Chapter 2: A Spark of Uncertainty

The dim lighting of The Red Griffin seemed to grow even more subdued as Cloud's presence settled over the bar like a shroud. Jenna couldn't help but feel that his arrival had awakened a sense of unease that had been lying dormant, waiting to be stirred. As she wiped down the counter, her eyes kept drifting back to the stranger, her curiosity getting the better of her. Cloud, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease, his piercing blue eyes scanning the room as if searching for something or someone. His gaze lingered on the patrons, his expression unreadable, before returning to Jenna. She felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes met, and for a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of something there, something that looked almost like... recognition? As the night wore on, the bar grew more rowdy, the patrons laughing and joking with one another. But Jenna's attention remained fixed on Cloud, her mind whirling with questions. What kind of job was he looking for in Seven Haven? And what was it about this place that had drawn him in? Just as she was starting to think that Cloud was going to be a regular, a loud commotion erupted from the back of the bar. A group of rowdy travelers, clearly drunk, stumbled into the room, their boisterous laughter and shouts sending a wave of unease through the crowd. Cloud's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on the newcomers. For a moment, Jenna thought she saw a flash of tension in his shoulders, a sense of coiled energy that seemed to be waiting to be unleashed. Without a word, Cloud downed the rest of his whiskey and stood up, his movements fluid and controlled. Jenna's heart skipped a beat as he strode towards the group of travelers, his eyes locked on theirs. "Hey, buddy, you think you can handle a few drinks?" one of the travelers slurred, his eyes fixed on Cloud. Cloud's expression remained neutral, but Jenna could sense a simmering tension beneath the surface. "I'm not looking for trouble," he said, his voice low and even. "But I'm not backing down from it either." The travelers, fueled by drink and bravado, took a step forward, their fists clenched. The air was electric with tension as the two groups faced off, the patrons of The Red Griffin watching with bated breath. Jenna's heart was racing as she reached for the phone, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. But before things escalated further, Cloud spoke up, his voice calm and authoritative. "Why don't we settle this with a game? Loser buys the winner a round." The travelers, always up for a challenge, grinned at one another. "You're on, buddy," one of them said, cracking his knuckles. Cloud nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let's play." The crowd parted as Cloud and the travelers made their way to a table in the center of the room. Jenna watched, her heart pounding in her chest, as the game began. It was clear that Cloud was a man with secrets, and Jenna had a feeling that she was about to uncover just a few of them.