The quiet West Market was about to turn into a battlefield.
The attack began without warning.
One of the cloaked men vaulted onto a merchant's stall, his boot smashing through its wooden frame. Another slashed a hanging banner in half, sending sparks from the embedded talisman scattering into the air.
The market went crazy. Stalls got knocked over, and fruit rolled everywhere on the stones. Merchants were yelling—some scared out of their minds, others just mad about their stuff getting wrecked.
"Get out of here!" A voice cut through the noise.
Fear rippled through the crowd like wildfire. People pushed and elbowed their way toward any exit they could find, trampling merchandise underfoot in their rush to get away.
Robert stayed still in the shadows, watching as the four spread out and systematically tore through the market.
They were not here to steal—they were here to send a message.
