Flinch

~ ZARA ~

Our trip back to the castle seemed to take forever. When I commented, Agatha just shrugged.

"We have to make certain that David is seen back at the Palace far before we arrive, to lessen any chance that someone might make the connection, though I very much doubt there will be concerns. The nobles are so suspicious they look constantly over their shoulders for specters where they do not exist—and miss the true ghouls that stand before them."

That was a… morbid way of looking at it. But I saw what she meant.

I dozed for much of the trip in the carriage, the swaying and creaking, lulling me into a drowsy stupor, but Agatha gripped my arm when we rolled into the City.

The rings of guards had tightened around the carriage, leaving no space. But there were children running alongside them, and citizens stopping at the sides of the street to watch us pass.