Chapter 156

The morning air above the hills was still damp with dew. A thin fog hung between the trees, adding to the silence. On top of a small cliff overlooking the ravine and the rushing river below, several people stood with sad faces.

Among them, Elena stood in a simple black dress, her swollen belly indicating that she was eight months pregnant. Her hands held a burning incense stick, its smoke dancing slowly into the air, as if carrying unheard prayers.

Nathan stood beside Elena, ...