e few places in the village that made her feel connected to something larger, though today, even the usual noise and lively

baker's wife, waving at her from behind a table laden with fresh loaves and pastries. T

Rosetta greeted, managing a

inkling as she pushed a small basket toward her. "You look like you've

Something in the shadows there had shifted over the last few days

, you're still young. Don't let worries steal that from you."

here the clanging of metal against metal was as rhythmic and unyielding as ever, and noted the presence of a man she hadn't seen before-a tall figure

re they? And why can't I shake this fee

-

nces tense and watchful. The village's calm mask hid many secrets, and they had spent days peeling bac

The rough timbre of his voice carried an edge, one that s

houghtfully. "And yet, none of us can approach h

others. "We need more than just her presence, more than knowing she's our ma

sharp, taking in each brother's expression. "Agreed. We've spent enough time

to a smirk. "Finally. I'

-

mall cabin, the flickering light playing across his face. He looked more weathered tonight, the usual sharpness

e glanced up, his brows lifting in mil

e, but it faded as quickly as it came when he saw

tion hung in the air, as fragile

r. But then he sighed, the sound laced with weariness. "You've alway

eyes searching

ruggled to find. "Your mother... she was unlike anyone I'd ever met.

aught in her throa

who should never know you exist. He is powerful, Rosetta, more than you can imagine. An

fire filling the void. Rosetta's mind whirled, tr

man who shou

in an instant, hand reaching for the dagger at his belt as he moved to answer.

recognized from the marketplace earlier-a man wi

oice smooth but carrying a hint of

-

d Thomas, Rosetta sat, eyes wide with confusion and fear. The sight of her stirred something protective

on the dagger. "You have

returning to Thomas with an unyielding glare. "On the contrary, I have ever

he might attack. But then Rosetta's voice broke throug

aw in her face made him lower the dagger, though n

him. The room felt suffocatingly small with all the unspoken truths hanging in the air. "Ro

em was already taking hold. It was the same for his brothers; even from the e

e asked, the word

n smile. "Someone who's been look