I stepped away from the small house and made my way back through the streets, the quiet of the night settling in again. The moonlight stretched across the stone paths, mixing with the warm glow of lanterns hung along the walls. Even this late, the city wasn't fully asleep. It never really was.
A creaking sound pulled my attention to the side.
A wagon rolled slowly down the street, its wooden wheels grinding against the stone. Two guards walked alongside it, spears in hand, their faces set and watchful. Behind the wagon, inside a barred cage, were a handful of elves. Their hands were bound tightly with rope, some sitting, some standing, all silent.
One of them met my eyes.
Sharp features. Tired gaze. Not begging, not angry… just empty.
I looked away first.
"Move along," one of the guards muttered as the wagon passed, not even bothering to look at me properly.
"Yeah," I said under my breath, stepping aside. "Wasn't planning to hop in."
