Lara stood beneath a tree by the stables. The small river nearby babbled softly, its gentle flow always managing to calm her.
The sky stretched wide and blue above her, and the air carried a crisp coolness that made her chest feel lighter.
The cool breeze stirred her hair and brushed against her cheeks, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and wildflowers.
She had woken up and decided to take a walk, hoping to steady her nerves.
The trial had been overwhelming, bigger than anything she had ever faced in her life. Even now, the memory of the spirits made her heart beat faster.
Her fingers grazed the sleeve of Thornak's shirt draped over her gown. His scent clung to it, and she inhaled deeply, letting it calm her further.
From the path, Seralyn appeared, her laughter already dancing through the air.
"My lady, we must go now," she said, though her tone carried more mischief than urgency.
