Chapter 28: A Morning Prayer

Elara cast one final glance at her cottage, the haven that had cradled her dreams and fears in equal measure. It stood quietly in the morning light, a guardian of the life she was momentarily leaving behind. A soft chuckle escaped her as she contemplated the irony—how the home that once felt like a prison had become a sanctuary, a place she was now reluctant to leave. But destiny called, and with a deep breath, she steeled herself for the path ahead. Yet, as she reached for the door, ready to enter the unknown, a shadow fell across the threshold, a silhouette that made her heart skip a beat.

"Oh! I didn't expect you here..." Her voice trailed off, a mix of surprise and curiosity dancing in her eyes as she faced the unexpected visitor.