“There”, Vardy said, pointing toward the structure.The group halted at the edge of the clearing, staring at the dilapidated outpost in uneasy silence.“Looks abandoned,” Tracy said, though her tone betrayed her wariness.“Abandoned places have a way of not staying abandoned,” Luthor muttered, his hand resting on the hilt of a knife he barely knew how to use.Vardy stepped forward, his staff glowing faintly as he drew power from the artifact. The undead minions following him, hulking, grotesque forms reanimated from their last encounter, moved silently behind him, their glowing eyes scanning the area.“Stay alert,” Vardy said, his voice barely above a whisper.As they approached the outpost, the silence became oppressive, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves and the occasional creak of the wind through the old wooden beams. Vardy pushed open the gate, the rusted metal groaning loudly, and stepped inside.The interior looked as the exterior, with broken furniture scattered across

Vardy kept thinking of what he was told.Tracy glanced at him. “You don’t have to listen to it, you know. Whatever that... thing said about you, it doesn’t have to be true.”Vardy didn’t respond. He couldn’t.Ferah placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip firm. “Whatever lies ahead, we will face it together. Don’t forget that.”Vardy heaved and nodded at everyone.“Let’s keep moving,” he said, his voice steady.**HAVEN CITY**Vardy’s boots hit the cobblestone street with a dull thud, his cloak pulled tight against the bustle of Haven City.“Stay close,” Vardy muttered, his voice just loud enough for the group to hear.Tracy adjusted her hood, glancing at the passersby. “You’re sure no one will recognize us?”“Not at all..” Vardy replied, his tone clipped.“Forgive me if I’m not comforted by that,” Luthor mumbled, as a vendor brushed past him causing about stolen items.Ferah smirked, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword. “This place feels lively. I like it.”Vardy said not

“Who’s there?” Ferah hissed, her sharp eyes fixed on the door handle.A knock came again, a bit slower this time.“Stay back,” Vardy commanded.Ferah shot him a glance but obeyed, stepping aside with her weapon raised. Tracy grabbed her spear and Luther stood behind.The door creaked open before Vardy could make the next move. A woman stepped inside, but she didn't seem scared.She pushed back her hood, revealing herself.“Relax,” the woman said smoothly, her tone laced with a smirk. “If I wanted to kill you, you’d already be dead.”“Who the hell are you?” Ferah snapped, bringing out her sword.The woman ignored her, glancing around the room as if assessing them. “You guys ain't welcoming are you? Well, my name is Selene and you must be Vardy?”Vardy narrowed his eyes. “You’ve heard of me. You know me?”Selene grinned. “Who hasn’t? The infamous Dud who’s got Dean sweating. Word travels fast in Haven.”“What do you want?” Vardy demanded, his voice low and cold.Selene’s gaze flicked to

“Over here Vardy....” Selene called, holding up a book.It was a list of names.Vardy froze in place at the sight of it. It wasn't because of all they had seen but, It was the list Selene had pulled from the stack, her smirk gone, replaced with a grim.“Found something interesting,” she said, tossing the parchment onto the table.Vardy moved closer, his eyes narrowing. Ferah, Tracy, and Luthor gathered around him, the weight of Selene’s tone pulling them in.“What is it?” Ferah asked, her hand still on the hilt of her sword.Selene tapped the list with one finger. “Targets. Dean’s next moves. People he wants eliminated.”The room grew colder, Vardy reached for the list, his hand steady even as his chest tightened. The names were written in bold, precise lettering, each one followed by a description and a location.His breath caught as he read the first few.“Tracy Gray,” Ferah said aloud, her voice sharp. Her eyes flicked to her friend. “That’s you.”Tracy stiffened, her grip tighten

“Is that all you’ve got?” Simon smirked, the flames in his hands intensifying again.Vardy didn’t answer. He stepped forward, his staff glowing brighter as he sent another blast, hitting Simon on the chest as he staggered backward.Simon growled, anger written on his face. The flames in his hands grew larger as he charged toward Vardy.Ferah, now!” Vardy shouted.Ferah moved quickly, her sword slashing toward Simon. He blocked her strike with a wall of fire, the heat forcing her to retreat. Tracy moved with her spear, aiming for his side, but Simon twisted away, the fire around him forming a protective barrier.“You’re persistent, I’ll give you that,” Simon said, his voice filled with mockery. “But it won’t save you.”Simon slammed his hands on the ground, sending a wave of fire spreading across them.“Move!” Vardy shouted, raising his staff.The artifact pulsed with energy, and a barrier of dark magic formed around the group, shielding them from the worst of the flames. Simon laugh