Chapter 10: A City of Spies
The dusty road stretched before them, winding toward the distant glow of a bustling city nestled between rolling hills. The scent of grilled meat and fresh bread drifted on the evening breeze, and the hum of human voices grew louder as they approached the city gates.
Raviel pulled his hood lower, his sharp gaze scanning the guards stationed at the entrance. The Celestial Court's wanted posters had likely already reached major towns.
Horizon, on the other hand, looked completely at ease. "So, what's the plan, oh great demon prince? Are we sneaking in? Bribing our way through? Or do we walk in like normal, law-abiding citizens?"
Raviel glared. "If we avoid drawing attention, we won't need a plan."
"Yeah, yeah. Blend in, don't act suspicious, don't threaten people—you've been saying that since we left." Horizon grinned. "But see, blending in isn't just about staying quiet. You gotta act natural."
Before Raviel could question what that meant, Horizon suddenly threw an arm around his shoulder.
"Haha! I tell ya, brother, that merchant back there nearly ripped us off!" Horizon laughed loudly, shaking Raviel as if they were two carefree travelers. "Who charges three silver for a loaf of bread? I tell ya, these city folks are something else!"
Raviel stiffened. His first instinct was to incinerate Horizon's hand, but then he realized—this was the act.
The guards at the gate barely glanced at them. Two rowdy brothers, just another pair of travelers among the hundreds passing through.
Raviel exhaled slowly. Fine. Let's play this game.
He forced a smirk, shoving Horizon's arm off. "You're just upset because I didn't let you steal it."
The guards chuckled, amused by the sibling banter, and waved them through without a second look.
Once they were safely inside, Raviel elbowed Horizon in the ribs. "Touch me again, and I'll break your fingers."
Horizon winced. "See? That's the spirit! You're getting into the role!"
Raviel ignored him.
The city was alive. Narrow streets wound between towering stone buildings, lit by lanterns that cast a warm glow over merchants peddling their wares. Street performers juggled knives, while a bard strummed a tune about a legendary hero slaying a demon general.
Raviel scowled at the lyrics.
"Alright," Horizon said, rubbing his hands together. "We need two things—a place to stay and information about the Celestial Court."
Raviel's eyes swept the street. "Taverns."
"Ah, the classic information hub of every city." Horizon smirked. "I like how your mind works, your highness."
Raviel ignored the jab and strode toward the busiest tavern in sight.
—
The Golden Lantern was exactly what Raviel expected—a rowdy mix of mercenaries, thieves, and drunk merchants, all speaking in hushed tones about contracts, bounties, and rumors.
Horizon nudged him. "We blend in, right? Let me handle this."
Raviel arched a brow. "You?"
"I have the face of a trustworthy rogue."
"You have the face of a wanted criminal."
"Exactly. We fit right in."
With that, Horizon sauntered over to a table where a few rough-looking individuals were engaged in conversation. Raviel followed, positioning himself just behind Horizon as the white-haired trickster dropped into an empty chair.
"Evening, gentlemen," Horizon said smoothly. "We're travelers looking for work, and we heard there's a big commotion happening with the Celestial Court."
One of the men, a scarred mercenary, eyed him suspiciously. "Why do a couple of no-name wanderers care about that?"
Horizon shrugged. "Because if they're paying gold for something, we wanna know why."
The men exchanged glances before one of them leaned in. "You didn't hear this from us, but the Celestial Court is looking for two dangerous figures. They sent bounty hunters to track them down before they cause any destruction."
Horizon chuckled. "Dangerous, huh? What'd they do?"
"Something about them being monsters in disguise. The Celestial Court is worried they'll gather power and threaten humanity."
Raviel's fists clenched under the table.
"Word is," another mercenary added, "they've already been spotted passing through towns. If they're caught, they'll be executed publicly."
Horizon whistled. "Harsh. And where exactly were they last seen?"
One of the men tapped the table. "Rumor says they entered this city. The Celestial Court's informants are already searching for them."
Raviel and Horizon exchanged a subtle glance.
They were trapped.
—
As soon as they left the tavern, Raviel's jaw tightened. "They know we're here."
"Yeah," Horizon agreed. "But the real problem? They've got spies. We don't know who's watching."
Raviel took a breath. They needed to move fast.
"New plan," Horizon said, grinning. "We steal some horses and get out before sunrise."
Raviel sighed. "We're not stealing horses."
"Fine, we borrow them."
"Without permission?"
"Exactly."
Raviel pinched the bridge of his nose. "That's still stealing."
"Look, do you wanna escape or not?"
Raviel gritted his teeth. "Fine."
—
Later That Night…
Two figures moved silently through the city stables, cloaked in shadows.
Horizon patted the strongest-looking horse. "We're taking this one."
Raviel sighed and mounted the beast without argument.
Within minutes, the two fugitives rode out of the city gates under the cover of darkness, vanishing into the open road.
The Celestial Court's hunters would come.
The war in the Demon Realm loomed.
And somewhere in the vast world, answers waited.