They ate a simple meal—stew and bread, watered ale—and waited for the town to sleep.
The inn's common room emptied slowly. The locals shuffled to their homes, their doors locking behind them. The innkeeper banked the fire and retreated to her quarters.
Saeko sat by the window, watching the street. Her stew had grown cold. She did not notice.
Alex sat across from her, saying nothing. He watched her watch. Her focus was absolute. Her breathing was slow, measured. She was not waiting. She was listening. Feeling. Becoming one with the night.
"Midnight," she said.
"Midnight," he agreed.
They left the inn.
•••••
The town was dark. No lamps burned. The only light came from the stars, obscured by clouds. Their footsteps were silent on the packed earth.
Saeko moved to the edge of town, where the road became a dirt path leading into the woods. She knelt and studied the ground.
