*~Author's POV ~*
The carriage moved slowly along the worn forest path. Inside, Aurora sat upright, flipping through a spellbook as glowing runes danced at her fingertips. Hazel sat beside her, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder, offering silent comfort. Though the ride was calm, tension clung to the air like mist.
Behind them Blue moon wolfs stationed there to ensure Hazel's safety. Just as Elder O'Brien had ordered, she was being moved from the High House—supposedly for her own good. The Council had agreed. Hazel hadn't.
And maybe… they were all wrong.
The carriage gave a sudden jolt.
A sharp thud echoed beneath the wheels, and the driver cursed as the horses neighed, rearing slightly. Aurora's spell flickered out.
"What was that?" she muttered, snapping her book shut.
The driver twisted in his seat. "A rock, I think. I'll check." He hopped down and approached the obstruction cautiously.
Then—whizz!
