Demian's jaw tightened. His mind moved fast territories, borders, maps, magic. The words spun, then locked into place.
"That means…" he paused, then continued in a voice cold and certain, "…she has crossed beyond this territory."
Vedseel did not deny it.
Kaiser let out a long breath. "A caravan," he murmured, more to himself than to anyone else.
Demian stared ahead for several seconds, then his eyes hardened not with despair, but with a decision taking shape.
Leaving the territory meant the rules of magic changed. It meant his authority was no longer absolute. It meant Valerie had deliberately gone that far.
"She knew," Demian said suddenly, his voice low, heavy with restrained emotion. "She knew about my marriage. She knew what was happening… and she chose to go this far away."
Vedseel studied his face, then said quietly, "Or she chose a place where you could not reach her easily."
Kaiser turned toward Demian. "And you still intend to pull her back?"
