Sebastian arrived before the sun had shifted past its highest point. The estate courtyard was still bright, servants moving about with stiff shoulders, as if the air itself was uneasy.
He dismounted and handed his reins to a stable boy before striding inside. When he reached the study, he knocked once.
"Come in.." Meical said.
Sebastian entered, bowing slightly.
"Our men already departed for Lucine at dawn. If we leave now, we'll meet them by nightfall. Are you prepared, Your Grace?"
Meical closed the folder on his desk. He hadn't read a single line of it. His expression was steady, but his jaw was set too tight.
"Yes. We move now.."
No one needed to mention why they had waited until now to depart. The absence of Kaizar's presence in the estate said enough.
They stepped into the entrance hall, where Vanadis and Odysseus were waiting. Serin was behind them, arms crossed, gaze lowered.
Vanadis straightened immediately.
"Master. Allow me to accompany you. I can.."
