章 39: Farewell [M]

I stand there, listening to Roman's words, the details sinking in like cold water. Victor's execution is set for five days from now. Five days. It'll take two days to reach the capital by carriage, leaving me with little time to act. 

I feel a knot tightening in my chest, but I push it aside. I make up my mind right then. Tomorrow, I'll spend the entire day with Noelle—every single moment. We'll hold on to the life we've built here for one last day, then, when night falls, I'll leave with Roman. The thought alone feels like a punch to the gut, but there's no other way. 

Before Roman leaves, I ask him to head into town and find Ben. He nods, understanding the urgency, and heads off. The moment he's gone, the weight of everything presses down on me harder, but there's no time to linger on it.