It was already night by then, the moon hanging high above them like a silver crown, its glow spilling faintly over the quiet road. The air was cool, carrying the smell of grass and earth after the day's chaos.
All four of them were back on the road again, leaving Noah and the others behind to deal with the aftermath, for the job was done, for now.
But tonight, one of them was truly out of commission.
Cassius, who had carried the weight of fire, blood, and speeches earlier, was now nothing more than a weary man slumped against Skadi on her horse.
His arms were loosely wrapped around her waist, his head tilted forward, resting on her shoulder. His breathing was soft, steady, and clearly he had drifted into sleep, completely trusting her to carry him along.
Skadi was overjoyed. Her tail swished behind her in barely contained delight, her cheeks glowing as she giggled under her breath.
