The next morning was quiet. The palace felt subdued. Viana saw Rayne off at the main gates. Her parents were there, along with Joel and Reyes.
The farewells were brief, formal, but carried a quiet weight of genuine appreciation and respect.
Rayne mounted his horse, a powerful white stallion, and with a final nod to Viana, rode out with his small escort. The clatter of hooves faded quickly into the morning mist.
The respite, though still officially ongoing for the teams, felt over for Viana. Her mind was already racing, analyzing the shifts.
Rayne's departure meant Valendale would focus on its own defenses, a necessary move but one that left Elysia more isolated. Those bad guys would know this, and would exploit it.
She spend the day in a restless state, moving between her private study and the strategic chambers, even though the order for rest was still active.
