The carriage crossed the main road leading to the border of the Vampire Kingdom, advancing over dark stones polished by use and by the constant rain of that region. The sky above them had a grayish tone, even during the day, as if the light were filtered through an ancient mist before touching the earth. Dense forests surrounded the road on both sides, composed of tall trees, black trunks, and deep red leaves that seemed to keep the shine of blood beneath their surface.
Kael sat on one side of the carriage, with one arm resting on the window and an expression of profound suffering at the slowness of the transport. Sylphie sat beside him, observing the landscape with attentive and curious eyes, her white hair falling over her shoulders as she followed every detail of the outside world. Irelia and Amelia occupied the opposite bench, both much more comfortable with the trip than he seemed to be.
