Thump! Thump! Thump!
The three knocks became pounding.
Outside, a voice barked through the rain, loud and official, "Inspection! Open up!"
Another shouted, "By order of the Defence Order of Nareth District, this structure is to be searched!"
The words echoed with forced civility, but the weight of boots and metal made the intent clear—they weren't here to inspect; they were here to seize. Beneath that official tone lay the rough impatience of soldiers who already knew what they would find.
"Shit..." Kieran cursed, his face immediately switching from the previously relaxed demeanour to complete seriousness, "We need to leave now."
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Wood rattled in its frame as the old barn quivered beneath the weight of fists and boots. The voices outside grew louder, overlapping in a chorus of threat and authority.
"Inspection detail! Present yourselves!" shouted one.
Another added, "You have ten seconds before we force entry!"
