I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 145: Too late to leave now

The air was crisp as the sun began its slow descent, casting a warm amber glow over the rugged terrain of Montis Askrath.

The towering mountain loomed before them, its peaks stretching into the sky, shrouded in wisps of silver mist.

The lower slopes were bathed in the rich hues of autumn, with crimson-leafed trees and golden shrubs dotting the rocky path.

The occasional burst of purple wildflowers peeked from between the cracks in the earth, defiant against the harsh landscape.

Malvoria stepped out of the magical carriage first, stretching her arms before rolling her shoulders back, feeling the muscles in her body loosen from the long ride.

The moment her boots touched the ground, the familiar scent of the mountain air filled her lungs—fresh, laced with the distant hint of rain. She had been here before, years ago, but the mountain had remained unchanged.

She turned, watching as Elysia hopped out of the carriage and immediately stretched, rolling her neck and groaning as she arched her back. "Finally," she sighed. "I was starting to think we'd be in that carriage forever."

Malvoria smirked, leaning casually against a large boulder. "You didn't like the ride? I thought you enjoyed being in my company."

Elysia shot her a dry look before glancing around at their surroundings. Her violet eyes flickered with something—anticipation, excitement.

She was already itching for the climb. Malvoria could see it in the way she shifted on her feet, already bouncing slightly, as if her body was ready to move.

The carriage behind them hummed with faint magic, and without warning, it began to shimmer before disappearing entirely—returning to its station far beyond the mountain.

Elysia turned sharply. "Wait—" she pointed at the now empty space, blinking. "Where did it...?"

"It's gone." Malvoria shrugged.

Elysia narrowed her eyes. "So, we're officially stranded."

Malvoria chuckled, picking up her pack. "Don't worry, wife. I wouldn't let you die out here."

Elysia folded her arms, looking unimpressed. "That wasn't the part I was worried about. I was worried that if I got tired, I'd have no way to leave."

Malvoria smirked as she reached down, effortlessly lifting both of their packs over one shoulder. "Too late to leave now."

Elysia scoffed before raising an eyebrow at Malvoria's actions. "Wait—why are you carrying both packs?" She stepped forward. "Give me mine."

Malvoria adjusted the weight effortlessly, not even straining as she started walking toward the trail. "No."

Elysia huffed, trailing after her. "I can carry my own things."

"I know," Malvoria said smoothly. "But you don't have to."

"That's not the point!" Elysia stepped faster, catching up with her, trying to tug at one of the packs. "It's my bag."

Malvoria easily dodged her attempts, stepping ahead like she wasn't carrying twice the weight. "It's our trip," she said, amusement lacing her tone. "Let me be useful."

Elysia gave her an exasperated look. "Oh, now you want to be useful?"

Malvoria grinned, thoroughly enjoying the way Elysia's frustration grew. "It's my duty as your loving wife."

Elysia groaned loudly. "You are insufferable."

Malvoria hummed in agreement but did not hand over the pack.

The first part of the hike was easy—worn paths carved into the earth by generations of travelers. The incline was gentle, the ground firm beneath their boots.

The occasional breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Birds called in the distance, and in the far reaches of the sky, winged creatures circled lazily, their silhouettes barely distinguishable against the fading sunlight.

Despite her initial frustration, Elysia quickly became lost in the beauty of their surroundings. Malvoria could tell.

She noticed the way Elysia's eyes flickered over the landscape, taking everything in, the way her lips parted slightly in wonder. She didn't say anything, but Malvoria could sense her appreciation for the world around her.

And maybe, just maybe, that was part of why Malvoria had chosen this place.

Elysia was alive when she was moving. There was a spark in her that flared whenever she was faced with something to challenge her—whether it was battle or nature itself.

Malvoria had known that a candlelit dinner in a grand hall would never suit her. But this—a journey, a challenge, something they had to climb together—this was something Elysia could embrace.

The realization stirred something warm in Malvoria's chest.

Not that she would say it aloud.

The silence between them was surprisingly comfortable, but Elysia still sulked. Malvoria could feel it.

The way her steps were a little more forceful, the way she huffed every now and then, sneaking glances at the pack Malvoria still carried with ease.

Malvoria smirked. "You're still mad about the bags."

Elysia narrowed her eyes. "I could be helping."

Malvoria shrugged, completely unbothered. "And yet, here we are. You're free to enjoy the hike without any extra burden."

Elysia muttered something under her breath that Malvoria didn't quite catch, but she was fairly certain it wasn't very complimentary.

The path soon grew steeper. The ground beneath them became more uneven, scattered with large rocks and roots twisting through the dirt.

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The further they ascended, the more rugged the landscape became—towering trees giving way to sharp cliffs and narrow ridges.

Malvoria watched as Elysia took the change in stride, her breathing steady, her steps careful yet eager. It was clear she was enjoying herself despite her sulking.

Her muscles tensed each time she pushed herself up a steeper incline, and her silver hair caught the dying sunlight, glowing like threads of spun moonlight.

Malvoria didn't realize how often she was looking at her until—

Elysia stumbled.

It was barely anything—a misstep, her foot slipping slightly on a loose rock. But Malvoria reacted instantly, her hand reaching out without thought, steadying her by the waist.

The touch was firm. Secure.

Malvoria felt the warmth of Elysia's body through her clothes, the way her breath hitched ever so slightly.

Elysia looked up at her, their faces closer than either of them had expected. Her violet eyes flickered with something—surprise, amusement, something else Malvoria didn't want to name.

The moment stretched, lingering just a heartbeat too long.

Then—Elysia smirked.

"Careful, Malvoria," she murmured. "You almost look like you care."

Malvoria rolled her eyes, releasing her hold, though her fingers still tingled from the contact. "I do care," she said dryly. "If you get yourself killed, I have to deal with the consequences."

Elysia let out a huff of laughter, brushing herself off. "So considerate."

Malvoria turned, continuing up the path. "Try not to fall again."

"No promises."

Malvoria shook her head, but she found herself smiling despite herself.

Something about this journey was different.

And Malvoria wasn't sure she wanted to fight it.