In the dimly lit room perched atop an old, weathered building, the chiefmander, a figure of authority and precision, watched intently through the scope of his high-powered sniper rifle. His target had just wandered into view, and a moment of hesitation flickered in his eyes.


    What a predicament.


    Knocking on the door of a seemingly abandoned house, Percival called out with a tone cold as the night, "Anybody home? We seem to have lost our way and could really use a ss of water."


    As he spoke, his hand casually brushed against the pistol tucked in his belt. Vivienne, following closely behind, mirrored his actions.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Creeeak the door slowly opened, revealing a rugged man with sun-kissed skin and clothes that had seen better days. His face, though marked with traces of hardship, lit up with a warm, genuine smile at the sight of Vivienne and Percival.


    Percival was taken aback, not expecting anyone to actually answer. Subtly, he returned his weapon to its holster.


    Back in his vantage point, the chiefmander''s sharp gaze didn''t miss a beat. The moment he had spotted Vivienne, he had made a discreet call, ensuring her safety despite the tension that bubbled beneath the surface.


    If it were up to him, Vivienne wouldn''t have stood a chance. But orders were orders, and with a heavy sigh, he lowered his rifle, murmuring to himself, "Let them have their water, then send them on their way." The rugged man, now aware of his orders through the earpiece, chuckled softly, "You folks sure are a long way from home, huh? Let me get you that water."


    Percival and Vivienne nodded in thanks, their eyes scanning the interior of the modest home. It was a simple ce,cking in luxury but not in necessity.


    Pouring water into two disposable cups, the man handed them over. Percival took a sip, then asked, "Does every house around here have someone living in it? It''s broad daylight, yet the streets are deserted." The man paused, the voice in his ear guiding him. "Oh, everyone''s probably out working the fields, trying to make ends meet."


    Vivienne''s sharp gaze didn''t miss a beat, but they were yet to gather enough intel. Despite the lurking danger, it wasn''t time to leave. Percival, ying his part, inquired about the easiest way out of the vige, hinting at their intention to leave soon.


    The rugged man, feigning ignorance, suggested a route, iming it was the only one he knew due to his rare ventures out of the vige. Grateful, Percival promised to return the favor once their quest was sessful, a kindness the rugged man brushed off with augh.


    As they prepared to leave, Vivienne


    expressed a Curiosity in the local farming techniques, hoping to apply them to their own barrennds back home. Despite the evident risk, they were granted a brief tour of the of silence


    fields, under the condition


    to avoid disturbing the hardworking farmers.


    Following the man out, Percival and Vivienne took in the sights of the vige, noticing subtle differences in the houses that could easily be missed by an untrained eye. Led to the green fields, they were greeted by a sight of robust crops, a stark contrast to the barrennds they had passed. Yet, something felt off about the lush greenery. With a furrowed brow, Vivienne signaled to Percival, a silentmunication perfected over years.


    Acknowledging the rugged man with


    a nod, they made their way back, the weight of their discovery heavy between them. The mission was far from over, but for now, they had


    survived another day in this game of shadows and secrets.


    As they moved a fair distance from the fields, the man finally spoke up, "Now that I''ve shown you the crops, you better start looking for your folks soon. It''s going to be tougher to leave once it gets dark." Percival shed a slight smile, "Don''t worry, I''ll take my wife and leave right away. I''ve shown her the fields too, so hopefully, she won''t give me a hard time anymore."


    The man, fearing they might change


    their minds and decide to stay,


    turned to Vivienne and said, "You''re married now. Try to be more understanding of each other. It''s not easyt sy for your husband to take you searching for your rtives. Don''t always pick fights with him. You better get going."


    Vivienne curved her lips into a delicate smile at Percival without saying a word.


    Side by side, they left the vige under the watchful eyes of the sturdy man, whose expression turned grim the moment they were out of sight.