Dangerous Liaison

As emboldened village yet maintained protective vigil through gathering dusk, unease festered within Ethan's spirit like malignancy. Intuition stirred, urging gnarled paths' further exploration for answers shrouded in intricate lies.

Slipping beyond watchful borders unnoticed, he traversed moonwashed labyrinth by dead reckoning alone until materializing upon lawless docklands once more. If shadows yet festered undispelled, liberation's flame flickered in perpetual peril.

Approaching ramshackle tavern swelling with vice and secrecy, Ethan rapped thunderously upon splintered oak. A murder hole slid open, bloodshot glare scrutinizing before reluctantly granting passage. "Speak yer business, stranger."

Ethan addressed hulking doorman steadily. "I seek one who lingers where law holds no dominion. Alert Ganesh - justice's servant requires audience." After terse appraisal, a grunt ushered him inside gloom's dank embrace.

At private nook amid cacophony, thoughtful puffs coalesced into mist