The day stretched long. Snow thickened, wind cutting harder the lower they went, funneling through the canyon like knives. Lucen lost track of hours, only the ache in his legs and the weight in his chest marking the passage of time.
When they finally stopped, the sky above was dim with late light, streaked purple and gray.
They found a ledge overlooking the frozen plains that stretched all the way back toward civilization. Lights twinkled faint in the far distance, so far they looked like stars fallen to earth.
Lucen leaned on the stone rail, exhaling. "Almost looks peaceful from here."
Selindra crossed her arms, eyes fixed on the horizon. "Peace doesn't last. Not with what you're carrying."
Lucen shot her a grin, voice light. "You really know how to sweet-talk a guy."
Her expression didn't change.
Varik stood behind them, scanning the plains below. Silent as ever. Watching. Waiting.
Lucen turned back to the lights in the distance, his grin fading slightly.
