Reacting instinctively to Nana's taps on his skull, Ty pushed her away, a reflex born from his unique circumstances. Nana, taken by surprise, rolled off the bed with a minor yelp, landing on the ground beside him.
"Are you okay? Sorry, just a habit, I guess," Ty said, his skeletal voice tinged with a hint of weariness. Across the room, the sound of loud snoring filled the air, breaking the brief silence. They both glanced over to see Todd, sprawled across three tied-together racks, deeply asleep and oblivious to their exchange.
Nana, brushing herself off as she got back up, gestured for Ty to be quiet. "Shh, listen. What better time to investigate the capital than now? I heard that the King is here and taking charge. It's the perfect opportunity to do some digging, or at least try to."
Her eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and determination. "We have about five hours until sunrise, and then another hour before everyone starts waking up," she added, outlining their window of opportunity.
Ty, still shaking off the last vestiges of sleep, replied groggily, "Ugh, as long as we finish before then. I actually enjoy turning off the lights for a bit, you know." His comment, a reference to his need for rest even in his undead state, carried a touch of dry humor. your-chapter-source-NovelFire
Nana, with an air of efficiency, tossed Ty his attire. "Oh, I also cleaned your clothes. They had a bit of dirt and smell to them," she explained. "These black clothes of yours will help keep you hidden." Ty caught the clothes, noting the thoughtful gesture.
As he dressed, Ty couldn't help but notice Nana's change of attire. She was now clad in a skin-tight outfit that hugged her form, accentuating her figure with an X design across her chest. The outfit seemed both practical for stealth and somewhat out of character for her usual style.
"What exactly are you wearing?" Ty asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
They continued their journey, leaping nimbly through the area. The camp, with its tents arrayed in a giant circle, seemed almost peaceful under the night sky. As they approached the gates, they noticed two guards stationed at each entrance, their figures silhouetted against the flickering torchlight.
The guards, spotting Ty, paused for a moment but didn't question him. His presence had become a familiar and respected sight in the camp, a testament to his growing reputation and the trust he had earned.
As Ty and Nana moved discreetly past the guards, Nana leaned in and whispered, "You know, we could have knocked them out."
Ty glanced at her, a serious expression on his skeletal face. "Not needed right now. They still fully trust me," he replied. He then gestured to a mark on his arm, a hint of concern in his voice. "Besides, I've had this mark for a few months, and I don't want to risk accidentally triggering it. They won't even tell me what it does."
Nana nodded, understanding his caution. "Oh, I heard about those marks. Lady Amaris managed to talk them out of giving me one, considering I'm her daughter. Instead, she took the mark for three months. She didn't seem to mind, saying it's useless on her for some reason."
Before Ty could respond, the ground beneath them suddenly shook. The dirt and rocks on the road stirred, forming into something larger, more menacing. Teeth sprouted from what appeared to be two rocky eyes. Nana's voice trembled with a mix of fear and curiosity. "What is that?"
Ty, observing the emerging creature, replied swiftly, "I think it's some kind of rock monster."
An idea sparked in his mind, and he quickly added, "I have the perfect idea though." His voice carried a tone of resolve, indicating he had a plan to confront the unexpected threat.