The weight of the innkeeper's announcement lingered heavily on Layla's mind. She sat by the window in her room, staring out at the bustling streets of Verdeti.
The city seemed as lively as ever, yet Layla couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Her sharp instincts, honed over years of navigating dangerous situations, told her that being confined to the inn wasn't merely a matter of safety—it was part of a larger scheme.
Her unease grew as the hours passed, and eventually, she turned to Mary, who was reclining comfortably on the room's only cushioned chair, idly sharpening a blade.
"Mary," Layla began, her voice low but firm, "doesn't this whole situation feel off to you?"
Mary glanced up, one brow raised. "You mean the whole 'you can't leave the inn' nonsense? Sure, it's suspicious. But it's not like we haven't dealt with worse before."