Chapter 23: That Shapeshifter, Congenial

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Silenthawk led Yoka past the row of barracks, the private courtyard for team leaders and into the darkness gorged out of the mountain.

Master lived in a dwelling built into the mountain slope at the back of the mercenary base.

The single-storey house was wrapped on three sides by the mountain and separated from the rest of the base by a hidden forest trail and a disguised wooden gate.

An agent on guard duty appeared from the surrounding foliage when Silenthawk and Yoka approached.

He saluted to Silenthawk and opened the gate for him before disappearing into the darkness once more.

A dim lantern hung from the eaves of the porch.

Translucent shoji windows that glowed with warmth from the lit rooms within.

Silenthawk knocked the door and waited.

After a moment, Yoka made out footsteps and a gruff voice muttering vague curses.

Silenthawk heard it too and slid the door open without further ado. ‘Pardon the intrusion,’ he said perfunctorily as he strode into the main hall.

The interior was bigger than it looked from the outside.

An old man sat behind a low table, his face scowling, arms crossed over his chest in dissatisfaction.

‘I was about to sleep!’ he said. ‘What’s so urgent it can’t wait till morning?’

He gave Silenthawk a sullen look and glared at the informant that came with him.

Yoka looked up and was stunned to find herself staring into a pair of light-grey eyes just like her own.

[Read the full story at novelconbini.com!]