Chapter 21
The Name They Buried The rain started falling harder. Not enough to drown the clearing, but enough that the steady drip through the trees became a constant sound around them, water sliding from branches and darkening the gravel beneath everyone’s feet. The cold dampness clung to Kaia’s skin, but she barely noticed it anymore. Her attention stayed locked on Rowan. He hadn’t moved closer since arriving, though every line of tension in his body looked like he wanted to. The men near the building had gone silent again after Rowan snapped at the one who spoke out of turn, but the damage was already done. Kaia could still see the unease on their faces, the way their eyes kept drifting toward the cracked wall behind her like they wished they could seal it shut again before she saw too much.
- Writer
