Aurelia POV
I waited two full days before returning to Rowan's cabin.
Two days of sleeping under makeshift shelter constructed from fallen branches and whatever materials the forest provided, rationing the small amount of dried food I hastily packed during my sudden departure, watching the surrounding wilderness constantly for any sign that Kieran's search party might have doubled back or left scouts behind to monitor the area.
When I finally felt confident enough that they abandoned the search and returned toward Silver Crest, I made my way carefully back toward the familiar cabin, relief flooding through me at the sight of smoke curling gently from its chimney.
Rowan opened the door before I even reached it, his face immediately softening with obvious relief.
"You're safe," he said,
