"Olivia… come here."
The moment Fruela loosened the rope from the woman's wrists, she rushed forward and pulled her daughter into her arms. The two clung to each other, trembling, their sobs breaking softly in the cold air.
Leon turned away, his voice calm and even. "Let's go."
He started walking out of the alley, his boots scraping lightly over the snow-coated stones. Fruela wiped her hands on her cloak and followed immediately, silent as ever.
But before they reached the street, a voice called after them.
"S-Sir… please, wait!"
Leon paused mid-step and turned slightly, his expression unreadable. "Hmm?"
The woman stood a few paces behind him, still holding her daughter close. Her eyes were red from crying, but she forced herself to speak clearly. "Sir… do you live around here?"
Leon regarded her quietly. "No. I live outside the kingdom."
