The black van sped away, leaving the ruins of the bandit camp far behind. Its heading was fixed to the west—toward the Wailing Forest. Toward Castle Zero. Toward home.
In the back seat, Loy's eyes began to flutter open. His body was still frail, his hands swollen, but he managed to sit upright against the upholstery. Beside him, Riri remained fast asleep, her breathing shallow and steady—the exhaustion of days without rest finally claiming her.
"Where… are we going?" Loy whispered. His voice was still raspy, but clearer than before. He squinted, his eyes struggling to adjust to the dim interior of the van.
Dayat stole a glance through the rearview mirror. Loy's face was ghastly pale, his eyes sunken, but there was something new there—awareness, curiosity, and a flicker of hope that hadn't quite dared to ignite.
"To a safe place," Dayat answered softly, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Kancil's home."
