Once he had finished trimming his hair, Cassian pushed the window open and slipped through it with barely a sound. The night welcomed him—cool, still, and stretched wide beneath a moon veiled by drifting clouds.
He landed lightly on the earth and straightened, his boots sinking slightly into the dirt path that wound away from the house. He walked with measured steps, Shadows clung to him as he moved, folding him into the darkness.
The bushes thinned as he went, replaced by open land and the quiet breath of fields resting under starlight.
He had not walked far before he heard a distant rhythm of hooves. His ears perked and the unmistakable sound of a carriage caught his ears.
Moments later, its silhouette emerged from the darkness, lanterns swaying faintly as it rolled along the road. Cassian stepped to the edge of the path and lifted a hand, waving in a silent request for it to stop. The coachman did not slow. The carriage continued past him, wheels grinding over stone and dirt as though he were no more than another shadow.
Cassian's eyes narrowed. He bent, scooped up a jugged stone and surged foward with a certain unnatural speed. As the carriage rumbled on, he slipped behind it and drove the stone in the spokes of the rear wheel and the impact was immediate.
Wood cracked sharply. The wheel jerked and the carriage lurched forward before grinding to a violent halt. The horses neighed in protest, hooves skidding as the coachman cursed and hauled on the reins.
As the carriage settled, Cassian stepped from the shadows and began to approach.
His gaze shifted to the carriage window, where two figures were visible through the glass—close together. A young couple, their silhouettes framed by lanternlight, frozen in startled stillness.
After a brief pause, Cassian moved closer and rapped his knuckles against the window.
It took a moment before the door opened and a man stepped out. He was human—well dressed, his coat finely cut, his boots polished despite the mud. There was a stiffness to his posture, the kind born of comfort and status, and fear flickered briefly across his face as his eyes met Cassian's dark gaze.
"Is there a problem sir?" the man asked, forcing calm into his voice, though his hand hovered uneasily near the carriage door behind him.
Cassian let a slow smile curve his lips, just enough for his fangs to peek through.
The man's eyes widened, his breath hitching as fear surged through him. Cassian's gaze slid past him, briefly settling on the woman inside the carriage. She sat stiffly, one hand resting protectively over the gentle swell of her belly.
"Where are you headed?" Cassian asked mildly.
"T-to the city," the man stammered. His heart thundered so loudly Cassian could hear it, could feel the panic vibrating through his veins. The woman's pulse was just as frantic.
Cassian had no intention of harming them. He only needed a ride. Using his speed now would drain what little strength he had regained—and that would mean more blood. He preferred to avoid that.
"What a coincidence," Cassian said lightly. "I'm heading there as well. I was hoping you could give me a ride."
The man opened his mouth, clearly preparing to refuse.
"I won't hurt you," Cassian added calmly, his fangs still visible, his voice low and deliberate.
Silence stretched between them.
Finally, the man swallowed and nodded once. "Y-you can sit up front," he said quickly. "Next to the coachman."
Cassian's brow lifted. "Up front? But there's a lot of space inside." He glanced at the open carriage behind him, then back at the man. "It's cold tonight. I've already been walking for hours. I'd hate to fall ill before reaching the city."
That excuse was a blatant lie and they both knew it. It was very rare for creatures of the night to fall ill but the man couldnt argue.
He tilted his head slightly, lowering his voice. "Besides, I promise I won't bite into your necks and drain you dry. You have my word."
The man hesitated, torn between terror and reason, before finally stepping aside. "Just… just get in," he said, waving weakly toward the carriage. "And please do not harm us."
Cassian inclined his head in mock gratitude, his smile fading as he climbed inside.
Cassian took a seat opposite the couple, and for most of the ride his gaze remained fixed on the window. The road stretched familiar beneath the moonlight—paths he had once walked freely, paths that should have led him back home. Instead, they had led him to a coffin and years of darkness.
His fists clenched slowly at the thought of betrayal. Of how someone who had suffered beside him had handed him over without hesitation. Buried him alive as though his life had meant nothing.
When he finally shifted his attention back to the carriage, he found the couple asleep. Their heads leaned toward one another, breaths slow and unaware. Careless, he thought. To sleep so soundly with a night creature sharing their space.
As the carriage rolled on, something else caught his attention—something he should have noticed long ago.
A folded letter was wedged between the seat and the carriage wall, its corner marked with a dark red seal. Cassian leaned forward, moving with deliberate quiet, and slid it free. He broke the seal with ease and unfolded the parchment.
His eyes narrowed as he read.
By Royal Decree of the Crown of Virelle
To all able-bodied men within the dominion of Virelle,
In light of the impending conflict and the growing threat beyond our borders, the Crown hereby commands your immediate service.
All men of suitable age and strength are ordered to present themselves at the designated military grounds within seven days of receipt of this notice. Attendance is mandatory. Failure to comply will be deemed an act of treason against the Crown and punished accordingly.
You are to undergo training and preparation for the coming war in defense of Virelle, its throne, and its people.
May loyalty be your shield and duty your honor.
Issued under the authority of
His Majesty, King Austine Leigh
Sealed and witnessed by the Royal Council.