They left at dusk.
It wasn't just the Verdant Willow Sect. Word had spread too fast. Caravans were already lining up, small groups forming, pretending they weren't part of the same rush. Everyone had a reason. Escort duty. Trade. "Coincidence." Nobody said the truth out loud.
Althea walked with her hood up, simple coat, sword at her waist. She didn't look like an Earl anymore, but she still moved like one. People made space without knowing why.
Lucian stayed in the scholar look. Grey robes. Satchel. Glasses. Mild aura. He looked like someone you'd ignore until you realized the people around him were acting weird.
Elara stayed close, polite, careful, and just guarded enough to show she wasn't fooled by him.
Their sect leader walked ahead, not rushing, not lagging. Just letting the road accept her pace.
