A strong herbal scent permeated the room.
No, it didn't permeate; it appeared instantaneously in perception—as if that intense aroma had actually filled the entire space long ago, unbeknownst to anyone, and was merely screened out from the realm of reality. It wasn't until this moment, as the old guardian's words fell, that this omnipresent scent suddenly revealed its existence to the uninvited guests!
The two black-clothed men reacted almost instantaneously. The shorter man suddenly raised his hand towards the old guardian standing by the stove, his throat emitting a low, hoarse cry that seemed like two voices superimposed, while the other rapidly pulled several filthy paper charms from his bosom and violently threw them into the air.
