Lirien returned to the brothel just as the sky was beginning to darken.
The streets felt different.
On her way back, she noticed guards everywhere... more than usual. They stood at corners, near shops, beside the main road, and even at the smaller alleys that people rarely used. Their armour was polished, their expressions tense. Some of them spoke in hushed voices, others barked orders at civilians to keep moving.
At the market, the carriage slowed when she overheard two merchants whispering.
"They're building another gate," one said.
"Behind the capital gate," the other replied. "I heard it's reinforced with magic."
"Is it for the war with those kinds?"
"Demons?"
"Who else?"
The carriage didn't stop moving, but her grip tightened around her cloak.
'So it's already this bad,' she thought.
By the time she reached the brothel, she was certain. The city was preparing for something big. Something ugly.
