The day stretched on, the sun hanging lazily in the sky, refusing to set.
The carriage had moved swiftly for hours, enchanted magic pushing it past towns, crowded markets, and busy roads.
But now, the carriage had slowed.
They had left the last village far behind. No more noise, no people just open roads and thickening trees on either side.
The path narrowed, winding deeper into the woods. Branches arched overhead, casting long shadows in the golden light.
The steady creak of wooden wheels mixed with the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on the dirt, soft and familiar.
Kaelith had stopped looking out the window. His eyes were half-closed, arms folded again and his mind remained restless.
Across from him, Caelum sat in silence, gaze blank as he stared ahead. His fingers tapped lightly on his knee, calm… too calm.
The horses began to slow, their magical boost fading. The carriage rocked gently now, settling into a natural pace.
It was quiet. Too quiet.
