Assassins

Kiara wrinkled her nose as they passed a stall selling fish. "As if we'd want to get lost here. Smells like the ocean died."

Luke chuckled, shouldering a small pack of supplies they had already purchased. "I don't know. I think it gives the town character."

"Focus," Rem said, though his tone was more amused than stern.

They spent the next hour gathering necessities — dried food, extra water skins, and medicinal herbs.

Rem also picked up a few throwing knives from a weapons merchant, slipping them into his belt without a word.

Kiara raised an eyebrow but didn't comment.

By the time they were ready to leave, the sun was high in the sky, its warmth cutting through the morning chill.

The trio made their way toward the town gates, their supplies packed and their spirits relatively high.

The road leading out of Ether Town was lined with thick trees, their branches twisting together to form a natural canopy.