They didn't rush after leaving the stream.
No one chased them.
No one called out.
Behind them, the small group stayed where they were—still talking, still deciding.
Lira felt something settle inside her chest.
"That's it," she said quietly.
"That's what changes things."
Kael felt it too.
Not movement. Not defiance.
Decision.
The Seer walked a few steps behind them, thoughtful.
"The Empire trained people to wait," he said.
"For orders. For permission. For relief."
Sera frowned.
"And now there's nothing to wait for."
"Yes," the Seer replied.
"And that frightens some people more than control."
They moved into higher ground as the day warmed.
The path narrowed, then widened again, never forcing them one way or another.
Lira noticed how different it felt from before.
No pressure to choose fast.
No fear of choosing wrong.
"Kael… do you remember when every turn felt dangerous?"
He did.
Now they just feel open.
They stopped near a ridge where wind moved through tall grass in slow waves.
From there, the land stretched wide and quiet.
Jon sat down heavily.
"I don't feel hunted anymore," he said.
"But I don't feel safe either."
Lira nodded.
"That's because safety isn't something given," she said.
"It's something you build."
Kael felt the truth of it.
And it takes time.
The Seer looked toward the horizon.
"The heir's power depended on momentum," he said.
"Now momentum belongs to no one."
Lira closed her eyes for a moment.
She didn't reach outward.
She didn't listen for threats.
She simply stood still.
And felt it.
Not bonds calling.
Not fear spreading.
People choosing.
Slowly.
Quietly.
When she opened her eyes, she smiled faintly.
"We don't need to go everywhere," she said.
"Just where choice hasn't learned to stand yet."
Kael took her hand.
Then we keep walking.
They moved on as the sun dipped lower.
No banners marked their path.
No orders followed.
But behind them.
Waiting was ending.
And ahead of them—
The road was no longer something to escape on.
It was something to walk.
Together.