Ace's POV
Ovelia's weight pressed gently against my chest as she slept, her breathing deep and even. The night air carried the scent of damp earth and pine needles. I tightened my arm around her waist, keeping her steady in the saddle. Her head lolled slightly against my shoulder, strands of her hair tickling my bare skin. The horse's steady gait created a rhythmic motion that might have lulled anyone to sleep after such a long night.
For the past hour, a strange scent had been drifting from Ovelia's pocket - something floral but with an underlying sharpness I couldn't identify. My attention snapped to her dress when I noticed a faint pulsing light emanating from the fabric. The pocket twitched, disturbing Ovelia's rest.
"Ace?" Her voice came thick with sleep, the words slurred slightly.
I kept my voice low. "Is something wrong?"
