The golden afternoon sun draped the carriage in warm light as it rolled steadily down the dirt path, wheels crunching over dry leaves and scattered twigs. The forest around them had mellowed—no longer dense or threatening, just peaceful. Somewhere ahead, past the thinning trees and low stone walls, Ylthara waited. The road they followed curved through the hills like a ribbon unwinding slowly toward fate.
Kai sat beside Vepice on the front bench of the carriage, the reins held loosely in his gloved hands. The horses trotted at an even pace, calm and used to the routine. Vepice leaned slightly into his shoulder, her legs curled beneath her on the seat. The warmth of her presence was grounding, and for once, there was no looming threat.
No spells being flung, no monsters hiding in the trees.
Just wind and the faint sound of birds and other creatures.
It was rare.
A quiet moment.
That made her words feel heavier when they came.
