That same night, they abandoned their efforts and returned to Bivestone. By the time the cottage came into view, the first rays of dawn had already begun creeping across the horizon.
Exhaustion weighed heavily on Dydra's body.
When they reached the cottage, they found a man standing outside the door as though he had been waiting for their return.
Leonard's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Go inside, little fox," he said.
Too tired to question him, Dydra obeyed and slipped into the cottage.
Outside, the man immediately bowed.
"Good morning, sire."
Leonard acknowledged the greeting with a brief nod.
"I come bearing a letter from Princess Lannae."
The messenger withdrew a sealed letter from his coat and handed it over.
Leonard broke the seal and read the contents.
His expression did not change once.
Not a flicker.
Not a twitch.
When he finished, he crumpled the letter in one hand.
