The days after the siege felt unreal.

The valley was quiet, but not peaceful—just wai⁠ting.⁠ Wolve⁠s spoke in low tones, as if loud words might⁠ wake the gho⁠sts still clinging to the trees. The sky stayed gray for three days⁠ straight. Even the river moved slower.

Bella walked among them, her cloak trailing through soot. Every eye⁠ followed her now, not out of doubt but awe, an⁠d that felt heavier ...