Noir

Emerging from my reverie, I noticed Jericha's pensive gaze fixed on me. Her eyes searched for answers as she finally posed the question, "What about Gran? Could he possibly hold some knowledge?" Contemplating the possibility, I acknowledged the validity of her inquiry. Gran, with his extensive existence, might possess the answer we sought. Perhaps within his vast collection of books lay the solution. Soon after, we stood before Gran's study, rapping gently on the door. From within, his voice beckoned, "Yes?"

Pushing the door ajar, I cautiously peered inside, inquiring, "Are you occupied, Gran?"

In response, he assured, "Not at all, child. Please, come in."

Seeking confirmation, I added, "Is it acceptable for Jericha to join us?" Mindful not to make assumptions.

Over the past year, I had learned that Gran surpassed five centuries of age and had once been a renowned wizard. A scholar and adventurer in his prime, his study reflected his rich past. The room sprawled expansively, adorned with floor-to- ceiling bookshelves. Maps, ancient artifacts, and peculiar trinkets adorned the walls. A large wooden desk dominated one corner, cluttered with parchments, scrolls, and peculiar odds and ends. In another nook, an oil lamp cast flickering shadows, infusing the room with a warm glow.

Gran, his long, white hair neatly tied back, occupied a plush armchair, and was engrossed in a leather-bound book. Thoughtfulness etched his face as he idly stroked his lengthy, white beard. As we entered, his cloudy eyes sparkled with interest. "Of course, dear."

Jericha's curiosity was palpable as her gaze wandered around the room. "You have an impressive collection, Gran."

He beamed, nodding in agreement. "A lifetime of acquisition, my dear. Now, what can I assist you two with?"

I glanced at Jericha, then returned my gaze to Gran. "It pertains to why we came here the scroll. A well the events that unfolded in the forest yesterday."

Gran's eyes narrowed. "You mean the attack by the werewolves?"

I nodded. "Yes. We were wondering if you had any information about what might have caused them to break their own laws like that?"

He considered the question for a moment before answering. "It's not unheard of for a pack to disobey the rules, especially if they feel threatened in some way. It could be a power struggle within the pack, or perhaps an outside force is putting pressure on them. It's difficult to say without more information."

Jericha glanced at me, her expression thoughtful. "But there's something else too, isn't there?"

Gran smiled knowingly. "Yes, I suspect there is. You see, Noir's transformation was.... unprecedented. It's unlike anything I've ever seen before. It's possible that the werewolves were after him specifically, perhaps because they perceive him as a threat. Or perhaps they simply don't understand what he's become and fear it."

My stomach twisted at the mention of Noir's transformation. I hadn't been aware Gran had been with me and seen what Noir had become. I glanced at Jericha, who seemed to be struggling with what Gran had said about Noir, and I whispered, "I will try and explain later."

Brow drawn in confusion, she slowly nodded.

Returning my gaze back at Gran, and voice barely above a whisper, I asked, "Do you have any idea what he is now? What he's become?"

Gran sighed heavily. "I'm afraid I don't, my dear. Noir's transformation is...well, it's beyond anything I've encountered in my studies. He's become something new, something that defies classification.

The more I learned, the more questions I had.

"And the scroll?" I questioned, as though we had poured over every book and scroll within Gran's study over the past year, the one we needed still remained shrouded in mystery; its whereabouts unknown.

Gran's eyes widened slightly at the reminder of the scroll, and he leaned forward in his chair. "This is a puzzle. The fact the scroll has not presented itself yet, the transformation of Noir, as well the attack by the werewolves, could all be pointing to something far greater at work here."

Jericha and I exchanged glances, unsure what he meant. "Do you think there's some connection between the scroll and Noir's transformation?" I asked.

Gran considered this for a moment, his eyes distant as he seemed to ponder something far away. "It is certainly possible. The scroll is ancient, and its contents are unknown. It could very well be the catalyst for whatever change has taken place in him."

He paused, his gaze shifting between us. "I will need some time to research this further, but in the meantime, I would recommend that you keep a close eye on Noir and be prepared for anything. His transformation has made him incredibly powerful, and we have no idea what kind of personality changes he may have experienced as well. For now, I think it's best we keep trying to locate the scroll and learn of its contents. If the scroll is indeed connected to his transformation, it could bring about unforeseen consequences as such, we need to understand what we are dealing with before we make any rash decisions."

We both nodded, grateful for his wisdom. As we stood up to leave, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Whatever had happened to Noir, it was clear that it had fundamentally changed him. And with the werewolves still out there, it was only a matter of time before something else would happen. I could only hope we would be ready for it when it did.

As we left Gran's study, Jericha took my hand in hers. "You know, we don't have to face this alone," she said softly. "We can rely on each other." Her words meant more to me than she could ever know.

Afterward, we made our way through the halls of the palace I didn't know what else to call it as its structure was of a formidable height and size, yet it was unlike any design of a castle I had ever seen before I couldn't help but feel as though we were walking through a world on the brink of change. And at the center of it all, was the missing scroll.