As soon as they left the woods behind them, rolling hills covered in yellow-green grass spanned out before them. The path beneath their feet followed a winding hill and over an enormous lake that was only passable by cutting across an enormous wooden bridge.

Jaycee tried his utmost to avoid looking over the edge, dreading the possibility of falling in. His companion, seemingly unfazed, quickened his steps. The unfolding scenario made Jaycee’s stomach turn, especially as he glanced at the feeble barrier that was all that separated them plunging to their deaths.

“Can we slow down?” His fear of heights, coupled with inadequate rest, made him worry that his exhaustion would soon have him collapse.

Alec didn’t even glance back, and instead hastened his steps. “We’re almost there. Look, you can see the village ahead.”

Jaycee bit back the harsh words that threatened to escape his lips. Reluctantly, he focused forward, and to his astonishment, noticed a town emerging in the distance.

A village with many tall structures spanned the horizon, their heights moving into the sky. With each step closer, more details became discernible. The scent of the lake reached Jaycee, a blend of earthy, musty, yet fresh smells that overwhelmed his senses.

Alec’s hair whipped wildly in the strong wind, occasionally smacking Jaycee’s skin with a sting sharper than he cared to admit.

The rhythmic crashing of the waves against the bridge was almost methodical, akin to white noise, bringing serenity to his tired mind. Soon, the bridge gave way to grassy beginnings. Their destination was now within reach. The crisp lake scents still filled his lungs.

The city’s gate stood open, welcoming all to who passed through. A large sign displayed for everyone’s view bore the name ‘Rusticus’ in bold letters. All around, the townsfolk bustled about, their destinations unknown as they shuffled about with purpose. As they ventured deeper in, the air grew increasingly humid.

Alec took out his fan. “There’s a famous bar around here known for its up-to-date gossip. We should go there to see if there’s any news about Leon.”

“Shouldn’t we meet with Kyla first?” They had abandoned her to battle alone. Was he the only one concerned about her wellbeing? Just when Jaycee believed he had grasped the man’s character, something would alter his perception.

“I’m sure she knows already that they’ve captured Leon and is currently investigating his whereabouts,” he said, slowly tracing his finger along the top of his fan. “Let the tomboy handle it. We have our own matters to attend to.”

Jaycee doubted Alec’s morals, but put that thought away to debate later.

“And that would be?”

“To visit a favorite spot of mine. The food is delicious, and the drinks are delightful,” he said, walking away with a smile that the fan did little to conceal.

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Jaycee mumbled.

Alec’s silhouette merged with the throng of villagers. Jaycee, bracing himself for the crowd, inhaled deeply before taking the plunge. The overpowering smell of sweat invaded his senses, causing his eyes to tear up and his throat to prickle.He detested one thing above all: a raucous, overwhelming crowd of villagers.

He cursed Alec under his breath as he sifted through the throng of people, struggling to keep up with the red hanfu disappearing farther into the distance. Many people, adults and children alike, jostled him in every direction. By the time he escaped the crowd, fatigue and weariness had already overtaken him.

Jaycee stood before a diminutive structure that was sandwiched between two others. In Rusticus, where nothing appeared new, this building was particularly dilapidated, with its shattered windows and rotting woodwork.

The staircase to the entrance lacked a plank, which Jaycee narrowly avoided stepping through. With Alec out of view, he suspected that the troublemaker had already entered.

The door creaked as he pushed it open, and the dim lighting inside momentarily blurred his vision as his eyes adjusted to the sudden change.

Patrons engaged in relaxed conversation inside, each table in the crowded room occupied by someone. Amidst the commotion, locating Alec took more time than he preferred. Fortunately, he caught sight of him perched on a bar stool in the corner, surrounded by both women and men, with a beaming smile on his face.

Alec was the type of person Jaycee found the hardest to deal with.

While Jaycee contemplated his approach, their gazes locked, and Alec gestured for him to come over. With reluctance, Jaycee moved.

The patrons rose swiftly upon noticing him, their eyes scanning him in apparent judgment. Matters to attend to, Alec had said, yet all Jaycee could see was Alec engaging flirtatiously with a group of strangers.

“Did I miss something?” Jaycee slumped onto the hard wooden stool, attempting to disregard the piercing stares.

“Nothing of importance,” Alec said, resting his elbow on the glossy oak countertop and cradling his head in his hand as he gazed directly at Jaycee. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he replied. Alec’s obliviousness to the others’ glaring as he approached was a topic for another day. “Have you discovered anything?”

“Some local gossip,” he said, pausing and tilting his head to look around. “The militaries of Sheol and Fioma are both in town. The locals say they brought someone in early this morning and have them confined in a warehouse on the outskirts.”

“Leon?” Jaycee asked. The timing seemed too precise for it to be coincidence. The real question, however, was the presence of Fioma and Sheol’s military forces. Given their strained relations and the looming threat of war between them, their joint appearance was disconcerting.

“Most likely,” Alec said as he turned in his seat to face Jaycee. In a swift yet movement, he swept the loose strands of hair from Jaycee’s forehead. The warmth of Alec’s fingertips caused Jaycee pause and his face to become warm.

“We should probably find this warehouse.” The words struggled to leave Jaycee’s lips as he was distracted by Alec’s touch.

“I know where it’s at, we should go.” Alec retracted his hands, but his gaze lingered for a second longer.

Jaycee reached up and touched his forehead. In all the commotion, he had forgotten about the cut from the wolf earlier. Was he just checking on his wound for him? He had to get his shit together and stop letting his mind wander.

“How did you find all of this out?” He wasn’t trying to avoid the other topic, but his curiosity about Alec’s considerable knowledge couldn’t be suppressed. "Are you a regular here?"

“Something like that,” Alec said. The corners of his lips turned up ever so slightly. “Come on.”

As they stood to leave, the entrance swung open again, allowing the outside light to pour in. A recognizable figure came into view. The blonde hair and the bow affixed to his back were particularly striking. It was most likely the guy from earlier, but this time he was alone with no friends following behind him.

“Hey, I think that’s the guy from earlier—”

Alec turned him forcefully, arranging them so that both had their backs to the exit and the chattering crowd. This behavior was uncharacteristic of him, Jaycee always perceived Alec as fearless and exuding confidence with every action. The heat from Alec’s firm grip emanated, yet it betrayed neither a tremor nor a hint of his inner thoughts.

“We’re taking a detour.”