The market lights slowly faded behind them as the carriage rolled forward.
The laughter.
The warmth.
The noise—
All of it softened into distant echoes.
Inside the carriage, a calm silence settled.
For the first time since they stepped out—
Everything felt still.
—
Lian Hua leaned back against the cushioned seat, holding a small bag of snacks.
"I'm tired…"
"You ate too much," Lian Rou replied flatly.
"I needed energy."
"For what?"
"For walking."
"…Unbelievable."
Chen Ruyi covered her mouth, laughing softly.
"You two are always like this?"
Lian An smiled faintly.
"Yes."
"Since childhood."
Lian Hua turned toward Chen Ruyi.
"You'll get used to it."
Chen Ruyi nodded gently.
"I think I already am."
—
Outside—
The streets became quieter.
Shops thinned out.
Lanterns grew fewer.
Soon, the carriage moved into a more isolated road.
The air felt colder.
The soft rhythm of hooves echoed more clearly now.
Lian An's gaze shifted slightly.
Something—
Felt off.
