CHAPTER 14:THE ROAD BEYOND THE GATE

I didn't expect to be chosen.

My ankle was still healing. I hadn't sparred in three days. And I'd said nothing to anyone about the way my head spun every time I stood too fast.

But the list was posted by sunrise, and my name was there.

Fourth from the top.

SERA – Escort Unit 1

Departure: Mid-morning, North Gate

Assigned by: Crown Prince Valen Draeven

---

"You're going?" Kael blinked at me as we stood outside the mess hall. "Seriously?"

I nodded.

She whistled low. "Guess the prince really does have a thing for picking the broken ones."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not broken."

"Didn't say you were. Just… dented."

Her smirk softened when she added, "You good for this?"

I adjusted the brace Valen had given me. "I'll manage."

She didn't push. Just nodded and bumped her shoulder against mine.

"Well, don't die. You're the only one here who doesn't snore."

---

The caravan was smaller than I expected. Three wagons, two nobles, and half a dozen guards. No banners, no gold, no visible weapons.

This wasn't a show of power.

This was protection disguised as silence.

Valen stood near the front of the group, speaking with Duke Lucien. His coat was black with deep silver stitching, his sword sheathed neatly at his side. He didn't glance in my direction, but I felt his presence anyway.

Steady. Sharp. Cold.

When I approached, one of the officers stepped forward. "You'll ride with the second wagon. Stay close. Eyes forward. Speak only if spoken to."

I nodded.

But before I turned away, Valen finally looked at me.

Just one brief glance.

"You're here because I trust your restraint," he said. "Don't prove me wrong."

---

The roads beyond the northern gate were quieter than I remembered. Sparse trees. Wind that cut through the open space. The kind of quiet that made you nervous—not peaceful.

The wagons rolled steady for hours.

Nothing happened.

But something felt off.

---

Halfway through the journey, the lead scout raised his fist.

Everyone froze.

The tension hit instantly—like the whole forest took a breath and held it.

"Movement ahead," someone muttered. "Shadows near the ridge."

I shifted my grip on the hilt of my blade, ready.

Valen gave a single nod, and everyone moved in silence.

Calm. Controlled. Precise.

But I felt it again—that hum beneath my skin. Like we were being watched from too many angles.

Like danger was waiting for a signal.

And I knew, deep down—

This wasn't going to be simple.