Page 157 of Salt Between the Wolves

The mountains still stood behind them, blue and distant beneath the dawn sky, but the land ahead had softened. The forests had begun to thin, the air felt lighter, and somewhere beyond the rolling hills, hidden from sight, lay the sea.

She could smell it, and the realization filled her with an unexpected thrill.

A small fire burned nearby, and Leander sat beside it, already awake, which surprised her no more than the sunrise itself.

A kettle rested over the flames while one of the guards fed the horses and another dismantled part of the camp.

The entire caravan appeared to function effortlessly around him, not because he constantly gave orders, but because everyone already knew what needed to be done.

Leander glanced up as she approached.

"You're awake."

After a brief pause, he added, "Good."

Eira laughed.

"Is that all?"

"What were you hoping for?"

"I don't know."

Leander considered the question.

"A speech?"

"Absolutely not."

"Then I believe we've both been spared."

One corner of his mouth lifted briefly before the expression vanished almost at once.

Eira settled beside the fire, and Leander handed her a steaming cup.

No questions followed, and there was no discussion of her decision, no mention of Ironfang, and no mention of Soren.

The silence should have felt awkward, yet it was surprisingly comfortable.

For several moments they simply watched the morning unfold around them while the gulls cried somewhere overhead.

Eira lifted her gaze.

"I still can't see the sea."

"You won't."

"Why not?"

Leander took a sip from his cup before answering.

"Because Silverwake enjoys making visitors wait."

She rolled her eyes.

"Is that an official policy?"

"One of our most important traditions."