Ashriel’s POV
We walked in silence down the dirt path that led toward the village, her arm looped lightly through mine again. This time, I didn’t mind it so much.
She didn’t mention Aurelia. Or anything.
She just talked. About her garden, about how she’d caught one of the Elders talking to the chickens again, about a book she’d read that made her cry and laugh at the same time. It was easy to respond. Easy to slip into old habits.
When we reached the outer edge of the pack, the sun was already beginning to dip beneath the horizon, casting everything in gold. Her father’s house came into view—a familiar old building nestled between two large oaks, vines creeping up the stone walls like always.
Liana turned to me, her expression soft. “Thanks for coming today.”
I hesitated, then nodded
