After getting dressed and ready for the day in a simple tunic and soft leather pants, I gathered my guard detail to head down into the village to visit Eloise. But before heading straight to her house, I wanted to make a quick detour through the central pack market to pick up a proper housewarming gift for her now that she and Toby were settled back into their home.
The morning air was crisp and bright, carrying the sweet scent of mountain pine and fresh baker’s bread as we walked down the stone pathways toward the village square.
Usually, Luke would be walking half a step behind my right shoulder, tossing out playful jokes or keeping a vigilant, sharp eye on every passing shadow. Walking these familiar paths without him felt strange—a lingering, heavy void that made the morning sun feel
