Azael moved steadily through the quiet streets, his pace calm but purposeful as he drew closer to the Ignivar estate. The night had settled fully now, and the city that once bustled with life was unusually silent.
The aftermath of the chaos still lingered in the air. Smoke drifted faintly in the distance, and the scent of burned wood and stone had not yet faded.
Lanterns hung along the streets, casting dim golden light over the empty roads. The moon above shone softly, its pale glow stretching across rooftops and broken pathways alike.
His body still ached beneath his clothes, though far less than before. The wounds that had once threatened to end his life were now reduced to dull reminders hidden beneath bandages. His expression, however, remained composed.
Step.
Step.
Step.
Each footstep echoed faintly in the silence.
The a sudden shift in air. His instincts flared. Something moved faster towards him.
Before he could react, a figure appeared directly in front of him.
