The City at Night

The sun's golden radiance spilled over the streets of Memphis, dyeing the stone pavement a glimmering red-gold. The air was thick with the scents of incense and roasting meat. Ian strolled slowly through the marketplace, his gaze sweeping over the crowds while his ears caught every whispered word. He heard people discussing certain secrets of the city.

As he listened closely, Ian gathered some information.

Several men stood around a pottery stall, selecting jars as they spoke in hushed tones.

"Did you hear? Someone disappeared again last night."

"Yeah. That old carpenter from West Street. This morning, his neighbors found his door open, but he was gone."

"How many does that make? Three last month, and two more this month..."

"Some say it was that shadow near the temple."

"A shadow? Don't scare me... I passed the temple wall last night, and I really saw something leap over it. It looked... like a person, but not quite."

Ian slowly approached, pretending to inspect the pottery, though his ears were pricked straight up.

"Could it be thieves?"

"What thief would dare commit a crime near the temple? Besides, none of the missing people had anything stolen from their homes."

"Then what do you think it is? Ghosts? Or... divine punishment?"

Before the words had faded, one of them suddenly noticed Ian. His expression changed sharply, and he jabbed his companion with an elbow. The men immediately fell silent, warily studying this unfamiliar outsider.

"Shh—"

The sound cut off abruptly.

Everyone instantly closed their mouths, their eyes turning toward Ian in unison.

Their gazes held a mixture of caution, suspicion, and unease. Ian straightened and offered them a friendly smile. "Sorry, I'm lost. Could you tell me how to get to the Temple of the Sun?"

He stepped forward to ask them.