The Crown Prince and the young maid returned once more to Peakfall, the eerie stillness of the place greeting them like an unwelcome memory.
They dismounted in silence.
The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it a strange chill that seemed to cling to the skin. Leonard turned to her, his sharp gaze softening ever so slightly as it settled on her face.
"I'm here, little fox," he said quietly, already sensing the unease coiling within her.
Dydra forced a small, nervous smile, though it did little to mask the fear flickering in her eyes.
She stepped forward.
The moment her foot crossed into Peakfall's boundary, her body went rigid.
A sharp breath left her lips.
Then—she collapsed.
But before she could hit the ground, Leonard was already moving.
He caught her effortlessly, his arm wrapping around her waist as he lowered her gently to the ground. Kneeling beside her, he studied her face with quiet intensity.
