The carriage slowed to a halt, after passing through the grand arch that marked the entrance to the capital city of Sahran.
As they approached, Claire felt a tension in her body, her heart beginning to beat faster.
Sahran looked stunning, but the warm, awe-inspiring feeling quickly turned to a piercing coldness—she was entering an unfamiliar place, full of danger and the eyes of those who could probe her at any moment.
Beside her, Ethan stared out to the entire city in front of him with an unwavering calm, but Claire knew that calm could change at any moment.
The crowd around them grew denser; people went about their business, as if living in a world far removed from the threat of execution she had just experienced.
The sounds of the marketplace echoed, the scent of incense and spices filled the air, creating an exotic atmosphere that stole her attention, but to Claire, every sound and movement felt like a looming threat.
