The southern road became narrower as June Astral and Lucas de Hein continued their journey.
Tall trees began to surround the path, and the sound of the capital was long gone.
They had been riding for hours.
Finally, June slowed her horse near a small forest path.
"Wait."
Lucas stopped beside her.
June looked ahead at the narrow trail between the trees.
"This path leads to one of the villages where the black magic was reported."
Lucas examined the trail quietly.
"It's too narrow for two horses."
June nodded.
"Exactly."
She stepped down from her horse.
Lucas did the same.
For a moment they stood there in silence.
Then June suddenly spoke casually.
"Well…"
She gestured toward his horse.
"We'll have to ride together."
Lucas looked at her.
June crossed her arms with a playful smile.
"What? Don't tell me the Master of the Magical Tower is shy."
Lucas said nothing.
Instead, he mounted his horse again.
Then he extended a hand toward her.
June raised an eyebrow but took his hand.
Lucas pulled her up smoothly onto the horse.
She sat in front of him.
The space between them was small.
The horse started moving slowly down the narrow forest path.
As the horse moved over uneven ground, Lucas placed one arm around her to keep balance.
His hand rested firmly at her waist.
June glanced back slightly.
"Comfortable, Tower Master?"
Lucas's voice was calm behind her.
"Practical."
June smiled mischievously.
"But you didn't complain."
Lucas didn't remove his hand.
Instead, he held her steady as the horse moved deeper into the forest.
"You might fall."
June looked forward again.
Her rose-colored lips curved slightly.
"Or maybe you just wanted an excuse."
The forest grew darker ahead.
And neither of them moved away.