98

Freya moved cautiously through the bustling city streets, her black cloak pulled tightly around her as she tried to blend in with the crowd. The city had a different aura from what she was accustomed to under Constantine’s rule. The soldiers patrolling the area were adorned in striking attire, a mix of attractiveness and danger that set them apart.

As she navigated through the crowd, Freya’s heart raced with every step. She knew she had to get through the city undetected, for the safety of Maximus and herself. Her eyes scanned the area, searching for any signs of potential danger.

Just as she thought she might slip by unnoticed, a firm hand closed around her wrist. She turned to face a soldier, his eyes locked onto hers with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

“Who do we have here?” he said, his tone laced with amusement.

Freya’s heart pounded, and she tried to pull away, but his grip was unyielding.

“Just a traveler passing through,” she replied, her voice steady despite her racin