The streets of Neryth were alive with activity, a chaotic symphony of bustling merchants, shouting vendors, and the ever-present murmur of intrigue. But beneath the surface, tension simmered. The Azure Blades' patrols had grown more frequent, their heavily armored soldiers marching with an air of grim determination. Meanwhile, whispers of rebellion and betrayal spread like wildfire, carried by those who moved unseen in the city's shadows.
Daniel and Mira had taken refuge in a dilapidated inn tucked away in one of Neryth's less conspicuous districts. The room was modest—bare walls, a rickety table, and a single window that overlooked a narrow alley—but it offered a temporary sanctuary from the turmoil outside.
Mira was seated by the window, her sharp eyes scanning the streets below. "They're definitely looking for us," she said, her tone clipped. "I've counted three Azure Blade patrols in the last hour alone."
