Two figures sped across the valley on horseback. Dust rose behind them as they rode hard toward the town ahead. From far away, the place looked lively, with tall buildings and colorful roofs. But the moment they crossed the gates, the truth hit them.
The town was silent.
There were merchants shouting. No children ran across the streets. No carts rolled over stone roads. Doors were shut tight. Windows were closed. Cloth signs hung loose and unmoving. Even the wind felt weak, as if the air itself had lost strength.
The streets looked washed of color. Pale. Lifeless.
A blue haired young woman frowned as she looked around. Her brows pulled together.
"Ray, what's going on?" she asked softly. "Do you know something?"
Ray looked ahead and shook his head slowly. "I don't have any contact with Black Thorns…"
A bitter smile appeared on his face.
