The sky was just beginning to lighten when Adrian returned to the bell house. Storm was waiting at the door, tail lashing irritably.
"We're leaving," Adrian said.
Storm let out a low growl but didn't argue.
Adrian began packing immediately. He left behind a few spirit stones tucked beneath the shrine for the old woman, along with a short note.
They had shown him kindness. He would not repay it by inviting death to their doorstep.
By the time the sun broke the horizon, Adrian was already on the move—hood drawn, Storm perched on his shoulder.
He didn't take the main path. He moved east, toward the jagged spires of the Falling Mist Ridge.
Meanwhile – City Lord's Mansion, Stonehold
Julian slammed his hand against the map table, knocking over several jade slips. "They found him. And they let him go."
Bella didn't flinch. She simply stared at the message talisman hovering in the air between them, repeating the words of the scout.
