After leaving the tavern, Viana and Joel walked through the deserted alleyways of the port town. The streets were empty, illuminated only by the dim glow of lanterns and the sound of waves crashing against the wooden docks in the distance.
The cold night air carried the scent of salt and wet wood, making Viana pull her cloak tighter around her shoulders. Her mind kept replaying Kess's words, "A scout disrupting the trade route."
Whoever this person was, they had to be either bold or highly skilled to challenge people like Kess.
Joel's voice broke the silence, his tone low yet confident. "We need to move before dawn. If this scout is monitoring the caravans, he is hiding near the forest trail, watching every movement."
Viana nodded, her eyes fixed ahead into the alley. "We cannot fail. Kess is our only lead to Arin."
Joel glanced at her, a playful smile appearing despite the tense situation. "Always so serious, Mara. Try smiling a little, like you did back in the market."
