The sky had already darkened to a bruised purple by the time Aria finished packing the last bundle of mints. The clouds churned low, heavy with rain, and a chill settled into the bones of the forest. She wrapped her thin cloak tighter, gripping the bundle like a lifeline. Halfway down the winding path back to the cottage, the first cold drop of rain landed on her cheek. Then another. Then a small splatter that stung like icy needles.
Just a little farther… she told herself, forcing her tired legs to move.
Behind her, something moved. Subtle, silent, almost unnoticed. Mira. Her cousin’s eyes gleamed in the dim light, her shawl damp and clinging to her shoulders. There was a strange edge in her gaze—fear? Jealousy? Or maybe guilt. Aria didn’t dare look back. She focused on her path, the sc
