Off The Record
Author: Ethereal Ink
last update2025-03-30 20:28:30

“You think they’re friendly?”

Roman didn’t answer immediately. His eyes scanned the tree line, catching brief flickers of movement—figures slipping through the undergrowth, dark shapes blending with the green.

“If they were friendly,” he finally said, voice low, “they’d have said hello by now.”

Kade sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. “A hostile welcome committee.”

The two of them kept moving, slow but steady, acting like they hadn’t noticed the shadowy figures. But their hands were close to their weapons, just in case.

“Outsiders,” he said. “You do not belong here.”

Roman’s grip tightened around the artifact in his pocket. He took a step forward, raising his hands in a non-threatening way. “We’re here for the temple’s secret. We have reason to believe we’re meant to be here.”

The leader’s eyes went to the vial peeking from Roman’s fingers. Then he shook his head. “The temple does not welcome intruders. Turn back.”

Roman met his eyes, unwavering. “I don’t think you understand. I ha
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