As the massive doors groaned open, the world beyond them unfolded—and both boys froze.
Clean stone roads stretched neatly into the distance. Laughter drifted through the air. Villagers walked with straight backs and easy smiles, their clothes well-kept, their faces… relaxed.
It didn't feel real.
It felt like a painting.
A very expensive one.
"It's nice, right?" the soldier asked, grinning like he personally built the place.
Neither Damien nor Luke responded.
The soldier nodded anyway. "Yeah. Thought so."
Damien finally broke the silence. "Where's the job board?"
"Come with me," the guard said, waving lazily. "It's right by the gate. Oh—and just so you know, the village pays travellers thirty percent less."
"Of course they do," Luke muttered.