Every crate, satchel, and false panel was ripped apart, and still—no sign of Luther. No lingering trace of arcane residue, no footprints, no scent for the hounds to catch. If he'd escaped via the convoy, he was either a ghost… or long gone.
When the final cart was cleared and the results reported, Alderic turned back to Evelina. "We'll proceed, then. But be warned—if we discover you've used this as a pretense to harass my family or delay our return, there will be consequences."
"I understand," Evelina said, bowing low.
With that, the convoy slowly resumed its journey, the wheels creaking and the air buzzing with unease.
Seraphina lingered, casting one last look toward Jasper. "You didn't have to admit to all that."
He shrugged. "You'd have done the same for me."
She gave a ghost of a smile, then turned and walked briskly toward the front, falling into pace beside her brother, who was still muttering under his breath.
