The moment they stepped fully into the inner provinces, Lucas raised a hand slightly, signaling a halt.
"From here," he said quietly, his voice steady but firm, "we are no longer intruders moving through shadows. We blend in."
There were no objections.
They all understood what that meant.
No unnecessary movement. No drawing attention. No mistakes.
Patrick stepped forward. "There is a place we can stay," he said. "For now."
Lucas looked at him. "Lead."
They moved carefully through the narrow paths and clustered structures, keeping their pace natural, not hurried, not slow. The inner province was far more controlled than expected. Guards were not just stationed at obvious points, they moved through the streets in patterns that suggested constant surveillance. Even the civilians carried a certain quiet restraint, their movements watched, their voices kept low.
No one wanted to stand out.
