A low, thunderous roar rolled across the sky, deep and resonant, like the earth itself had groaned in warning. It sent a tremor through the air, rattling the wooden frame of the carriage.
Velren and Nico both snapped their heads upward, scanning the sky.
But there was nothing.
No shadow cutting through the clouds. No winged beast descending upon them. Only the vast expanse of blue, broken by wisps of drifting white.
The horses stirred restlessly, ears flicking back as if sensing something their riders could not. Nico's grip tightened on the reins. Then, with a sharp motion, he cracked the leather strap against the horses' backs.
"Hyah!"
The animals lurched forward, breaking into a hurried gallop as the carriage jolted beneath them. Velren barely caught himself before he was thrown off balance.
"Nico—"
"Don't talk! Just look up!" Nico barked, his usual easygoing tone was gone.
