Even from a distance, he could feel their presence—burning, untamed, and wild like a raging fire. Their aura wasn't concealed in the slightest, as if they wanted to make a statement before even speaking a word.
Nora inhaled sharply beside Jolthar, her fingers twitching.
Roblan remained quiet, but Jolthar could see the tension in his stance.
Jolthar, however, didn't even flinch.
Those riders came to a halt before them.
The man at the forefront dismounted with a fluid grace, his boots hitting the ground with a soft thud. He was tall, with sharp features and piercing eyes that seemed to take in everything at once. His hair, a dark shade of auburn, was tied back in a neat queue, and his posture exuded authority.
He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Jolthar, Nora, and Roblan before he spoke.
"I am Alden Veyra, envoy of the Ministry of Finance," he announced, his voice carrying the weight of someone accustomed to being obeyed.
