Martin had arranged two royal cargo wagons for them. Despite the city being under lockdown, no one dared to question a royal wagon. At most, the guards would exchange a few words with the driver and then let them pass. After all, no one could imagine that the Empire's most wanted criminal from twenty years ago would sneak into a royal cargo wagon just after stealing the Heartscales.

Inside the cargo hold, Leon and Noa sat side by side, cramped into a corner, swaying lightly with the wagon's rapid movement.

Noa curled up her long legs, leaning against Leon as …