บท 632: The Argument

After about twenty minutes of trudging through the dense, moonlit forest, Jocelyn abruptly halted in her tracks. She turned to face Joanna, her face shadowed but her tone carrying unmistakable seriousness.

"A few steps ahead lies the Kingdom of Twipera," Jocelyn began, gesturing toward the narrow, winding path that disappeared into the trees ahead.

"I have studied this route for years. The guards assigned to this section of the border leave their posts at this hour. You will be safe to cross, at least until 4:00 a.m. After that, they will return to their patrols."

"What happens if we don't return before 4:00 a.m.?" Audrey asked, her sharp tone cutting through the night air. Her gaze locked onto Jocelyn, who seemed to avoid making eye contact with her.

"If you miss the the deadline, you will have two options," Jocelyn explained, her voice steady but her eyes clouded with concern.