“I can’t believe we’re finally heading to Tirilla,” Liora said, her voice a mixture of anticipation and nerves as she stepped into the carriage. Its exterior was a sleek, dark ebony, contrasting sharply with the rich sapphire-blue drapes lining the interior. Plush blue cushions topped the long bench seats that stretched along both sides. She settled onto one, stretching with a sigh before nestling comfortably.

“I know,” I agreed, grateful for the unexpected comfort after our previous journeys. I chose the opposite bench, my gaze drawn to the inky pre-dawn darkness outside. “Any idea who’s driving first?”

“I’m really not—” Liora began, but the carriage door creaked open, revealing Finnian. I subtly shifted, hoping he might choose the seat beside her. He glanced at Liora. “Do you mind if I join you?”

“Not at all,” she replied, a touch too quickly, scooting closer to the far side to offer him ample space. She smoothed her palms against her trousers, a nervous habit I’d noticed. A small smile played on my lips; Liora’s feelings for him were an open secret to everyone but Finnian, it seemed. They began to murmur in quiet conversation, and I turned to the window, resting my head against the cool glass. The sunrise was beginning to paint the sky in breathtaking hues of soft pink and deep violet, a vibrant dance of color against the fading night. A gentle morning breeze rustled the leaves in the nearby trees, and the soft coo of a mourning dove drifted through the air. Please let this go okay, I thought to myself.

The carriage frame vibrated slightly as someone climbed into the driver’s seat. Moments later, the door beside me opened, and Noctis stood there, arms laden with papers and a quill. A faint, unexpected pang of disappointment tightened my chest. “Do you mind taking these?” Noctis asked.

I stood, taking the stack from him, and settled back down with the documents on my lap. He shut the door, the lock clicking firmly into place, then sat beside me, the scent of parchment and his own distinct, clean aroma filling the small space. “Good morning, everyone.” We all returned his greeting. “Could I have those back?”

I handed him the papers. “I’ll ride inside for the first leg,” he explained, already uncorking an inkwell. “I have some urgent correspondence to finish. Don’t mind me.” He began to read and write, the rhythmic scratch of his quill a counterpoint to the continued soft murmur of Finnian and Liora’s conversation.

The carriage lurched, then rolled softly forward, its wheels creaking once before settling into a smooth, rhythmic motion. This was a world away from the bone-jarring wagon we’d endured previously. My attention drifted back to the passing scenery, the gentle sway of the carriage a soothing lullaby, and my eyelids grew heavy.

The landscape unfolding in my mind’s eye was surreal. A vast expanse of emerald-green grass stretched out, dotted with wildflowers of impossible vibrancy. In the center lay a small, still lake, its water a clear, crystalline blue. Beside it stood a large, solitary tree, its leaves shimmering with an internal light. Leaning against its trunk, a woman sat with her eyes closed. She was dressed entirely in white, her long, sand-blonde hair framing a face of serene, almost unearthly beauty. Delicate gold bracelets, interwoven with fine white cloth, adorned both wrists.

Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing emerald-green eyes that mirrored the endless grass. Her skin, though pale, seemed to luminesce. “You’re finally here,” she said, and a bright, welcoming smile illuminated her face as she sat up straighter. “Come, sit with me.” Her voice was like music, graceful and compelling. Who is she? I don’t know her, I thought, yet an undeniable force drew me forward. I found myself sitting on the lush grass beside her, my gaze captivated by the crystal blue lake. “You must listen to me,” she urged, her voice suddenly laced with a desperate urgency. “I don’t know how much time we have. The darkness is coming, Lyra, and it won’t stop until it swallows everything. You need to… you need to wake up now! We are out of time!” she cried out, her voice echoing.

My eyes snapped open with a gasp. The concerned faces of Noctis, Liora, and Finnian swam into view.

“…What was that?” I mumbled, heart pounding, trying to shake off the vivid remnants of the dream. “I’m okay,” I reassured them, though my voice was shaky.

Just then, the carriage screeched to a violent halt, throwing us forward. Noctis’s hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword, his expression instantly hardening as he peered through a narrow gap in the drapes. “We’ve been surrounded,” he bit out. “They set a trap. They were waiting for us.”

“Stay inside until I say!” Adrix’s voice boomed from the driver’s seat, amplified by mana, the air around the carriage crackling with faint electric sparks. I was already reaching for my sword as Noctis unlatched the door. He flung it open and leaped out, a dark blur charging the closest assassin. A single, brutal swing of his blade, and the man crumpled.

“Lock the door!” Noctis yelled back. “Stay put!”

But Liora had already drawn the daggers I’d crafted for her, giving me a silent, determined nod. That was all the confirmation I needed. I turned and jumped out of the carriage, immediately spotting a figure moving to my left. An arrow whizzed towards me; I sliced it in half mid-air with a flick of my wrist. The assassin I was charging, wielding two daggers, met me with a flurry of steel. Our weapons clashed, ringing wildly in the sudden chaos. Keep him alive for questioning, I reminded myself, consciously trying to parry and aim for non-vital points. Suddenly, his attack faltered, and he collapsed to the ground, lifeless. What was that? Another arrow hurtled towards me. I spun left to dodge, scanning for its origin, and spotted an archer perched high in a distant tree. Another arrow was already nocked and aimed.

I dove, rolling as the arrow thudded into the carriage side. He’s next. Noctis was a whirlwind of steel, engaging several attackers, while Adrix, now off the driver’s box, was locked in a dazzling exchange of spells with what looked like mage assassins. I sprinted towards the archer’s tree, arrows whistling past my ears. Sheathing my sword, I drew my dagger. No time to climb. Within range, I hurled the dagger with all my strength. It struck the archer squarely in the shoulder. He screamed, a choked, agonized sound, then his body tumbled limply from the branches. That shouldn’t have killed him; I hit him in a non-vital point. Retrieving my dagger, I noticed a faint white foam around his mouth. Poison. A suicide tactic.

I raced back towards the others. Adrix had finished his fight; the enemy mages lay still. I drew my sword again. Noctis was now facing three attackers. “They’re using suicide poison!” I shouted. “Be careful!” As if on cue, all three of Noctis’s opponents suddenly collapsed, their bodies twitching once before going still. Not a single one remained alive to question. “Dang it,” I sighed, lowering my sword, frustration coiling in my gut. “We’re not getting any information from them.”

Noctis strode over, his breathing slightly heavy, his gaze intense as it swept over me. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, Noctis, I’m fine. Don’t worry.” His eyes remained locked on mine, a deep concern etched there, as if he feared I might simply dissolve.

“Lyra, can we—”

Adrix cleared his throat, a pointed sound that drew my attention. “We should probably check the bodies. See if they have any markings.”

Nodding, I knelt and carefully rolled up the black sleeve of a fallen assassin. On his wrist was a stark tattoo: a black crescent moon. I checked two more; each bore the same mark. Definitely a guild, I thought, walking back to Noctis and Adrix.

“Let me guess,” Adrix said, his tone laced with grim understanding. “Black crescent moon on the left wrist?”

“You’re correct.”

“Well, at least we know they belong to an assassin guild,” Noctis added, his brow furrowed in thought. “Though it’s not one I recognize.” The carriage door creaked open, and Liora and Finnian cautiously peeked out.

“Looks like you didn’t need your daggers after all,” I said to Liora, offering a small, reassuring smile.

She let out a shaky chuckle. “No, I think you three had it well in hand.”

“We aren’t going to get any more from this scene,” Noctis said, running a frustrated hand through his dark hair.

Liora asked tentatively, “Do you… uh, think that Kaelen fellow knows we made it out?”

“I’m sure he does by now,” I replied grimly. “And whoever he works for. Especially if it is the king.”

“So, he’s most likely the one who sent them?” she pressed, worry clouding her features.

Noctis nodded. “More than likely. Though if it was Kaelen, I’m surprised he sent assassins rather than more of those… creatures.” He paused, then turned to Adrix. “Do you mind if I take a turn driving?” His voice held a clear edge of tightly controlled anger.

“Be my guest, Duke,” Adrix replied with a mock theatrical bow, though his eyes were serious.

“Alright, wise guy, get in the carriage,” Noctis retorted, a flicker of his usual composure returning.

Finnian and Liora had already retreated inside. I noticed the two arrows still embedded in the carriage’s side and pulled them free. “These would look rather odd. We don’t want any more unwanted attention.” I climbed back into the carriage, Adrix following close behind. I settled into my previous spot. Liora sat quietly, peering over Finnian’s shoulder at the book he was engrossed in. Adrix gathered Noctis’s scattered papers, tucking them neatly under the seat before settling down beside me. He offered a small, tired smile. “Quite cozy in here, isn’t it?”

“I suppose so,” I replied, then added after a moment, “It’s certainly comfortable.”

The carriage creaked forward as Noctis took the reins, gradually settling into its steady rhythm. I became acutely aware of Adrix beside me. Was it my imagination, or had the space between us somehow shrunk? My heart gave a nervous flutter. It felt as though I could sense his every subtle movement, the almost imperceptible shift of his weight, the faint warmth radiating from his side. I tried to focus on the passing blur of trees, but the silence in the carriage was thick, pressing in. The only sounds were our soft, uneven breaths and the occasional, crisp rustle as Finnian turned a page.

Adrix leaned in slightly, his voice a low whisper that sent an unexpected shiver down my spine. “So, what has you so lost in thought?”

“Nothing really,” I managed, keeping my own voice low, very aware of Finnian and Liora nearby.

“That’s not true, Lyra,” he countered gently, his gaze intent. “Your brow is furrowed, and you’ve been staring out that window since we started moving again.”

I finally turned to face him. His face was mere inches from mine, his nearness sending a frantic rhythm through my heart. I… I didn’t know what to say. My eyes flickered to Liora, who was now openly watching us, a definite, knowing smirk playing on her lips. Please, Liora, say something, I pleaded silently.

“So,” Liora said then, drawing out the word with a playful lilt. Adrix, as if suddenly zapped by the awareness of their close proximity under Liora’s amused gaze, straightened up, creating a noticeable gap between us once more. Yet, despite the physical distance, the lingering warmth from his nearness still seemed to hum on my skin.

“Do you know anything more about the Capital, Adrix?” Liora asked, her tone casual but carrying an undercurrent, as if sensing the need to dispel the charged atmosphere.

Adrix shifted, his gaze flicking to Liora before settling somewhere in the middle distance. “Not much beyond what Noctis shared. It’s… changed.”

“Which is?” Liora prompted, her eyes now fully on Adrix, her curiosity seeming genuine. Finnian, though still holding his book, had paused his reading, his attention caught.

Adrix sighed, a hint of weariness in his voice. “People go missing there more often now. It’s not the safe haven it once was.” His eyes then locked onto Liora’s, his expression sobering. “And you absolutely cannot use your healing magic openly. We need to stick to our roles perfectly. Getting into the Capital is difficult; getting out can be even harder.”

“Okay,” she said, nodding slowly, her brow furrowed. “We haven’t even discussed how we plan to leave,” she added, a note of fresh worry in her voice.

“Noctis will handle it,” Adrix reassured her, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed his own eyes. “It’ll be slightly easier for him since he is nobility…” He paused, a shadow deepening his expression. “…At least, that’s how it should be.” He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “Also, the king has brought in his younger nephew. He’s essentially running things now, and it’s shifted everything we thought we knew. From what I hear, this nephew is… considerably worse than the current king.” The last words were spoken with a grimace.

“Ah, I remember the guild leader mentioning something about that,” I murmured, pieces of information slotting into place. A thought surfaced. “And there’s also the princess who’s fallen out of favor, right?”

“Yes,” Adrix confirmed, a hint of regret in his tone. “Princess Thalia. She would have been a far better choice for heir than this nephew.”

“That’s a shame,” Liora said with a sigh. “…Essentially, we’re walking into this completely blind,” she added, annoyance now clear in her voice.

“I suppose so,” I conceded, “but we needed to go to the suspected source of the trouble. I know you understand that, Liora.”

Finnian looked up from his book, deliberately flipping one more page before giving Liora his full attention. “Don’t worry so much. We’ve followed Noctis for how long now?”

“Years,” she replied, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

“And hasn’t he always led us wisely?” Finnian continued gently.

“Yes, he’s never led us wrong,” Liora admitted, a small smile touching her lips.

“Exactly,” Finnian affirmed. “Things won’t change. He won’t let anything happen to us, not if he can help it. And you know we don’t have another choice.”

The carriage rumbled to a halt, the sudden stillness causing us to shift slightly. Adrix reached over, unlocked the door, and pulled it open to reveal Noctis standing just outside, the fading daylight casting long shadows. “Alright,” Noctis announced, his voice carrying the weariness of a long day’s travel. “This is where we break for the night.”

Everyone else began to file out, stretching and murmuring. Just as I was about to step down, Noctis moved, subtly blocking the exit, his presence filling the small doorway. “Lyra, do you mind if we talk for a minute?” he asked, his eyes searching mine with an unreadable intensity, a silent question lingering in their depths.

I settled back onto the cushioned bench as Noctis climbed in and closed the carriage door behind him, the latch clicking softly, plunging the interior into dim twilight. He sat on the opposite bench, his gaze unwavering. “Lyra,” he began, his voice low and thoughtful, “I just wanted to check on you properly.”

“I’m fine, Noctis. Really. You don’t have to worry,” I replied, offering what I hoped was a reassuring half-smile.

“But I am worried about you,” he countered, his green eyes filled with something I couldn’t quite decipher – concern, yes, but perhaps something more. “We’re heading back to a place you’ve spent years avoiding. You always try to carry yourself as if nothing can touch you…” Why is he always so concerned about me? I’ve always managed on my own, I thought, a familiar prickle of defensiveness rising. He leaned in slightly.

My eyes flickered away, seeking any focal point other than his piercing gaze—the deep blue of the opposite cushion, the intricate carvings on the door frame. “It’s just… memories,” I said softly, my voice barely a whisper. “I’ll be fine.”

A hint of resignation touched Noctis’s features, as if he knew I wouldn’t elaborate further. “Okay… if you ever need to talk, you know—”

The carriage door unlatched with a sharp click and swung inward, revealing Adrix standing silhouetted against the evening sky. His jaw was tight, his expression unreadable in the dim light.

“Everything alright in here?” Adrix asked, his gaze flicking pointedly between Noctis and me, a subtle, hard edge to his tone. “We were wondering what was taking so long.”

“Yes,” I replied, standing quickly, eager to diffuse the suddenly charged atmosphere. “We just finished talking.” I moved towards the door, brushing past Adrix as I stepped out into the cool evening air. Noctis remained seated, his gaze now fixed on the carriage floor. “Are you coming?” I asked him over my shoulder.

“Yeah,” he replied, his voice a little distant. “I’ll… I’ll be right there.”