"You better come out now," the taller guard said as they both moved closer, blades drawn.
Asher sighed through his nose. His expression showed more annoyance than fear. He already knew what had caused the noise.
'Ralph, come out,' he whispered.
A small tear of shadow opened across his chest. A wraith bat slipped out, its wings flickering like smoke. It flew in the opposite direction, screeching once before vanishing into the night.
"It's just a bat," the short guard muttered.
"All that fuss for nothing," the taller one added. "Come on, let's move."
Their footsteps faded into the distance, leaving silence behind.
Asher waited a moment, scanning both sides before exhaling. "You can come out now."
From behind a barrel, Evelina appeared, head lowered and shoulders slumped.
He raised an eyebrow. "Are you kidding me?"
