The rhythmic clatter of carriage wheels and the soft thud of hooves echoed along the country road, flanked by golden trees shedding their leaves in the crisp autumn breeze.
Inside one of the carriages, a figure sat quietly, one hand gently holding another that rested on his shoulder. His other hand held the curtain slightly open, allowing him to watch the world passing by.
It was late afternoon, and the two carriages traveling in tandem were searching for an inn to settle at before nightfall. The air outside was cool, and the sky had started to blush with the colors of dusk.
Maverick sat near the window, his gaze drawn to the drifting leaves outside, their spiraling descent oddly soothing.
Beside him, Julius slept with his head resting against Maverick's shoulder, his breath soft, his body still.
Although Julius had awakened from his long slumber only days ago, he spent most daylight hours dozing off, stirring only after nightfall to feed from Maverick.
