Chapter 11.

The carriage rattled onward into the night, its wheels grinding over uneven stone as the aftermath of the ambush settled heavily over its passengers. Celeste sat upright once more, her outward calm betraying the storm of thoughts racing through her mind. Edrick, ever vigilant, remained at her side, his hand still resting on his sword hilt as his eyes scanned the darkened forest beyond the window.

"We can't assume this is over," she said at last, her voice firm.

Edrick nodded, his jaw tight. "They were organized—too much for mere highwaymen. Someone's pulling their strings."

"Perhaps," Celeste replied, though her thoughts lingered on the bandit leader's parting words. *The shadows have long ears.* It wasn't just a warning—it was a statement of intent. Whoever was behind this, they had power, resources, and an agenda.