In Jonas City,
from the mouth of the alley to its depths, Cole moved forward step by step, squatting at each pace, feeling the ground inch by inch.
The grime of brick and stone gradually smeared his palms, and a thin sheen of sweat seeped out at his temples, drawn tight in concentration.
Even the chill of this overcast day was partially dispelled by such ruthless focus.
The alley was terrifyingly silent; only the faint sound of his fingertips rubbing over brick and stone drifted and echoed in the empty stillness.
At this moment, the whole of Jonas City lay deathly quiet; even the usual raucous birdsong had vanished without a trace.
As though this sudden upheaval had dragged the entire city into a soundless cage.
Cole's heart felt leaden; Yor's unexplained disappearance was anything but accidental.
This alley that seemed so ordinary must surely conceal some still-undiscovered strangeness.
