because of reputation Caspian had or for the fact that an Incubus was not a common sight this north, even in a place as diverse as Glimmerden. Theory felt the weight of those stares, a reminder that here, too, they were outsiders.

Niro guided them to the local inn, a sturdy two-story building with a sign depicting a bed and a meal. "We'll stay here for the night," he announced, and Theory nearly sighed in relief at the prospect of a real bed.

While Niro dealt with the innkeeper, Theory felt a presence at his back. He didn't need to turn to know it was Caspian.

"You played your part well last night," Caspian murmured. "But you can drop the act here. No one will notice your... condition."

Theory's hand clenched at his side. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

Caspian chuckled, a low sound that sent a shiver down Theory's spine. "Of course you don't," he said, before moving past him to join Niro at the counter.

They secured two rooms—one for Niro and Theory, and one for Caspian. Theory didn't want to share a room with Niro, but they were deep in dangerous territory full of thieves and tricksters. They had to protect each other. Even at the cost of sharing a room...again.

The innkeeper, a stout Pixie female with a no-nonsense look, gave them the keys with a stern reminder that any trouble would be met with swift retribution.

Theory lingered at the doorway, watching the villagers go about their lives. For a moment, he allowed himself to be just another traveler, his worries as distant as the horizon. But then Caspian's voice broke through his reverie.

"We should gather supplies. And information," Caspian said, his tone business-like. "Let's not waste the daylight."

Niro nodded. "Agreed. Theory, take some time to rest. We'll need you sharp."

It was a dismissal, but also a command—one Theory was too tired to argue with. He retreated to their room, where the promise of sleep was a hypnotic call he could no longer resist.

Yet, even as he succumbed to exhaustion, his last thoughts were of Caspian's knowing looks and half-veiled threats. Glimmerden might offer a brief respite, but it was clear that the real journey—and the real test of their uneasy alliance—lay just beyond the village boundaries.

***

Theory awoke with a start, the kind of abrupt surfacing from sleep that left one disoriented and momentarily unsure of where they were. His room in the inn was dim, painted with the long shadows of dusk. He had meant for a short rest, but fatigue had claimed him fully, pulling him deep into the clutches of a much-needed sleep.

He sat up, scrubbing a hand across his face. He needed to find Niro and Caspian. It wasn't like them to leave without at least informing him. At least, not Niro.

Slipping out of bed, he quickly tidied himself and made for the other room. It was empty, beds untouched. Concern knit his brow as he descended the stairs to the tavern. The bustle of conversation and the clinking of tankards met him, but there was no sign of his companions.

With the evening settling in, Theory stepped outside, the cool air of Glimmerden a stark contrast to the warmth of the inn. The village was quieter now, lanterns and torches flickering to life in the encroaching darkness. He pulled his cloak tighter around himself, the fabric moving like a shadow as he started his search.

He passed the blacksmith, now silent, and the baker's, where the sweet scent of fresh bread lingered. At the square, a few villagers wrapped up their business, none paying him much mind. Where could they be?

As he turned down a side street, noting the way the stones were laid with care even here, away from the main thoroughfares, a rough hand clamped over his mouth, and an arm wrapped around his chest, dragging him into the narrow gap between two buildings.

He reacted instinctively, elbowing and twisting, trying to break free, but there were more of them, shadows coalescing into the forms of Shifters with malicious intent in their eyes. They spoke in jeers and growls, a language of violence he knew all too well.

Theory's heart hammered against his ribs like a prisoner rattling the bars of a cage. The grip around him was ironclad, but fear lent him a frenetic energy. He bit down on the hand over his mouth, tasting blood, and was rewarded with a hiss and the slackening of a grip that allowed him to scream.

"Get the fuck off—" His voice was muffled as he tried to shout, to attract any sort of attention, but the alleyway was a pocket of silence, snatching away his cries.

"A noisy little thing, aren't you?" one of the Shifters sneered, a brutish male with a scar trailing from his brow to his lip. "But don't you worry, we'll have our fun soon enough."

Theory's eyes were wide with defiance, his body coiling with tension ready to spring. As a hand yanked at his cloak, he stomped hard on a foot, heard the satisfying crunch and grunt of pain, and elbowed another in the gut. 

"Touch me again and I'll slit your throat," he spat, the alley spinning as he fought to escape.

Laughter surrounded him, cruel and mocking. "Feisty! Makes it all the more sweeter," another voice chimed in, just before he felt a blow to his side that winded him.

His training kicked in—duck, weave, strike—each move precise and calculated, but for every Shifter he put down, it seemed another took their place. It was an onslaught he could scarcely keep up with, and deep down, he knew this was a battle he couldn't win alone. There were too many, and his movements were sluggish from sleep. They pinned him, their grins wide and savage, the promise of pain in their grip.

And then—an arrow, swift and silent as a dying breath, found its home in the eye of one of his assailants. The grip on him faltered as the male fell, and the alley erupted into chaos.

A whistle of air, the unmistakable sound of a bowstring releasing, and then another arrow found its mark. 

Caspian emerged like a force of nature, his bow discarded for the intimacy of a blade. He moved with lethal grace, each strike a dance of death. The Shifters were formidable, but Caspian was an Incubus of the wilds, a creature of both beauty and brutality.

Theory managed to free himself enough to join the fray, his own skills not dulled by the surprise of the attack. 

Another came at Theory, and just as the Shifter's hands reached for him, an arrow pierced through the aggressor's throat, sending him staggering back, gurgling and collapsing into a motionless heap.

Caspian's movements were a blur, each strike of his blade singing a deathly whisper. The remaining Shifters circled, but the look in Caspian's eyes was predatory, and they faltered. That moment of hesitation was their undoing.

In minutes, it was over. Caspian stood amidst the carnage, the alley was a tableau of grim finality.

Caspian's breathing was even, as if the exertion of the fight had been no more taxing than a walk through the woods. His eyes met Theory's, the gold of them shining in the dim light.

"You alright?" he asked, his voice calm, betraying none of the savagery of moments before.

"Yes. Your timing is impeccable... and terrifying," Theory managed, his own breaths ragged.

Caspian's lips quirked into a half-smile, the danger in his eyes softening. "It's what I do. Besides," he said, wiping the bloody tip of his arrow on a fallen Shifter's tunic, "I couldn't let them ruin that pretty face of yours. It would be a tragedy."

Theory huffed, a mixture of relief and residual fear making his laugh sound more like a scoff. "Let's just get out of here."

Together, they stepped over the bodies, making their way back to the open street, both keenly aware that the night was still young, and danger in Glimmerden lurked around every corner.

"It was fortunate I was close," Caspian remarked cheerfully.

The word 'fortunate' echoed in Theory's mind. He knew the streets of Glimmerden would not be safe to wander alone at night again. And as they left the alley together, stepping back into the relative safety of the village, Theory couldn't shake the feeling that Caspian's timely rescue was more than just luck. It was a message, a silent declaration that in this strange and perilous land, their fates were now inextricably linked.