Enormous gray-black wings spread wide, blocking the light above. Nefarian arrested his descent, adjusted the angle of his wings slightly, and spiraled down on the air currents.
This was a private estate on the outskirts of Zellheim, the Royal Capital. There were no lavish decorations, only towering walls and dense vegetation. It was a good place to hide someone.
His hooves touched down, bending only a few clumps of wild grass. Two streams of scorching white vapor puffed from his nostrils as he snorted.
"We're here." Veylin swung down from the saddle and patted his mount's neck.
Xiao Lan remained on horseback. Her whole body was rigid, her hands clamped around the edges of the saddle until her knuckles turned pale. The headlong ride might not have been difficult for her, but to shield her from the wind, Veylin had held her against his chest almost the entire way-and that was rather more than the girl knew how to handle.
"Can't get down?" Veylin offered his hand.
Xiao Lan hesitated, then released her grip. The moment she landed, her knees buckled and she pitched forward. Veylin caught her around the waist and steadied her.
The old butler, who had just hurried outside, witnessed the entire scene.
The elderly gentleman stopped in his tracks, his tailcoat immaculate and his hair meticulously combed. He adjusted his monocle, let his gaze linger on their bodies pressed together for two seconds, then lowered his head. The corners of his mouth twitched outward with extraordinary restraint.
"Ahem. It seems the journey was... rather bumpy."
"Welcome to the Silent Retreat, Your Excellency." The butler bowed slightly, his tone as mild as if he were discussing the weather. "I am Sebastian. His Highness the Prince instructed me to await Count Klein here. His Highness has placed all