[Leif's POV — Raventon Outskirts—Morning Mist]
The sky blurred beneath Zephyy's wings—blue, silver, then white as we cut through morning clouds. Raventon's forests stretched below like a dark, tangled sea. Beautiful. Haunted. Older than any kingdom drawn on a map.
Cold wind bit my cheeks. I didn't mind.
Cold was better than feeling anything warm right now.
"Master!" Zephyy's voice echoed in my head as he circled down. "We're close! I can sense the spirits already—they're watching us!"
"Please do not antagonize them," I muttered.
"I would never!" he said, offended. Then added smugly, "Unless they start it first."
I sighed.
We landed by the outer camp, where the knights had already set up a temporary post. Banners fluttered. Horses stamped their hooves nervously—they always reacted to Zephyy's aura.
Sir Cedric, tall and well-mannered, stepped forward.
He bowed.
