The pair walked out of the alley, shadows clinging to their backs like a second skin. Anna glanced over her shoulder, still tense from the ambush.
Marlik stopped her with a hand on her arm.
"We're being followed."
He said quietly.
Anna didn't flinch.
"How many?"
"Just one. But careful. He's light on his feet."
Marlik murmured.
Before Anna could ask more, a figure stepped out in front of them with an awkward wave and a nervous smile.
"Wait! Don't attack—I mean no harm!"
The man stammered.
He was young, maybe in his early twenties, with a smooth, untouched face and clothes made from richly dyed fabric. His cloak was lined with fine stitching, and his shoes had never touched dirt until today. Definitely someone with money.
"You two, your skills… they're amazing. That alley fight—clean, fast, deadly. Are you part of a faction yet?"
He said, trying to gather his composure.
