Chapter 168: Ridge-Road Lanterns and Three Loyal Shadows
---
Kent whispered, "We ghost out, keep Jade unburned."
They pivoted through a side arch. Auri fluttered overhead as a scout. Behind them, a barker shouted "Rare thunder-pumpkin mash!" Nima swerved, tempted, but Kent tugged her collar.
They popped up a different stair, burst into daylight behind the Dye-Works. Kent yanked off the beard, ripping three feathers and half of the glue. Nima unwound her scarf, coughing incense. Auri shook sooty residue, feathers restoring fiery sheen.
"He saw none of it," Nima giggled.
"Good. Jade can claim fat-scholar anonymity." Kent rubbed his reddened lip. "But we still need intel. Raka and Lumo should have scouted by now."
Kent and Nima traded a grin. "Back to spy work?" Nima asked.
"Back to spy work," Kent agreed, pocketing the last popcorn kernels.
