Bab 198: A Perilous Encounter in the Woods

As they got closer, the thieves suddenly grew alert.

Perhaps it was the rustling of a branch or the subtle shift in the wind, but they had sensed that somebody was approaching.

"Who's there?" the attendant shouted, his tone filled with suspicion as his hand darted to his waist.

Raven stepped out from behind a tree, calm but with a dangerous edge. The moonlight filtered through the canopy, casting long shadows across his face. "I could ask you the same," Raven replied, his voice steady but laced with menace. "What are you two doing in this part of the forest?"

"None of your business!" the attendant spat, stepping forward to stand between Raven and the thief. He was nervous, glancing over his shoulder at his partner for backup.

"Get out of here if you know what's good for you," the thief added, his voice trembling just a little. "We're not looking for trouble."