I spent the night in restless anticipation, pacing the small room like a caged animal. Sleep eluded me as the weight of the previous conversation with Declan gnawed at my resolve. The dawn broke reluctantly, its light spilling through the window like an unwelcome intruder. My heart sank as I overheard a hushed conversation outside my door.
Lizzie’s voice, soft yet resolute, carried through the wooden barrier. “Dad, are you sure we’re leaving now?”
“Absolutely,” he replied, his tone devoid of its usual warmth.
A pit formed in my stomach as the sound of retreating footsteps echoed down the hallway. I threw on my cloak and rushed out, only to catch the faintest glimpse of their retreating figures as they disappeared into the path leading away from Trionia. My heart clenched. They were leav
