The night after the rogue attack was the longest night of their journey.
Nobody slept peacefully.
Even after the attackers had disappeared into the darkness, the memory of their sudden assault lingered in everyone's minds. The horses were restless, the children clung to their parents, and the adults remained alert, afraid that another group of rogues might emerge from the surrounding forest.
The instructors had warned them repeatedly to travel quickly and avoid wasting time on the road. Yet, over the previous two days, the group had stopped more often than necessary, indulging in leisurely meals, sightseeing, and unnecessary arguments.
Now, after experiencing a real attack, nobody felt like complaining about the instructors' strictness.
Lian An sat beside the dying campfire, watching the darkness beyond the trees.
Beside her, the Emperor sat quietly, his eyes occasionally moving toward her face to make sure she was all right.
