Chapter 73: Cold Blessings
The church carriage rolled steadily over packed dirt, heading for a roadside chapel of the Luminous Matron where they planned to rest and resupply before pushing farther north.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was quiet but layered—each soul carried their own weight.
Hannah sat by the window, auburn hair tied back with a leather thong, her amber eyes half-lidded as she watched the trees blur past.
One hand rested lightly over the black-gold egg tucked beneath her tunic, its faint warmth a constant anchor.
Ren lay curled invisibly in her lap, tiny black scales pressed against her thigh, already bored and snarking inside her head.
Ugh, i don't like this place. Smells like old incense and cowards. Can we skip this? I want milk.
Hannah sighed silently, pushing back mentally.
Be quiet. We're here for Sister Mary. No trouble.
Trouble's fun. You're no fun.
Beside her, Sister Mary stared at her hands, her expression distant and worn.
