Chapter 28

As Ava carefully opened the door, she saw a body guards standing outside with a stern face. The guard, a burly man with a scar on his left cheek, squinted at them, his body showing that he was ready for any threat.

"Have you seen or heard anyone here?" the guard asked, his deep voice making Ava's heart beat faster. In the cold night, his breath condensed into wisps of mist, further increasing the tense atmosphere.

Ava glanced briefly at Chloe before nodding, her dark hair covering her face as she spoke. “No, we didn’t see or hear anything,” she replied, her voice calm despite the adrenaline of their previous adventures. She resisted the urge to remain still as the guard watched, her hands at her sides.

The guard frowned "Okah, thank you. Good night,” he said, and turned away his heavy boots clicking against the stone. Then disappeared into the darkness, his figure blending seamlessly into the shadows.

Ava closed the door behind her, her mind already thinking of the next journey. They