The gentle sway of the carriage and the rhythmic steps of the tigers pulling it created a soothing cadence that lulled Ilyrana into a peaceful slumber. Her head rested against the inner wall of the carriage, her breathing soft and steady. It seemed she was the type to easily drift off when the world rocked around her, the motion of the ride cradling her like a lullaby. Luke glanced back at her, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched her sleep, the usual alertness in her demeanour now softened in the quiet of the moment.
Up front, beside Rhys, Luke settled into the ride, his thoughts only occasionally drifting to his leg, which throbbed faintly beneath its cast. He didn't dwell on it, though. Instead, his attention returned to Rhys, who had been uncharacteristically quiet for the last stretch of their journey. Finally, after a few minutes of silence, Rhys cleared his throat and spoke, his voice low and a bit hesitant.
