The road had grown quieter as the afternoon deepened, the group spreading out slightly along the wide dirt path. Ignis walked far ahead, kicking stones and humming to herself, occasionally glancing back to make sure no one had fallen too far behind.
Lilith kept perfect pace with Adam, her steps silent, her crimson eyes constantly scanning the treeline out of old dungeon habit. Behind them, Seraphina led both horses with one hand while her other rested near her sword—ever watchful, ever tense. Elise walked beside her knight, cloak pulled tight against the cooling breeze, but her posture was straighter now, the curse's grip noticeably lighter in Adam's presence.
It was Elise who finally broke the comfortable silence, her voice carrying just far enough for everyone to hear.
"You've all been kind enough not to press me about my family," she said, a small, wry smile touching her lips. "But I think it's time you knew exactly who—and what—we're running from."
