Kael pushed the back door open, the hinges groaning under the weight. The room was modest, clearly someone's living quarters: an unmade bed pressed against one wall, a small wooden table with a chipped mug, and a few personal belongings scattered about.
On the table, a map of the city lay unrolled, circles drawn in thick red ink over guard posts, supply routes, and even the palace gates. Someone had been planning carefully.
"I think this is bigger than just the girl," Kael said, his eyes sweeping over the maps.
Suddenly, a faint noise came from behind a small wooden door at the back of the shop. They both froze.
Kael sprang forward, throwing the door open. Inside, a small girl sat curled up on the floor, her tear-streaked eyes wide with fear and confusion as she hugged herself tightly.
Jasmine reacted immediately, moving past him without a second thought.
She crouched beside the child, her touch soft as she gently brushed back damp strands of hair from the girl's face.
