?Chapter 840:


    Though whispers and legends had painted pictures in my mind, nothingpared to finally standing here. My heart raced with childlike wonder, every fiber of my being yearning to dive into this mystical city’sbyrinthine streets and uncover its secrets.


    A sudden iron grip on my arm nearly sent me sprawling—it was Jett. Without exnation, he dragged me to a nearby vendor’s stall, hastily selecting a wide-brimmed hat, mask, and oversized sunsses before thrusting them into my hands.


    “What’s this for?” I asked, baffled by his urgency.


    “Don’t forget,” Jett whispered, his eyes darting cautiously around us, “this is still werewolf territory. Leonardo Reeves could have his men searching at any moment. We’d be sitting ducks without disguises.” As his keen eyes swept the surroundings, vignt as a hawk, I couldn’t help but marvel at his foresight.


    “You’ve really thought this through,” I conceded with newfound appreciation, chiding myself for my earlier naivety.


    Beneath my newly acquired disguise, my stomach chose that precise moment to voice its protests.


    Following the tantalizing aroma of local cuisine, we slipped into a quaint establishment tucked away in a quiet corner.


    Once settled in our seats, I seized the opportunity as our waiter approached with steaming dishes.


    “Pardon me, but might you know anything about this city and the werewolf forest?” I ventured carefully. The waiter’s face remained a mask of practiced indifference as he arranged our meal with mechanical precision before turning to leave.


    “Wait a minute,” I called out. Before he could retreat, I smoothly produced a handful of gleaming silver coins, letting them catch the light as I pressed them into his palm.


    The effect was instantaneous, like ice melting under the spring sun. His previously stoic features transformed into a warm smile as he eagerly pulled up a chair, words now flowing like honey.


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    “Miss, you couldn’t have asked a better soul!” he eximed, leaning in conspiratorially. “Our city stands at a crossroads of cultures, a delicious chaos of diversity. The wizards…”


    Used to slip through our streets like shadows, but since Beta Cody took the reins, order has prevailed.”


    The name “Beta Cody” struck me like lightning, sending a jolt through my system.


    Antoni’s father, Cody Harrison, was here!


    The waiter, oblivious to my internal turmoil, continued with infectious enthusiasm. “And you wouldn’t believe the drama between our mayor and Beta Cody! In public, they’re the picture of civility—all polished smiles and courteous nods. But behind closed doors? They’re constantly causing trouble for each other.”


    The waiter’s eyes danced with mischief as he gestured animatedly, clearly savoring each morsel of gossip he could share.


    But I had more pressing matters in mind. “That’s interesting, but what about the werewolf forest?” I cut in, leaning forward. “I’ve been fascinated by it since childhood.”


    His enthusiasm evaporated like morning dew. A forcedugh escaped his lips as his expression twisted ufortably. “The werewolf forest? That’s… not something we discuss lightly, miss. It houses our most dangerous criminals. Entry requires the mayor’s personal authorization.”


    His earlier warmth had cooled to cautious suspicion as he studied my face.


    “Word is,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, “some fool broke in recently. The ce is locked down tighter than ever now.”


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