58.

Vitale crept through the dense forest, ears pricked and senses on high alert. He did not know if this mysterious lead would yield answers or simply danger, but he was prepared either way.

Behind him, his four most trusted guards kept pace, watchful for any signs of deception. But the path ahead remained undisturbed. Perhaps this would be nothing but a fruitless detour. Yet something deep within compelled Vitale onward. He had to know if truth awaited at the end of this trail.

As the trees thinned ahead, the brush giving way to a rocky clearing, Vitale felt the fine hairs on his neck stand on end. He slowed, holding up a hand to halt his guards. The space appeared empty, but his instincts screamed that eyes were watching them even now. It was an ideal spot for an ambush.

Vitale turned sharply to retreat back under the trees' protective cover. But too late. The faint hiss reached his ears seconds before the canisters hit the ground around them, spewing forth cloying white smoke. Vitale