Busted—or Not?

The cobbled streets of the Lower District stretched before Eleanor, bustling with morning activity. The air carried the scent of fresh bread from nearby stalls and the sharp tang of damp stone.

Yet, none of it settled her frayed nerves.

Her crimson eyes darted between the two different hands who had just released her wrists, their retreat cautious, deliberate.

"It seems safe here," one of the men murmured. His voice, oddly straightforward for someone who had just dragged her through the back alleys, held no malice.

"Yes, we're back on the main road," the other replied. He sounded relieved, as though the weight of responsibility had lifted from his shoulders.

Eleanor remained frozen, her small frame still curled defensively, fingers gripping the edge of her hood as though it were her last shield. Her mind raced, trying to piece together the bizarre reality she now faced.

Huh... They let me go...?