Ophelia had learned something important about Raven’s Creek.
Peace was not something that happened all at once.
It came in small moments.
A cup of coffee waiting for her downstairs.
Martha saving her a fresh cinnamon roll because she knew it was her favorite.
Harold asking her opinion about bakery supplies.
Cole waving when he passed by the bakery.
The simple things.
The things she had forgotten she deserved.
But peace also came with something else.
The chance to face the parts of herself she had buried.
And lately, memories of the Vale Pack had been returning.
Not because she missed it.
But because she was finally strong enough to look back.
That morning, she stood behind the bakery counter while Martha arranged flowers near the window.
"You've been quiet today."
Ophelia l
