Chapter 13
A Small Truth
The afternoon was overcast, and the spring rain bathed the world in vibrant shades of green. Through a forest of birch trees, their tender new shoots shimmering with raindrops, a powerful black steed thundered down the muddy path, its hooves churning up splashes of rainwater and earth with each stride.
On the horse’s back sat Vlad’s towering figure, urging the beast onward with a terrifying urgency. In his arms, cradled like a wisp of white in a monochrome world, was Liliette. Her skin was as pale as the birch trees lining the mountain path, the only contrast being the deep wine-red cloak draped over her shoulders. Vlad held her tightly, one arm wrapped firmly around her waist, the other skillfully maneuvering the reins.