Chapter 31: Dining in the inn
They moved through the empty streets, the sound of their boots the only thing breaking the stillness. Buildings leaned close on either side, casting long shadows that seemed to watch them pass.
Ash stayed a few steps behind, eyes locked on the old man's back. His gut twisted. The old man's voice, the way he walked—too easy, too smooth. Like a trap waiting to snap shut.
Ash leaned toward Max, speaking under his breath.
"Are you sure we can trust him? He looks way too suspicious."
Max didn't even glance over.
"Relax. If he tries anything funny, we have Kael."
Ash flicked a look at Kael.
Kael was busy digging into his nose with one finger, then lazily flicking whatever he found into the street.
Ash sighed, heavy.
'Yeah. Real reassuring.'
The old man kept walking, leading them deeper into the town. The buildings around them stood firm, stone and wood holding strong against the desert wind. Yet not a single voice stirred. No children laughed. No doors opened. It was a town that looked alive but felt dead.