[Village of Sah'Rumeh — Night]
The village had fallen asleep beneath Vaelthor's moon; only the sound of crackling firewood and distant wolf howls remained awake beneath the cold desert night.
And inside the small wooden hut Levin remained awake, silently staring out through the small wooden window toward the pale moon hanging above the desert skies.
The warm blanket rested loosely around his shoulders. Moonlight spilled softly across his exhausted face, and despite finally escaping Zahryssar, his chest still felt unbearably heavy.
Near the clay stove, Lyresaph slept curled protectively against Asha's warm fur, both creatures breathing slowly and peacefully.
Perhaps for the very first time since escaping the empire, because, for now, their human was safe.
Then suddenly—
CREAAAKKK.
