Voices in the Quiet

The woods were unnaturally still when Eugene finally reached the new safe house.

The moon hung low and pale between tree branches, its light spilling softly across the narrow path Sax had described to him.

It was a path so carefully hidden that even trained eyes would miss it unless they already knew where to look.

Eugene slowed his steps instinctively, every sense alert despite the exhaustion weighing down his bones.

The cabin emerged gradually from the trees. It was built low and wide, its stone base fused seamlessly with the earth, as though it had grown there rather than been constructed.

A faint glow spilled from one of the windows, soft and warm against the cold blue of the forest.

Guards moved at the perimeter and Eugene spotted them immediately.

They were stationed near the treeline, their figures hidden by shadows, weapons held loosely but ready.

They were Dorian’s men, good ones who were disciplined enough to blend into the woods rather than stand out as some would usual