A City That Does Not See

They walked deeper into the ruins, passing through what remained of an ancient courtyard, its stone floor cracked and overgrown with strange, pale vines.

Despite their sharp focus on their surroundings, despite the eerie stillness of the air, despite their years of honed survival instincts…

They didn't notice it.

Not until it tapped Argolaith on the shoulder.

The instant the touch landed, every nerve in Argolaith's body screamed.

His hand shot to his sword hilt, and in one fluid motion, he spun around, blade flashing in the dim light.

Kaelred, reacting purely on instinct, drew his weapon as well, stepping back into a defensive stance.

But when Argolaith's blade stopped mid-swing, his eyes widened.

It was the creature.

The same tan-furred being from before.

Its bulging eyes blinked up at him, its expression unreadable as it simply… stood there.