The sea whispered softly to the shore, waves rolling like lullabies as they left on the sea.The salty breeze brushed Evelyn’s cheek as she stood at the porch, cradling her small belly, eyes closed.
It had been three weeks since they escaped the masquerade fire. Three weeks since her heart had finally tasted freedom,however short it might be.
Behind her, laughter rang out.
“Catch me if you can!” a child squealed.
Evelyn turned and smiled. Adrian was in the middle of the dusty street, running barefoot after a group of village children, pretending to be a monster. His black shirt clung to his body, and for the first time, he looked like a man at peace.
He was no longer the cold strategist, no longer the hunted fugitive. He was... home.
She stepped down from the porch and walked toward h
