Margaret stood in the street, glaring at the empty herbal shop before her. The door was slightly ajar, creaking in the breeze as if mocking her arrival. Dust clung to the windows, and the faint scent of dried herbs still lingered in the air. It was clear the place had been abandoned for some time.
“Where are they?” Margaret muttered under her breath, her voice dripping with frustration.
Her assistant, a wiry man named Tobias, stood a few steps behind her, wringing his hands nervously. “We searched the entire village, ma’am. The shop has been empty for at least a couple of weeks, possibly longer. The house nearby is in the same state.
Margaret’s eyes narrowed. She knew better than to take this at face value. This village-this herbal shop - was hiding something. She could feel it. The pro
