Chapter 18: Getaway in the City

Scarlett was exhausted, with blisters on her feet and feeling hungry. All she desired at the moment was to take a hot bath and have a warm drink, followed by a comfortable bed to rest her weary body.

She shut her eyes, focusing on the peaceful murmur of hushed chatter from the cafe patrons around her. The small cafe was situated beside a clear loch, surrounded by towering mountains on three sides. The friendly locals respected her need for solitude and did not interrupt her deep in thought. When she was sinking into a well-worn wooden chair, nobody questioned her actions.

After days of climbing the nearby peaks in the rain and wind, Scarlett was thrilled to finally be warm and dry. Despite wanting to cut the trip short, she couldn't resist her enthusiasm.

As she sat in the cozy cafe, surrounded by the low murmur of voices, Scarlett felt the warmth seeping into her bones, and thought that the city was truly heaven.

One of the voices caught her attention, and she turned to see two me