The group wasted no time after the response. As soon as the first vampire turned, the others followed with almost perfect precision, as if they all shared the same internal rhythm, the same sense of direction, the same silent reading of their surroundings. There was no need for words between them, nor visible signals—just coordinated movement, too natural to be rehearsed.
They advanced along the darkened road without looking back.
But they weren't ignoring Kael.
They were trusting that he would come.
The carriage remained still for only a few seconds after they departed, as if the world itself were awaiting the final decision, but then the coachman, noticing Kael's earlier gesture, gently pulled the reins, and the horses began to move again, still reluctant, still uncomfortable, but obedient.
The wheels creaked softly against the uneven terrain as they followed behind the vampires.
The distance between them was calculated.
Not too close.
