The pale stretch of earth beneath them rippled faintly with light, not quite reflection, but not quite shadow either as though the land itself remembered every step that had ever crossed it. Each hoofprint sank too deep, swallowed too quickly, leaving no trace behind.
The soldiers rode in silence now, their formation tighter than before. Even the wind had turned strange and hollowed. It whispered in tones that rose and fell like sighs, carrying words that were not words.
"Is it just me, or does the air sound like it's breathing?" Maelon murmured behind them as he surveyed the birds on the tree branch. Their curious red eyes following the horses movement.
No one answered. Because they all heard it too.
Ilaria's gaze flicked toward the expanse, and the shimmer there wavered again, warping into a mirage that almost looked like a figure. For a heartbeat, she could swear she saw someone standing in the distance. It was tall and motionless, arms raised as though in greeting.
