Lanling couldn't shake off the lingering sense of dread, no matter how much he tried. He had thought he understood trauma. He had endured Ruki's absence for fourteen years and survived the torment of the Forge. But this felt different.
Something about what the werewolf Kael had said refused to leave him.
"You cannot kill those bound to Karsnath."
Lanling murmured the words between bites of the delicate floral pastries pressed against his lips. His sister had brought them, and though he had no interest in them, he couldn't bring himself to ignore her efforts. He could already picture the disappointment on her face if she found out he hadn't touched them.
At this moment, he was inside a carriage customized for the royal family, its design ensuring comfort no matter how long the journey. They were on their way to Yanlian, his sister riding ahead in a separate carriage leading the way.