with the villagers, and the steady hum of work. Each morning, she woke early to prepare for the day, a sense of purpose settling over her. Her sewing

ting. And then, there were the nights. The long, silent nights when the stars above seemed too far away, too di

es with nothing more than power and prestige to offer. But Cassian had been charming, at least in the beginning. He had wooed her with his promises, his smiles, a

t nev

become a woman of few words, preferring the quiet of her own thoughts to the noise of the world. The villagers had acce

bligations. The simplicity of life had allowed her to start anew. But as much as she

e speed and urgency of someone on a mission. His presence was immediately felt-he carried an air of power, of authority. He wasn't dressed like the common folk; h

nes. Valeria couldn't make out their conversation, but she caught a few wor

e fabric. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest. A woman with a specific name-th

at hung in the air. The sun dipped lower in the sky, and the shadows of evening crept in, but the stranger never left. The innkeeper had insiste

with her. She wasn't sure if she was ready to face it, but there was something in the man's deme

stars blinked above, Valeria decided to confro

oor creaked as she opened it, her footsteps soft on the wooden floor as she entere

a moment, Valeria felt as though he could see straight through her. He didn't say anything at fir

re to bring me back? What if he knew everything about her past-about

ce smooth but tinged with a quiet author

but she held her gr

s told I could find you here. It seems you've

a sense of unease floodin

one even. "My name is Theodore Lancaster. I work for an

s had only ever worked with fabric, creating garments for the villagers, but there was something in his

name on her tongue. "I don't know you. I don't kn

es that she couldn't ignore. "I understand. But there are things-complic

o much weight. She had left everything behind, but what if her past wasn't finished

she asked, her voice

whether to return to your life as it was... or to step into something entirel

Her heart pounded in her chest. She had left everything behind, yet here was a ma

ust him? Could she trust anyone

steady but laced with uncert

urse. But don't take too long. Oppor

her mind raced. What h