driver being taken by surprise and ultimately dragged away.

Wilder's heart immediately jumped thirty beats per minute at the realization. He hopped down several stairs, looking left and right. There wasn't much nearby aside from some large stone blocks, some open storage tents, and the guardhouse fifty yards closer to the lake.

Wilder sniffed the air. Earthy dust. Sourness from the overly acidic lake, along with the underlying scents of minerals, growth and decay that accompanied most such bodies of still water.

And then followed the velvet, salty tang of blood.

Within the sanctuary, Ina perked up suddenly, startled as her heart leapt in her chest. There was no reason for it, unless she was having a panic attack.

Or perhaps it wasn't her heart she felt. She...

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