By the time the tall walls of Valerius came into view, the mood inside the carriage had changed again. The road widened into a busy path filled with travelers, merchants, and carts all heading toward the same destination. The city stood ahead like a giant block of stone, its high walls stretching far to both sides, with banners hanging from the towers. Guards moved along the top, watching everything below.
Liam leaned forward, eyes wide. "That's… big."
"It's a city," Maya said. "What did you expect?"
"Not this big."
Dory didn't say anything. He was watching the gates.
'…Too many eyes…'
The closer they got, the clearer everything became. The main gate was crowded. Merchants lined up with their goods, guards checking carts one by one. Some people were turned back. Others were stopped and questioned for longer.
Sirene shifted slightly in her seat.
"I won't be going through the gate like this."
Everyone looked at her.
"What do you mean?" Lola asked.
