Reason

A tense silence continued to press upon the air, unyielding, even as the turmoil had seemingly settled. The Beast of Burden galloped forward, its strides measured and heavy, each hoofbeat echoing against the cold earth.

They were closer to the forest's edge than ever before. The boundary loomed ahead, no longer a distant threshold but an inevitability, waiting to be breached—by the relentless pace of their powerful mount and the clawing light of Twilight rising subtly beyond the horizon.

Northern, however, gave no heed to the quiet beauty unraveling before them. His arms rested behind his head, eyes closed, his entire posture exuding an air of disinterest.

Seemingly frustrated.

But his frustration ran deeper than what had transpired with the travelers. Deeper than Roma's hesitant, uncertain gaze upon him.