The road was narrow and quiet, lined by tall, crooked trees whose branches reached overhead like bony fingers. They were no longer within the city's limits. The cobblestone had faded into packed dirt, and the lamps gave way to shadows. Insects hummed, and the night air carried the scent of moss and old bark.
Noah walked in front, his hands in his pockets, his posture relaxed. Cordelia followed a step behind, arms crossed, while Lys lagged a little, her eyes fixed on Noah's back.
He glanced around and smirked.
"This place… reminds you of something, doesn't it?" he asked without turning.
Cordelia rolled her eyes. "Yeah. Like that time we got ambushed by mercenaries. Except now we're the ones doing the ambushing."
Lys tilted her head, confused. "Eh? What are you talking about? Ambush? Her expression was bright, innocent—dangerously out of place.
Noah looked at Cordelia. Cordelia looked at Noah.
"We're just reminiscing," he said casually.
