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Finally, Anlon nodded, a slow and deliberate motion. “There’s an old passage, forgotten by most. It leads to the outskirts of the town, far from prying eyes.”

My senses heightened, every sight, sound, and touch amplified.

The soft glow of the morning light filtering through thewindow, the distant hum of life outside, and the feeling of Madison’s body against me.

With renewed hope, we followed Anlon’s lead, determined to escape the clutches of Onshev and embark on a new chapter of our journey together.

The dim lightingof the room bathed everything in a soft glow, casting long, lanky shadows on the walls.

The atmosphere was heavy, and every sound — from the soft creak of the wooden floorboards to the rustling of our clothes — seemed to echo eerily.

“We’ll head to the stables,” Anlon rasped, breaking the lingering silence. “The Hiikas will be there.”

The gentle aroma of old books and worn-out fabrics filled the room, a scent which I found oddly comforting.

Madison, her fingers still entwined with mine, squeezed gently, her touch warming the cool scales of my hand. “That’s a good plan. Once we’re out, we’ll have a better chance.”

But my thoughts were elsewhere.

Aznai — my friend, my guardian — where was he?

“Anlon,” I began, my voice slightly shaky, “do you know where they’re holding my man?”

He paused, his one good eye reflecting deep thought. “I made some discreet inquiries. But alas, I couldn’t pinpoint his exact location.”

The dull thud of my heart echoed loudly in my ears, every beat amplifying my rising anxiety.

Aznai had been my rock, my protector, through countless escapades. Memories flooded back — the narrowescapes, the heart-stopping adventures, and the shared moments of levity.

Each recollection was accompanied by a distinct sensation: the scent of fresh rain, the sight of breathtaking sunsets, the taste of exotic foods, the sound of laughter and the soothing touch of a reassuring pat on the back.

The feeling of being torn gnawed at me.

On one hand, I was desperate to find and rescue him.

Yet, on the other, I knew that by diverting the attention towards me, I could give him a fighting chance to escape.

He had saved me countless times, often placing himself in harm’s way.

Perhaps now, it was my turn to do the same for him.

He would risk his life and soul to rescue me, and by removing myself from the jaws of danger, he wouldn’t have to take such a risk.

Yet the weight of the decision pressed heavily on me like a thick blanket, stifling and overwhelming.

The rich aroma of hay and animals wafted in from somewhere, hinting at the proximity of the stables.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, inhaling the myriad of scents that filled the room — the muskiness of the old building, the faint aroma of animals, and the subtle hint of Madison’s floral perfume.

The sights, sounds, and feelings of the past and present melded together, guiding my decision.

Opening my eyes, I met Anlon’s gaze, determination burning within me. “All right, we proceed to the stables and escape. We’ll hole up somewhere safe for him to find us.”

I knew just the place — it was Aznai’s way to brief me on the rendezvous point should a disaster such as this happen.

Madison, her expression a mix of understanding andconcern, nodded, her lips forming a tight line. “We’ll do it together.”

Anlon gave a knowing smile. “You two share a bond unlike any I’ve seen before. I have no doubt things will turn out all right in the end.”

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