Stephanie’s POV:
Lucy turned back to the witch, her expression unreadable. “Where are we supposed to stay?”
“The Elder has prepared a room for you in her house,” the witch replied. “She said it would be safest there.”
I felt a jolt of surprise. “Her house? She told us to leave, and now she wants us to stay in her house?”
“She’s protecting you,” the witch said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “You’d be wise to accept her offer.”
I exchanged a glance with Lucy, who looked as uneasy as I felt. Something about this didn’t sit right with me. The Elder’s sudden change of heart, the strange behavior of the clouds, the oppressive energy in the air—it all felt connected, though I couldn’t piece together how or why.
Lucy sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Fine. We’ll stay.
