For the third day, Snowy drifted slowly through the sky, leaving soft trails of cloud behind. A small group of four rested on his broad back, tired but safe.

  From their bird’s-eye view, they could see a snow-capped mountain range and a green sea of foliage.

  Forests covered the slopes, broken up by rocky peaks where snow still clung to the stones in white patches. The landscape looked like a living painting, full of natural contrasts where cold and warmth, height and depth, came together at once.

  The sun, like a weary traveler, dipped toward the horizon, its last rays shining across the snowy peaks and making them sparkle like gems. Mountain shadows grew longer, reaching out over the land as night approached.

  Below, small lakes nestled between the mountains, reflecting the sky like mirrors. The wind along the ridges brought the fresh scent of the wild and carried faint sounds from the forest.

  Here, the sky felt close enough to touch, and time seemed to stop for a moment. Everything was quiet. There was no fear, no pain, no sound—just the wind, the sun, and the beauty of untouched nature.

  The view eased the tension in Catherine’s nerves. For the first time in a long while, she could take a deep, unhurried breath.

  She did not let herself fully relax, keeping her senses alert to everything around her. Still, knowing they had finally left the Province of Light and entered the Boundless Forests gave the worried mother a brief sense of comfort.

  The Province of the Boundless Forests, though part of the Great Roman Empire, was markedly different from the other provinces. There were no marble forums, no tribunes in white togas, no heralds with bronze scrolls. Here, the forest ruled.

  These lands were under the protection of Artemis—the goddess of the hunt, wild and free. Unlike her brother Apollo, she rejected grand ceremonies and gilded temples. Her altars were hidden among the trees, her prayers whispered only during the chase.

  After years in the Province of Light, Catherine had heard many rumors about the gods and their unusual relationships. For example, even though Apollo and Artemis were siblings like Grey and Grace, they did not get along at all. They were more like enemies than family, and their followers acted the same way.

  No one knew for sure what caused the rift. Some said it was because of different beliefs, while others blamed old conflicts whose reasons had been forgotten over time.

  For their situation, this state of affairs was a stroke of luck. In this vast, untamed land, where strangers were unwelcome and the forest itself concealed those who sought refuge, they might finally disappear.

  Artemis’ forest was immense and wild. Beeches, maples, and firs formed a natural labyrinth teeming with life. Deer, wolves, and lynxes flitted between the trunks. Nearby, the snap of a branch or the cry of a bird broke the stillness. Humans had barely settled here—only scattered villages hid in the shadows, living by the laws of their patroness.

  “Mommy, when are we going to land? I’m so tired,” Grace whispered in a weak voice, lightly tugging at the edge of her mother’s dress.

  Catherine looked at the children and saw clear signs of exhaustion: dark circles under their eyes, chapped lips, and drooping shoulders. Her heart ached.

  No matter how smooth Snowy’s flight was, it was difficult for the twins to relax at such dizzying heights.

  Grey was looking worse and worse. Although she had already administered first aid, the consequences of his heavy blood loss could not be ignored.

  It would have been cruel to demand that the children endure the hardships of the journey. But what else could she do? Who knew how soon their pursuers would catch up?

  Once the Senate officially recognized Grey as the “Harbinger of Darkness,” everything would change. The Empire would respond immediately. A lockdown would be declared across the Empire. Border controls would tighten. An elite squad of Draconarii would be dispatched to track them.

  The Roman Empire was rightly considered the strongest power on the continent: even a Sky-born could not act recklessly on its territory.

  Catherine knew this better than anyone. No matter how well she hid their tracks, if they were found, the noose would tighten and escape would be impossible.

  And yet… looking at the gaunt, exhausted faces of her children, she exhaled heavily. What was the point of saving them if they wouldn’t survive the journey?

  She quickly reviewed all the options, weighed the risks, remembered the map of the area, and then made her decision.

  “Of course, darling, we’ll descend soon,” Catherine said softly, stroking the twins’ heads. “Let Mommy find a safe spot first.”

  “Umu,” Grace nodded obediently, enjoying her mother’s gentle touch.

  Catherine had already seen a crevice below: a narrow, hidden gap, shielded from view, easy to reach, and with natural shelters. It was the perfect place for the children to rest.

  “There, Snowy,” she commanded, pointing the way.

  As the bird began its descent, Cassia leaned forward, surveying the surroundings.

  “Suitable. The terrain is calm, and the visibility is good,” she reported briefly.

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  “Thank you, Cassia. I’m glad you’re here with me. I’m certain the children also appreciate that you stay with us even in such circumstances,” Catherine replied, voicing her innermost thoughts to the one person who had always stood by her.

  “Ma’am, you don’t need to say it like that,” Cassia murmured, lowering her gaze. “You saved my life. You raised me when even my own family had abandoned me. I… I’m only repaying my debt. For me, it’s an honor to be by your side. Please, don’t speak as if we’re parting. It doesn’t suit you at all.”

  Catherine gave a small, controlled smile. For a moment, she let her emotions show, though it was barely noticeable to anyone else. But Cassia was different. After so many years together, she could read Catherine’s mood in the smallest gesture or a pause that lasted a bit too long.

  Catherine had made a misstep. A warning bell. Time to focus.

  “You’re right,” she said, letting out a soft laugh. “Then don’t blame me for being impolite. Fufufu.”

  The next second, she snapped back into her usual, strict tone:

  “Clear the area of animals. No blood. Just lead them away. Then find the Korite fruits. I’ll make the dye tomorrow. Grey and Grace’s hair stands out too much.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Cassia nodded in response. “Anything else?”

  “From this moment, you are a man,” Catherine said with a sly smile. “For the rest of the journey, you will fulfill the spousal duties in place of Adam.”

  “Excuse me, what?” Cassia nearly choked. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and her tail bristled. “H-h-husband?”

  “Fufufu, that face is priceless,” Catherine laughed. “But yes, you’re right. We are no longer mistress and servant. From now on, we are the Ashfort family. I am Luvia Ashfort, and you are Cassius, my husband. We are a merchant couple traveling with the children to the werewolves capital for a big deal.”

  “But…” the attendant faltered, unsure how to react.

  Catherine’s command felt utterly wrong to her. How could a simple servant enter such a relationship with her mistress? It seemed forbidden. And what about hierarchy?

  Seeing her hesitation, Catherine hurried to ease the tension:

  “Relax, Cassia. Just put on men’s clothing and do something with your hair. We need a story if we want to survive. And yes, no more ‘ma’am’ or ‘mistress.’ Only ‘beloved’ and ‘dear.’ Get used to it.”

  Finally sending the maid on her way, Catherine returned to Grey and Grace, who had settled in the shade of the trees, eyes darting around with curiosity. She stepped closer and crouched down to meet their gazes.

  “Now, my dears… How about a little game? Spies, for instance?”

  “Spies?!” Grace instantly perked up, and even Grey lifted his head.

  “Fufufu, exactly. From this moment, you may call me only ‘Mom,’ and Cassia—‘Dad.’ Don’t be surprised when you see her next. And to each other, only ‘brother’ and ‘sister.’”

  Grace raised her hand.

  “Won’t we have code names?”

  “Of course, darling,” Catherine replied with a smile. “For the rest of the journey, your name is Anna, and Grey’s will be Alex. Whoever says their real name first loses. Agreed?”

  “And what happens to the loser?” Grey rasped, lifting himself slightly.

  A wicked grin appeared on their mother’s face.

  “The loser becomes a rooster for the whole day. Walks with chest puffed out. Eats from the hand. Says nothing but ‘Cock-a-doodle-doo’ and ‘Co-co-co.’ No exceptions. Even if they want water.”

  “Hee-hee-hee!” Grace giggled into her fist. “What if you make a mistake, Mom?”

  “Then I’ll crow too,” Catherine shrugged. “Fair, right?”

  “Okay!” the children said in unison.

  Even though they both wanted to collapse, Grey and Grace remembered every rule. The game sounded fun. Who wouldn’t want to see their strict, powerful mother try so hard to win, only to walk around like a little chick? They definitely did.

  Catherine was pleased with the twins’ reaction. Getting them involved in a game was far easier and more effective than trying to persuade or explain anything. A few carefully chosen words, a touch of imagination—and she had attentive, cautious companions. Let it be a game, but they would remember the rules.

  With that settled, she started tending the fire. Before the first sparks caught, the twins had already curled up together, pressing close. They looked like kittens, innocent and defenseless.

  Barely had she finished when she noticed they were fully entwined, lying in each other’s embrace. Watching their sleeping faces, Catherine’s resolve hardened once more.

  She lingered, listening to the crackle of the fire. With every passing moment, her determination grew, and her eyes shone ever brighter. Those eyes reflected all the madness she kept tightly restrained.

  She would protect them. At any cost.

  With that thought, she began sketching on the ground.

  “Three days ago, we flew northeast from Lutetia, then after two hundred miles, sharply turned south. A little trick with switching our route—should buy us a couple of days. Hopefully.

  Our destination is the Magical Empire. That’s where it’ll be easiest to disappear. A diversity of races, complicated terrain, divided nobility. Yes, that’s the best place!

  If we reach Stormdale Port—we can consider ourselves safe.

  If we’re lucky, we won’t encounter any patrols or border guards. The main thing is to stay cautious. Too bad teleportation isn’t available. If Aunt Albedo were here—we’d already be safe. Such a pity she’s unique even among witches.

  Well, we work with what we have.

  We’ll have to activate the masquerade. I need to refine the legend properly. Cassia will help with that.

  Hmm… thinking about it… in the Roman Empire, beastfolk are simple slaves; hardly anyone pays attention to them. But the Magical Empire is another matter. I’ve heard that Duke Beningham is a known connoisseur… of fluffy pleasures…

  Perhaps that could be used? No, too risky. I’d rather keep my distance from that old pervert.

  Although… if everything goes off-plan, he could play a significant role.

  Cassia will pose as a wealthy merchant. She’ll promise ‘amicable’ relations between the duchy and the beastfolk kingdom. Just a couple of small favors, and we’ll sail off the continent without interference. The main thing is to make him bite.

  Fort Stormdale. That’s our goal. Find a ship, and it’s over. I just hope the captain isn’t too honorable.”

  A faint crunch of a branch somewhere deep in the forest interrupted the woman’s thoughts.

  She turned, ready for an attack, but quickly eased when she noticed a solitary figure slowly emerging from the shadows of the trees. Quite graceful, at that.

  The stranger moved slowly, her steps smooth and steady. Only someone used to hunting could move like that—not just surviving in the wild, but tracking, stalking, and taking down a target without making a sound.

  As soon as Catherine noticed the rhythm of her walk, she realized the sound was made on purpose.

  This was no mistake. Only a fool would believe that someone with such instincts could “accidentally” step on a dry branch. The stranger was warning her, signaling friendliness.

  “How noble.”

  Unfortunately, Catherine was in no position to appreciate such gestures. She did not lower her guard. This was a deeply unsettling sign.

  If a hunter had managed to get this close without revealing herself, then she was dangerous. Far too dangerous.

  The stranger was clearly no ordinary traveler. At any other time, Catherine might not have minded meeting such an intriguing person. But not now. Not here.

  The children were with her. Her children. And they would not survive an encounter like this. Her entire posture radiated caution.

  Catherine dropped to one knee, as if adjusting the firewood in the hearth, and shielded the twins with her body. A branch lay in her hands—an ordinary, almost lazy gesture, yet every muscle burned with tension.

  On the outside, she looked calm and even open. In reality, she was ready at any moment to throw a burning log at the stranger and fight back with everything she had.