Ashtoria peeked from the shadows of a building, her eyes following the figures of Riven and Mira as they walked farther away. A small sense of relief settled in her chest when she saw that the man was conscious. Her gaze shifted to the woman slung over her shoulder like a lifeless sack. The woman's face was beautiful, adorned with flawless makeup, but beneath that beauty, there was a clear look of fear.
She wore a long, layered white gown that nearly brushed the floor, cinched at the waist with a belt. The inner tunic, a chemise made of linen, clung gently to her skin.
Ashtoria glanced back at the woman's face—frightened, but forcing a nod of obedience. For a moment, Ashtoria lowered her head, holding her breath, then spoke in a sharp, cold tone.
"Looks like I don't need you anymore."
The woman froze, seemingly unable to believe what she had just heard. Her expression, once tense, now twisted into visible panic.