The visitors left, but Elias did not let his guard drop completely. He knew well enough that when people like that walk away once, it rarely means they are gone for good. It only means they are thinking, watching, and waiting for a better chance. He went back to his work at the bench, but his ears stayed open to every sound outside, and his eyes often drifted toward the street.
Mara noticed this new quiet alertness right away. She did not tell him to stop worrying or say that nothing bad would happen. She knew better than to pretend danger could not find them. Instead, she adjusted her own habits to match his, moving a little closer when they worked, checking the door more often, and making sure every heavy tool or piece of wood was within easy reach if needed.
“You do not have to carry
