The faint light of dawn began filtering through the communal house's windows. Caroline sat in one of the wooden chairs, watching as the first rays of sunlight illuminated the cracks in the red stone of Redstone. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of possibilities and fears. The stone embedded in her chest still burned slightly, as if alive—a constant reminder of what had happened and what was yet to come.
Ezra entered the room, his presence filling the space like a storm no one could ignore. He wore his sword at his side, an expression so grave it seemed carved from stone. Caroline straightened her back, trying to appear less vulnerable than she felt.
"We leave in a few minutes," he said without preamble. His voice was as sharp as ever, but this time there was a determination that made her fr
