Veylan leaned in, voice low and steady.

  “But listen carefully,” he said.

  “I cannot escort you.

  I cannot send soldiers.

  Ardent law forbids movement after dusk.”

  Ashren’s jaw tightened.

  “Then I’ll go alone.”

  Veylan exhaled quietly through his nose.

  “I know. That’s why I won’t try to stop you.”

  He turned to the guard beside him.

  “Bring my horse.”

  The guard blinked, startled.

  “Sir… your horse? But—”

  “Now.”

  The guard obeyed immediately, sprinting toward the stables.

  Ashren stared, breath unsteady.

  “You’re giving me a horse?”

  “Not giving,” Veylan corrected.

  “Borrowing. She’s fast, trained for emergencies.

  Without her, you will lose the Hunters within minutes.”

  Ashren swallowed hard.

  This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “…Thank you. I owe you.”

  “You owe me nothing,” Veylan said softly.

  “Just bring her back alive.”

  The guard returned, leading a sleek dark-gray mare—small, built for speed rather than battle, its eyes sharp and alert.

  Ashren blinked.

  “…I don’t really know how to ride.”

  For the first time, Veylan’s lips curved faintly.

  “She does most of the work.

  You just hold on and try not to fall.”

  Ashren climbed into the saddle—awkward but determined.

  Veylan reached into his cloak and produced a faintly glowing blue crystal pendant. It pulsed softly, like a heartbeat.

  Ashren frowned.

  “What’s this?”

  “A wardstone,” Veylan said.

  “A basic charm from the old Ardanel Knight Academy.”

  He fastened it around Ashren’s neck.

  “It won’t save you from everything…

  but it will trick weak night-creatures into sensing you as one of their own.”

  Ashren’s eyes widened.

  “And stronger ones?”

  Veylan’s voice hardened.

  “If something powerful senses you…

  the stone will flare bright and shatter.”

  Ashren tightened his grip on the reins.

  “And if it shatters?”

  “RUN,” Veylan said.

  “Do not fight. Do not hesitate.

  Just run.”

  Ashren nodded firmly.

  Veylan placed one hand on the horse’s flank and met his gaze.

  “Ashren…”

  Ashren leaned in.

  “Do not leave the road.

  Not for ANY reason.

  One step into the forest at night…

  and nothing in this world will bring you back.”

  Ashren’s throat tightened, but he didn’t waver.

  “I understand.”

  Veylan stepped back.

  “Then go.”

  Ashren snapped the reins.

  The mare lunged forward—

  hooves pounding past the gate,

  out into the dimming light,

  chasing the fading trail the Night Hunters left behind.

  The sun’s last rays brushed his back as he vanished down the road.

  Sir Veylan stood silently at the gate.

  “…May the gods shield your path, boy.”

  To be continued…

  ?? If you’re enjoying the story, please Follow or Favorite — it really helps!