A friend turned Enemy
It was the kind of serenity that always came before a storm in the countryside—the deceptive calm that made even the most vigilant soul loosen its grip for just a moment. The hills lay quiet beneath a washed-out sky, the air heavy with the scent of damp earth and distant pine. Somewhere far off, the wind brushed the tall grass in low, secretive murmurs, as though the land itself was holding its breath.
Inside the farmhouse, life moved in careful, restrained rhythms.
Emilia stood at the kitchen counter, sleeves rolled up, fingers steady as she sliced bread into even portions. The knife moved with quiet precision, tapping softly against the wooden board. A pot simmered gently on the stove, releasing a simple, comforting aroma—herbs, onions, something warm enough to
