"What's that all about?" Thomas murmured, his spectral form shimmering beside Ludwig's ear as they approached the carriage. His glow had changed slightly in the daylight, taking on a cooler blue hue, like moonlight reflected in water.
"Don't know," Ludwig said, eyes flicking briefly over his shoulder toward the Order's ship, where the tension in the air was sharpening like a blade drawn slowly from its scabbard. "And I don't think it's wise to stay and find out."
With that, he opened the carriage door, the brass handle cool under his fingers. The door swung inward with a soft groan, revealing an interior dimly lit by runes etched along the ceiling, casting a steady amber glow that pulsed with the low thrum of traveling magic. A familiar voice greeted him the moment his boots touched the interior floor.
"You really just ditched us, didn't you!"
