The carriage stopped immediately on command.
The sudden halt made the wheels creak softly against the dirt road, and the movement inside the carriage stilled at once.
Aire's fingers trembled slightly where they rested on the door handle.
She pushed the door open before the footman could reach for it. The door gave way under her hand, and cool air rushed in at once, brushing against her face and slipping into her lungs.
The footman stepped forward quickly, his hand extended to assist her down.
Aire did not take it.
She simply stepped down on her own. Her feet met the ground firmly, even if her heartbeat had begun to rise.
Behind her, Mabel stepped out of the carriage, graceful and effortless.
Her movements were smooth, controlled and so precise that it almost felt practiced. Which it was.
Her movements were like she belonged in the position Aire had just stepped into. Like she was the Luna.
Aire did not look at her.
