“Who is it?” Warrick’s grip tightened around the hilt of his steel blade. His eyes, sharp and alert, were like those of a startled predator-full of caution and menace.

For the past few days, he had been on edge, like a cornered animal. He barely ‘slept and was constantly on high alert, fearing danger would strike at any moment.

The door slowly creaked open. An elderly man with gray hair stepped inside with a tray of fruit and pastries in both hands.

Before he could even register what was happening, a flash of cold steel appeared, and Warrick’s blade was at the elderly man’s throat.

The elderly man trembled with fear. The tray slipped from his grasp, and fruit and pastries scattered on the floor.

“Easy, Sir Prescott. He’s one of us.”

Mulder stepped forward and pressed down on the flat of Warrick’s blade with a finger.

He smiled and explained, “His name’s Leigh Houston. He’s mute and has served the Hall of Gods for years. He keeps watch over this tunnel entrance and has never slipped up.”

“He’s mute?” Warrick gave Leigh a once-over. Only after confirming he wasn’t a threat did he finally lower his blade.

Mulder glanced at Leigh and asked in a low voice, “Did you notice anything unusual lately?”

then quickly signed something with

frowned. “What’s he

place is so remote that no strangers have come near,

for their secret tunnel for a reason. It was a remote mountain village, isolated and sparsely populated.

the city for

into the woods would make it easy

I’m hungry. Tell him to bring me

some food,” Mulder instructed. “We’re going to have a nice, hearty

nodded, though a flicker of fear crossed his eyes. He glanced at Warrick and then quickly turned

fancy, but the portions were generous, and nearly everything was

caution was

taking his first bite, he gestured for Leigh and

they confirmed it was safe did he

have spared a second glance at such rustic fare. But now, hunger gnawed

feast in front of him, refinement was the last

Warrick finally got down to business. “We may have escaped Celestria, but we’re still in West Lucozia. The longer we stay, the greater the risk. I need the Hall of

This place is safe for the time being,” Mulder replied with a reassuring smile. “Besides, even if we’re planning to leave West Lucozia, we need to prepare thoroughly. Acting recklessly without a proper plan could

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