Inside the carriage traveling toward Alfraed's territory, Tomas and Ella were playing with Snow and Blaze.
The carriage rocked gently as it moved through the forest, the rhythmic clatter of hooves on dirt providing a steady backdrop. Tomas sat cross-legged on the floor, his small hands carefully brushing Snow's shimmering fur. The tiny ice beast purred contentedly, his frosty aura cool but not unpleasant. Across from him, Ella was giggling softly as Blaze nuzzled her palm, her fiery coat warm but never scorching.
"She's so soft," Ella whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.
"He's soft too!" Tomas said, grinning as Snow rolled onto his back, exposing his belly.
Lyra watched them from the corner of the carriage, her expression softening despite herself. The tension in her shoulders had eased slightly since they'd left the wrecked wagon behind, though her eyes still flicked to the door every so often, as if expecting trouble.
