Have they really left? Rafine wondered silently, overwhelmed by worry.
They had ridden more than five kilometers in pursuit of Elina and Nolan's party, yet still hadn't found even the slightest trace.
Anxiety gnawed at her as cold sweat trickled down her temples.
If they truly had left, the Austin family would face severe punishment from His Majesty—not to mention the ridicule that would surely come from the other three Duke families.
As a member of House Austin, Rafine couldn't allow that to happen. The consequences could be devastating—such as having their future requests to the palace denied.
Just as she was drowning in fear and uncertainty, a soldier in the front row suddenly shouted.
"Young lady, we see them!" He pointed ahead. "They haven't left. They're just setting up tents in the distance!"
Rafine snapped out of her daze and quickly turned her gaze in the direction he indicated.
Sure enough, she saw black dots scattered across the vast, open field.
