章 479: Arriving at The First City

The towering gates of Theron's Rest loomed ahead, an imposing structure of weathered stone and iron that seemed to breathe authority. The steady hum of life echoed from beyond the gates—the clatter of carts, the chatter of voices, and the occasional bark of orders from guards. Kael felt his heart quicken as they approached. Beside him, Liora ambled forward with the ease of someone who'd walked this path countless times. His patched cloak swayed with each step, the rogue's grin unshaken by the imposing sight.

"Don't look so stiff, hero," Liora quipped, casting Kael a sideways glance. "You're making the guards suspicious already."