We left at dawn, the sky still painted in shades of grey and pale orange as the sun struggled over the horizon.
Victor had been waiting by the carriage when I arrived, his expression dark and promising violence.
He'd dismissed the driver immediately, apparently we were riding on horseback instead. Faster, more direct, and conveniently isolated from witnesses.
"Let me be clear," Victor said as I climbed onto the horse they'd prepared for me. "I'm going to beat you to shit for that stunt you pulled with Cedric."
I adjusted my grip on the reins, keeping my expression neutral. "Okay."
"Okay?" He raised an eyebrow. "That's all you have to say?"
"What else is there to say? You're going to do what you're going to do." I met his eyes steadily. "I'm ready when you are."
We'll see how that goes.
Victor's jaw tightened, clearly unsatisfied with my lack of reaction. But he didn't press further, just spurred his horse forward.
I followed, settling into the rhythm of travel.
