As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its final warm glow, Vagan moved quickly through the narrow streets of the city, searching for a place to rest. But something felt wrong. People hurried past her, shutting doors, locking windows, and pulling curtains tight. Their footsteps were frantic, their eyes darting nervously, avoiding even the slightest glance at her.
Vagan slowed, watching the street empty as every door around her sealed shut. "What's going on here?" she muttered, her gaze shifting around the darkening alleyways. Just as the last sliver of daylight vanished, pure darkness fell over the city, consuming every street corner and building in shadow. There wasn't a single light to break through it; not a torch, not even a candle flickered in sight.
With the darkness settling over her, Vagan continued to walk, trying to clear her mind. She still couldn't understand why the ship had vanished, as though it had never been there at all. The silence pressed in, broken suddenly by the sound of footsteps. Vagan looked up to see a group of guards in shiny armor, holding spears and scanning the street.
One of the guards spotted her. "Why aren't you in your house?" he demanded, his voice sharp.
Vagan took a cautious step back. "Well, I don't live here, but I—" Before she could finish, the guards raised their weapons, pointing them at her with unwavering eyes.
"You are under arrest," one guard said firmly, his grip tightening on his spear.
"For what?" Vagan asked, her voice laced with frustration. But they didn't answer, their spears only inching closer. She took a breath, then turned on her heel and sprinted down the street.
One guard immediately pulled a small brass bell from his belt and rang it loudly, its metallic sound echoing through the empty streets. "Esmora! Esmora!" he shouted, summoning the other guards who appeared from shadowed corners, all converging on Vagan. She glanced behind her, her pulse pounding, seeing more and more guards pouring in from side streets, blocking every path she tried to take.
Determined not to be caught, Vagan turned sharply and darted into a dark alley. The guards stormed past, not noticing her sudden turn. She held her breath, listening to them calling to each other, their voices echoing against the stone walls.
"Make sure she doesn't escape," one guard ordered, his voice filled with a strange fear. "If she does, our lord will harm us all."
The words lingered ominously as Vagan tried to catch her breath, and a shiver ran down her spine. Just then, she heard a soft, familiar voice behind her.
"Well, nice to meet you again, Vagan."
She turned, startled, and there, standing in the shadows of the alley, was the old lady who had given her the amulet. Her eyes glinted with a strange, knowing light as the darkness settled fully around them.
END OF CHAPTER 75