The Broker
Author: Ethereal Ink
last update2025-03-31 17:13:53

Roman and Kade staggered into a rocky outcrop, hidden beneath the jagged peaks. Their breaths came out in ragged puffs, as the adrenaline from their escape ran in their veins. Dust and debris clung to their clothes, and Kade’s left sleeve was torn where he’d barely dodged a blade.

The mercenaries had caught up with them while they were driving and had blocked them upfront. They had to ditch the car and run after getting the tires blown out. They followed a path that was too narrow for cars to drive on, and before the group could mobilise themselves for foot pursuit, they finally escaped.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Just the sound of their heavy breathing and the distant howl of the wind filled the silence. Then, Kade let out a sharp laugh — half exhilarated, half incredulous.

“That,” he gasped, dragging a hand down his face, “was insane.”

Roman sat on a boulder, exhaling slowly. He was still holding the herb they had risked their lives to retrieve, the small bundle of l
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