Chapter 25: Warm Well Wishes

As she rounded the corner to head back to her cottage, she was stopped by a group of people who lived in the village. Both young and old alike seem to have concern written on their faces. Elara pursed her lips as she faced the people she grew up with.

"Hi everyone...I know my actions seem weird this last week, but I promise..."

The tight knot of guilt within her chest unfurled, spreading its tendrils through her veins. These were the faces of her past, the keepers of her memories, now clouded with unease for her future. At that moment, the distance she had put between herself and them—lost in her preparations and haunted by the looming journey into the unknown—collapsed under the weight of their silent pleas for reassurance.