The sun had begun its slow descent toward late noon, casting long, thin shadows along the road. Heat shimmered off the stone path, and the air felt heavy, pressing down as the carriage rode steadily forward.
With every passing mile toward House Greyson, the weight in Lillia’s chest grew tighter.
“Not long now, my lady,” Maera said softly. “Will will arrive very soon.”
Lillia did not respond, her unfocused gaze remained fixed on the distance, her thoughts trapped elsewhere.
Kyla. Selene.
What was being done to them? What had already been done? Kyla’s childish banters flashed through her mind, her familiar laughter bright and careless, and Lillia’s nails dug into her palm.
“How did you escape?” She turned sharply, her sudden movements startling Maera.
“They did not come for me,”
