Bruce held the map up against the morning light, his brow furrowed deeply as his eyes traced the route marked in red ink.
The forested trail they'd just passed curved into a narrow valley and then widened again—right into the territory governed by House Adam.
The realization hit him like a sudden downpour. He glanced at Kyle.
"Uh… Young Master. The… next stop is Lord Adam's territory."
Bruce said hesitantly, his voice almost cracking.
There was a moment of stillness.
Kyle, still tending to his horse's saddle, looked up with a calm, utterly unreadable expression.
"Alright."
He said plainly.
That was it. No shift in tone, no narrowed eyes, not even a raised brow.
Bruce blinked.
"You… uh, remember who Lord Adam is, right?...or at least Lady Rose Adam?"
Kyle tilted his head faintly.
"I recall the name."
Bruce's heart dropped a little.
Melissa, however, seemed to recall more. Her eyes narrowed slightly as her tone turned razor-sharp.
