Angel's POV
The first day of our journey back was surprisingly peaceful.
No attacks. No mysterious accidents. No arrows flying out of nowhere.
Just peaceful travel through muddy roads, with Merrick's additional warriors and supplies making everything feel more secure than our previous journey had been.
I rode between Uriel and Merrick - the twin brothers riding beside me like protective shields. Their presence should have felt suffocating, but instead it made me feel... safe.
Safer than I'd felt in my entire.
I'd asked Merrick about Harland discreetly that first morning.
"He decided you were safe enough with us," Merrick had replied. "Went on his way. Said he had other business to attend to."
The answer had left me feeling oddly sad.
Harland had traveled so far to find me, risked so much, and then just... left? Without even saying goodbye?
It seemed out of character for someone who'd been so determined to protect me.
