Sera reached the bakery long before midnight, boots tapping lightly against the cobblestones as she slipped into the narrow street. Even if the shop was closed, its lingering smell of bread almost tempted her again.
But she must stay focused!
Ryn had tasked her to guard the bakery. Even if he didn't explain why, it was obvious.
The forces at play here were not simply just its residents, but foreign powers…and she was determined to get to the bottom of it.
She adjusted her cloak, letting her steps soften as she approached the storefront. The familiar window, normally glowing with warm light, was eerily dark.
Sera slowed.
Something's going on. The shop wouldn't close this early…
She took another step—and noticed movement.
Across the street, three men lingered beneath a lantern, speaking too quietly. Farther down, a slouched figure sat on a crate with his head bowed. The posture screamed "drunk," but the tension in his shoulders said otherwise.
Sera's brows knit.
