The city itself sprawled beyond the walls, lights from thousands of windows creating a warm glow against the night sky. Valstrath was old civilization, established and prosperous—the kind of place where security was taken seriously because there was wealth worth protecting.
"The monastery is inside the city," Sylvara said quietly, studying the layout. "The Sanctum of Eternal Wisdom sits in the northern quarter, near the noble district. We'll need to get through the city gates first before we can even approach it."
Satou's enhanced vision focused on the main gate below. Even at this late hour, there was still a trickle of traffic—merchants trying to enter before curfew, guards checking papers, the organized chaos of a functioning checkpoint.
