CHAPTER 89: ALMOST TO DRAKEMIRE.

The clang of metal gates faded behind them as Ethan and his team followed Selene’s unit across the sunlit courtyard.

The fortress loomed in their wake, its white stone walls stark against a brilliant blue sky, banners snapping sharply overhead.

Outside, the knight stables bustled with squires preparing mounts for departure.

Horses pawed the ground, tossing their manes, while stablehands hustled about with bridles, saddle oil, and feed buckets.

The air smelled of hay, oiled leather, and the earthy musk of animals shifting restlessly in their stalls.

Selene conferred briefly with a stablehand, her silver hair catching the sun like spun metal. The young man dashed off and returned leading a series of sleek warhorses.

Each was a magnificent creature—broad-chested, muscular, and clad in light barding embossed with the sigil of the Swordmaster.

Reyna whistled appreciatively. "Look at these beauties. Bet one kick could knock a troll’s teeth out."

Liora arched a brow and sniffed the air delicately. "They smell... rustic."

Daniel reached out to pat one horse’s neck, then pulled his hand back quickly as it snorted and rolled its eyes. "And murderous."

Ethan couldn’t help a short laugh. "They’re horses, Daniel. Not ogres."

"Same thing when they step on your foot," Daniel grumbled, flexing his fingers as if remembering a traumatic stable incident.

Ethan swung up into the saddle of a jet-black stallion whose mane glistened like spilled ink. The animal shifted under him but settled quickly as Ethan adjusted the reins.

One by one, his teammates mounted as well, some with more grace than others. Reyna hopped on her horse as if she were leaping onto a battlefield, while Daniel scrambled up like he was climbing a cliff.

"Let’s move," Selene called, her voice carrying like a blade through the courtyard. She took the lead, Sir Kellan and Sir Corvin flanking her as they trotted toward the fortress gates.

Ethan’s group fell into place behind them, their horses’ hooves striking the cobblestones in perfect rhythm.

Soon, Duskwatch fell away behind them, replaced by winding roads threading through sun-dappled pine forests and rolling green hills.

Sunlight filtered through the branches overhead, casting shifting patterns across the path. The breeze smelled of pine and distant snowmelt.

For a time, the only sounds were birdsong and the gentle jingle of bridles. A hush of anticipation hung over them like the silence before a storm.

Daniel guided his horse closer to Ethan’s side. "So, uh... any idea what we oughta focus on first when we hit the Empire? Other than, ye know... not gettin’ stabbed?"

Ethan kept his eyes on the road ahead, his mind already spinning through possibilities. A fair question.

"I’m thinking information gathering. We stay quiet, observe, figure out which factions are moving where. And..." He lowered his voice. "We keep Reyna from throwing anyone through a wall."

Daniel made a noise halfway between a laugh and a groan. "Yeah... I was gonna say the same thing. We need to keep her... contained. She’s got the subtlety of a hammer in a glass shop."

Ethan shot him a dry look. "And Liora might be just as bad if she loses her temper."

Daniel glanced back at Liora, who rode a few paces behind them, looking for all the world like a queen on horseback.

She sat perfectly upright, hair immaculate, her eyes scanning the trees as though cataloging threats—or deciding whom to kill first.

"Point taken," Daniel muttered. "She’s scarier than Selene sometimes."

Ethan twisted in his saddle. "Liora."

She turned her crimson gaze on him. "Yes, Ethan?"

"I need you to stay within limits. Human presence only. Don’t let your noble vampire blood show. Not unless it’s a life-threatening situation. Understood?"

Liora let out a sigh so delicate it could have been mistaken for a breeze. "Don’t worry. I’ll behave. I won’t disappoint you." Her eyes narrowed faintly, the icy glimmer in them intensifying. "But stop mentioning it every five minutes. It’s becoming tedious. I used to be the one controlling people, Ethan. Now I have to answer to you every time I breathe. It’s... vexing."

Ethan gave a soft snort. Of course it’s vexing. She’s used to ruling entire courts and having mortals tremble at her feet.

"It’s not my fault I’m the one who brought you back to life," he shot back. "And gave you the ability to walk in the sun without bursting into flames."

A flicker of something like pride—and perhaps gratitude—crossed Liora’s pale face, quickly replaced by her usual cool mask. She turned her gaze forward, lips pressed into a thin line.

Daniel leaned closer to Ethan, whispering, "She’s definitely gonna murder you in your sleep one day, mate."

"Probably," Ethan muttered.

They rode in silence for several miles, the forest giving way to rockier terrain. Silver streams glimmered like ribbons through moss-covered stones, and the wind carried the cries of distant hawks circling above.

At some point, Ethan glanced over at Reyna. She sat unusually still in her saddle, one hand gripping the reins loosely, her fierce eyes distant as though watching battles only she could see.

That’s... new.

He frowned slightly. "Reyna. Why’re you so quiet today?"

She blinked as though pulled from a trance, then shrugged one big shoulder. "Nothin’ happened. I’m fine."

Ethan tilted his head. "Since when are you ’fine’ and quiet at the same time? What’s bothering you?"

Reyna’s jaw tightened. She stared straight ahead, refusing to meet his eyes. "Just... drop it, Ethan. I’m fine."

So that’s how it is... Ethan thought. Alright. Pushing her won’t help. Not yet.

He sighed, letting it go for now. "Okay. But if you want to talk, I’m here."

Reyna gave a short, silent nod, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. A muscle twitched in her cheek as though she were battling words she refused to say.

The group continued onward, the path now hugging a ridgeline where the wind whistled sharp and cool. Overhead, clouds raced across a sky turning pale with the approach of midday.

Rays of sunlight pierced the shifting cloud cover, scattering gold across the rugged landscape.

Sir Corvin’s deep voice finally drifted back from the front ranks. "We’re almost to Drakemire."

A spark of excitement lit Ethan’s chest, making his pulse quicken. Almost there, Vandelion. Wait for me. I’m gonna squeeze you for all the quests possible.

As they crested a final rise, the road curved away toward the horizon. And in the distance, dark peaks loomed like sleeping titans, their flanks veiled in wisps of pale steam.

Between those crags flickered glimmers of red-orange light—like fire breathing through the bones of ancient mountains. The faint scent of sulfur drifted on the wind, mingling with pine and cold stone.

Liora’s voice floated forward, softer than usual. "Drakemire... It’s been centuries since I set foot there. I wonder if the dragons will remember me."

Daniel looked like he was about to faint. "I... sincerely hope not."

Reyna finally cracked a grin, though it was small and fleeting. "I’d pay to watch Liora yell at a dragon."

Ethan couldn’t suppress a snort of laughter. This is going to be chaos. But it’s our chaos.

And with the distant glow of Drakemire growing closer, Ethan tightened his grip on the reins, feeling the weight of countless possibilities gathering on the horizon.