The morning sun had barely risen over Myrta when Adam's group gathered at the city gate. The carriage that would carry them toward the Demon Territory border was ready, pulled by two large horses that waited with practiced patience.
Seraphina's group had already boarded their own carriage. They would travel together until the crossroads, then split toward Melium.
Selena stood at the gate, flanked by a few of her guards.
Selena looked at him for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Take care of yourselves, Adam."
Adam let out a quiet chuckle. "If I have time, I'll visit. Don't let this city fall apart again."
Selena looked at him for a moment, then smiled, a smile more genuine than usual.
"This time, I'll be the one rebuilding it. And I promise I won't destroy it."
Adam nodded. "Good. If it falls apart again, it's not my fault."
"Of course it isn't," Selena replied lightly. "Because you won't be here to do it."
They exchanged a brief look, then Adam turned toward the carriage.
