The ride to Eldhollow was quiet, the kind of stillness that stretched between storm and silence. The wind whispered as the carriages rolled forward in measured rhythm, the hooves of the horses clicking steadily across the cobbled bridge that led away from the town of Dunbrae.
The cool gray dawn broke slowly over the horizon, veiling the land in silver mist. Julian sat alone in the first Ravenshade carriage, his tall frame sprawled comfortably. Legs stretched, head reclined, his crimson-lined cloak unfastened at the neck, revealing the black shirt that clung to his chest like armor.
His eyes were open, yet distant.
The reunion had been as exhausting as expected—petty drama, blood games, strained tradition. But one figure remained vivid in his thoughts. His wildflower. A human who had unknowingly wrapped herself around his veins. He had shown her things no other had ever touched: softness, protection... perhaps affection.
