The morning air was crisp and invigorating, the sky stretched canvas of soft gray clouds that hinted at the promise of rain. Mara made her way to the old stables, a dilapidated structure she hadn’t yet dared to explore. There, she found Elias standing with his back to her, gazing intently at the empty stalls, as if searching for echoes of another time.

“You’re quiet this morning,” she said softly, breaking the stillness.

He remained turned away from her. “Quiet is when you hear the ...