Seraphine's POV
The pine forest released us all at once. After the muffled carpet of needles, the wheels rattled sharply on stone. The horses’ hooves struck against cobblestones, and the resin-heavy air of the Soot-Pines faded into the clean scent of limestone, forge-smoke, and boiled soup. Through the opening of the tarp I caught glimpses of white-grey walls, banners, a water trough, and a gate guard straightening as the carriage passed under the arch.
Cassian rode ahead, exchanged a silent sign with the guards, then motioned for the driver to stop. The carriage rocked gently. I held my breath as pain tugged at my newly wrapped side. Darius sat across from me, still holding my wrist—our agreed-upon signal. His thumb moved in slow circles over my tendons, keeping my breathing steady.
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