They set off once again, the winds cooler now, but their hearts still heavy.
On the other end of Leirza's ice spike, Gio and Lysara finally responded—voices clearer with the distance shortened.
"We've got... news," Gio said, tone unsure.
Azriel narrowed his eyes. "What kind of news?"
There was a brief silence—until Lysara finally dropped the bomb.
"The bounty… it's been removed."
Azriel stopped mid-step.
"What…?" His voice wavered. His body tensed. "Say that again."
Gio's voice crackled, audibly scratching his head through the communicator.
"You heard her. Koracia—the new Grace—she rescinded your bounty. Not just yours. All four of ours."
Azriel stumbled back in disbelief, his mind scrambling for an explanation.
"WHY?!"
His shout echoed through the forest, eyes wide with a mixture of confusion and disbelief.
He wasn't angry—but he wasn't thankful either. Not yet. Not when it made no sense.
