The clopping continued, the once-soothing ambiance of the sound now reduced to more of a headache in Oriana's head.
For some reason, it felt as though the ride was unending. The steady rhythm of hooves against the stony road echoed around the carriage, dull and persistent.
She looked through the window of the carriage, staring at the trees and bushes that lined both sides of the road. Their leaves rustled faintly as the carriage passed, and now and then sunlight slipped through the branches in brief flashes of gold… or was it orange?
Her eyes rose as she looked at the birds gliding through the sky.
She sighed softly.
Just as she removed her gaze to ask Layla a question…
PAKK!
Oriana's eyes snapped toward the sound as her body jerked upward. She flinched in response, taken aback by the sudden noise. The glass of the carriage shattered violently into pieces, the sharp crack echoing in the enclosed space like thunder.
