Chapter 108: Anticipation
The night over Rendely was thick with fog. Lanterns flickered weakly, struggling against the suffocating dusk.
Azrael Rodeny walked in silence, boots tapping with calm precision as he made his way through the quiet district of the upper rings.
His crimson jacket fluttered behind him, damp from the cold night wind. Beside him, his brother, Raves Rodeny strode with his usual stiffness.
"What are you gonna do now?" Raves asked, adjusting the bandage on his hand.
Azrael shrugged. "Not really your business."
Raves gave him a look but said nothing more. The brothers reached a crossroad where the path split, one toward the Rodeny estate, the other toward the upper districts near the royal watchtower.
"I'm heading to the villa," Raves said. "Don't stay out too long. You've got people watching you now."
Azrael gave a lazy wave as his brother disappeared into the shadows. The fog seemed to thicken behind him.
Then the clapping started.
Slow. Precise. Each strike echoing like a falling hammer.
Azrael didn't flinch. He stood there in the middle of the road, eyes half-lidded, listening as the footsteps approached.