After everything they had been through, none of them objected.
Nearly a full day and night of running, fighting, and fear had pushed their bodies to the limit. Though exhaustion weighed heavily on them, this was not a place where they could afford to rest.
The four set off together toward the academy. With most of the monsters having joined the frenzy, the road ahead was eerily quiet. Not a single beast appeared, and the silence felt almost unreal after the chaos they had just escaped.
Meanwhile, far away, at the edge of the ravaged cliffs, a lone figure stood frozen.
Alder stared down into the abyss, his face drained of all color and his hands clenched tightly.
"Before leaving, His Highness had personally instructed me to protect the Princess Consort. For days, I had followed at a distance, guarding her in secret so as not to interfere with her trial."
Her performance had astonished him, and there had been no need for him to intervene.
Yet no one had expected a beast tide.
