Chapter 183
From my vantage point by the window, I watched the darkened street below. The moon cast a pale light over the cobblestones, and the chill of the night filled the air. I remained vigilant, hoping to catch a glimpse of any suspicious movement.
As the clock struck midnight, I noticed the young man—the one the innkeeper had pointed out earlier—emerging from the shadows. He was clearly intoxicated, swaying slightly as he made his way toward an alley across the street. My pulse quickened as I saw him meet up with a group of rough-looking individuals. They huddled together, their voices low but urgent.
I strained to hear their conversation, but the distance and the night’s ambient sounds masked their words. However, the way they leaned in close to one another suggested that something important was being discussed. The flicker of a lantern caught my attention as one of them produced it, illuminating their faces momentarily.
Jaxon Kade and Kyler Finn were likely in that mix, and if I could get close enough, I might overhear their plans or even learn more about their operations. Carefully, I decided to slip out of my room and take advantage of the darkness.
I quietly opened my door and peered into the hallway, ensuring that no one was around before making my way down the stairs and out the back entrance of the inn. The cold air hit me like a slap, but I steeled myself, creeping toward the alley where the group had congregated, mindful of remaining undetected.
I could see the group glancing around as I hid myself in the shadows. They moved with urgency as they reached the end of the alley.
One of the men knelt down, his hands working quickly to roll back a tattered rug that lay on the ground. As the last corner was pulled back, a heavy trapdoor was revealed beneath. The others leaned in, clearly eager to get inside.
I edged closer, careful to remain out of sight. My muscles tightened as I strained to hear their conversation. Their voices were low mingling with the rustling sounds of their movements.
"Get the gear," I heard one say, his tone flat and serious. "We have to be ready for tomorrow’s hunt."
"Have you seen Kade?" another voice replied, tinged with impatience. "He should’ve been here by now."
"Doesn’t matter. Just grab the supplies. We’ll brief him once he arrives," the first man replied.