For three days straight, the group of four had flown without rest atop the great white owl.
From their bird's-eye view, they watched as the majestic snowy mountain ranges gave way to a green ocean of treetops.Mountains cloaked in emerald forests alternated with craggy peaks where snow still clung stubbornly to the rocks.It was a breathtaking symphony of nature's contrasts — a landscape filled with harmony and serenity.
The sun, like a weary traveler, was slowly sinking toward the horizon.Its parting rays kissed the snowy peaks, turning them into a sea of glittering gemstones.The shadows of the mountains stretched ever longer, as if trying to touch the farthest corners of the earth.
Below, nestled in folds between the hills, small lakes shimmered like mirrors reflecting the sky above.A breeze, gliding over the ridges, carried the fresh, wild scents of the wilderness, interwoven with distant whispers of the forest.
In this place, where the sky seemed close enough to touch, time itself felt like it had slowed.
Watching the peaceful scenery, Katerina felt her taut nerves loosen ever so slightly.She didn't allow herself to fully relax — not yet — but knowing they had finally left the Province of Light and entered the Province of Endless Forests offered a small measure of comfort.
The Province of Endless Forests, while officially part of the Great Roman Empire, was very different from the lands they had left behind.Here, the goddess Artemis reigned — the huntress, a deity far removed from the bustling noise of cities.Despite being Apollo's twin, rumors spoke of tension between the divine siblings, fueled by the endless rivalry between their respective priesthoods.
The lands under Artemis' protection stretched endlessly — vast, ancient forests teeming with magical beasts.Mighty beeches, slender firs, and sprawling maples formed a green labyrinth.Graceful deer sprinted from hungry wolf packs, lynxes crouched on rocky heights, ready to pounce.Human settlements were rare, small, and scattered across this wild expanse.
"Mama, can we land now? I'm so tired," came Grace's exhausted voice.
Looking at her children, Katerina realized just how much the relentless flight had drained them.Even though Snowy's smooth flight allowed brief naps, it was impossible for the little ones to truly relax so high above the earth.
Gray looked even worse.Though she had healed his wound with magic, the blood loss had left lingering effects.Demanding more from the boy in his current state would be cruelty — yet they had no choice.
Once the Roman Empire confirmed the status of "Child of Darkness" and received the full blessing of the God of Light, the Senate would respond with brutal efficiency.Borders would tighten.Elite Dragon Knights would be dispatched.
Even at her peak, Katerina knew facing them would be a deadly challenge.The Empire wasn't called humanity's greatest power for nothing.And information traveled fast across its territories.
Despite all her misdirection tactics, she knew — once detected, their escape would become nearly impossible.
Still, for now, she would give the children a chance to rest.
"Of course, sweetheart. Just a little longer — let Mama find a good spot," Katerina said, gently stroking their heads.
"Mhm," Grace sighed wearily, leaning into the comforting touch.
Katerina spotted a narrow ravine ahead — well-hidden and defensible — and directed Snowy toward it.
"This looks good, my lady," Cassia noted after scanning the area.
"Thank you, Cassia.You can't imagine how grateful I am that you stayed with us.I'm sure the children feel the same," Katerina replied, letting her guard down for a rare moment of honesty.
"My lady, you don't need to thank me!You saved my life and raised me when even my own family turned their backs.This is the least I can do.Please don't be so formal with me.It's an honor to serve you," Cassia answered, lowering her head in shy embarrassment.
"You're right," Katerina chuckled softly. "Then no more unnecessary politeness.Fufu. Here's your next task: clear the area of wild beasts — without killing them.Just drive them off to avoid leaving tracks.And find some Korite tree fruits.I'll make a simple dye from them — our white hair is too conspicuous."
"Yes, ma'am. Anything else?"
"From now on, I need you to disguise yourself as a man.Until we board a ship and leave the continent of Alaz, you'll be my husband.From this moment, we are the Ashfords — merchants traveling on business to the Vampire capital."
"I'll be Luvia Ashford.You'll be Cassius Ashford.The children will be Alexander and Anna.I'll also cast a minor transformation spell on Gray to give him cat ears like yours — it will help complete the disguise.Our cover story must be perfect. Understood?"
"Y-Yes, ma'am," Cassia stammered, blushing deeply at the imagined scene.
Turning back to her children, Katerina smiled and said playfully:
"My darlings, let's play a game of spies!From now on, you can only call me 'Mama' and Cassia 'Papa.'Call each other only 'Brother' and 'Sister.'Whoever says a real name first loses — and the loser has to spend a whole day acting like a rooster, clucking and crowing all day long! Fufu. Doesn't that sound fun?"
"Mhm / Okay, Mama," the tired children replied.
Though they were ready to collapse, Gray and Grace remembered the rules, finding the game amusing despite their exhaustion.
Katerina swiftly built a small fire, spread out a soft blanket she conjured from thin air, and tucked her children in to sleep, promising to cast the disguises in the morning.
Watching them curl up together like two little kittens, Katerina forced herself to smile.She would protect them no matter the cost.
As the fire crackled beside her, her eyes shone brighter and brighter — reflecting a madness barely kept in check.
[Initially, we flew northeast from Lutetia but turned south after two hundred miles.That misdirection should buy us a few extra days.We must keep heading southeast to reach the Magic Empire and the port city of Stormdale.If we stay cautious, we'll avoid border patrols.Too bad we can't use teleportation...If only Aunt Albedo were here — none of this would be so difficult.]
[Once we reach the Magic Empire, the disguise will be crucial.Cassia will have to fully embody our cover story.Thankfully, the Magic Empire treats beastkin well — unlike Rome.I heard Duke Beningham is rather fond of beastkin... Tsk, that old lecher.We'll have to avoid him — but if absolutely necessary, Cassia could pose as a wealthy neko merchant and bribe him with promises of strengthening relations.Worst case scenario.]
[We must reach Stormdale and hire a ship to Nightingale...Hopefully, we find a captain who isn't too law-abiding.]
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a snapping twig.
Katerina turned her head sharply toward the noise.
A lone figure approached the campfire — moving with a lithe, deliberate grace that only seasoned hunters possessed.
The sound of the breaking branch had been no accident — a clear signal: "I mean no harm."
But Katerina couldn't afford to lower her guard.
Not when her children lay sleeping behind her.
Without taking her eyes off the figure, she casually stirred the fire with a stick, positioning herself protectively between the campfire and her children.
Her stance was deceptively relaxed, but every muscle was ready to unleash a blinding, merciless attack at the first sign of danger.