A few hours earlier...
far from the battlefield...
A carriage moved at high speed along a road that led toward the border between the Riverdale Empire and the Aurelia province of the Holy Sun. The wheels rolled steadily across the uneven path, while the horses pulled it forward without slowing down.
Inside the carriage, three individuals sat together.
Maris, Samantha, and Dereck occupied the space, each carrying their own thoughts. Maris had been assigned to make sure they remained alright, though William knew Aunt Samantha would be alright on her own once her curse was removed.
Since the moment they had boarded, Samantha had remained silent. She had not spoken much, and her attention seemed distant, as if she were deeply engaged in her own concerns.
A soft sound broke the quiet atmosphere.
"Sigh."
Dereck, her son, let out another breath of frustration.
