[Ace's POV]
The wagon wheels creaked rhythmically against the dirt road as we put distance between ourselves and Thunoa Village. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across our path, the golden light filtering through the dense foliage lining the roadside. Philip's sudden voice broke the silence—sharp, deliberate, as if he'd been gathering himself to speak for some time.
"Prince Ace, Prince Ray." he began, his fingers tightened around the wagon's edge, knuckles whitening. "I need you to trust me now. Let me properly introduce myself."
I turned sharply, the wooden seat groaning beneath me. "What are you talking about?" My voice came out rougher than intended, edged with suspicion. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ray shifted slightly, his gaze now fully fixated on Philip, curiosity etched on his face.
