The White Blade Beneath Crimson Eyes
She had only brought Akeno with her when she fled.
No guards.
No royal banners.
No imperial escort.
To avoid unnecessary trouble, Rias wore a veil over her face. Even so, her presence drew glances wherever she went. If her beauty were fully revealed, she doubted she would have left the restaurant in peace.
An hour later—
On a lonely plain where dry grass swayed under a bruised sky, her carriage came to a slow halt.
The wheels gave a tired creak before settling. The horses snorted uneasily, stamping their hooves as if the earth itself made them nervous.
The wind carried a faint metallic scent.
Not strong. Just enough to linger at the back of the throat.
Akeno stiffened first.
Her long purple hair lifted slightly in the breeze as she peered into the wasteland, fingers tightening around the hilt at her waist.
"I think we're in trouble, Princess…"
Her voice wasn't loud. It didn't need to be.
Rias pushed aside the curtain and leaned out.
