Chapter 41: The Road to the Hunt Begins

The convoy had been on the road for hours.

The air grew colder as they climbed into higher terrain, the forest thickening on either side. Moss-covered rocks dotted the ground like scattered teeth, and mist began to settle low across the roots of gnarled trees. The path was narrowing, more winding than before, but the carriages pressed on without delay.

Noel rested his chin against his knuckles, watching the canopy pass overhead through the small carriage window. It was a strange feeling, leaving the Thorne estate not for school, but for something entirely new. Different from the scripted life of the academy.

Here, the stage was wilder. Less predictable.

'This is where it begins. The next scenario.'

'The Beast Hunt.'