Darkness swept the land, the wind howling through the ruins.
A shadowy figure approached the camp at a slow, deliberate pace.
Otto was the first to react. He raised his crossbow and took aim. "Stop right there! Don't move!"
"I—I mean no harm…" a woman's voice called out. Soft and melodious.
A woman?
"Come closer so we can hear you," Nancy ordered quickly.
Otto turned toward Rus for confirmation.
"What are you looking at him for?" Nancy snapped, irritation in her tone. "Am I not in charge here?"
Rus didn't object, so Otto obeyed. "Walk toward us slowly! Keep your hands where I can see them!"
The woman raised her hands high and took careful, measured steps forward.
When she reached the edge of the firelight, Otto barked, "Stop!"
Nancy narrowed her eyes. "Take off your hood."
"Yes…" the woman obeyed.
She pulled down her hood, and a cascade of silk-like black hair spilled out around her shoulders.
Otto was briefly stunned. Even Nancy's expression showed clear surprise.
