Grayson
The crunch of gravel under our feet was the only sound that echoed in the quiet night air as we approached Elara's house. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in my gut since Maya's strange behavior in the carriage.
"You okay?" Emma whispered, falling into step beside me.
I nodded, trying to look more confident than I felt. "Yeah, just... on edge."
She squeezed my arm. "Me too."
Ahead of us, Allan supported Maya, who walked with an eerie grace that seemed so unlike her. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I watched them.
We reached Elara's door, and Allan knocked. The sound seemed to echo through the quiet village.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then the door creaked open, revealing Elara's weathered face.
"You're back," she said, her eyes darti
