Chapter 32: Between thorns and blooms
It began with a shift in the wind.
The kind that rustled more than just leaves—it stirred something in the soul.
The morning was slow and golden. Sunlight crept through the forest canopy, catching on dew drops like tiny stars. The camp had quieted. For once, there were no bickering voices, no clashing swords, no biting sarcasm echoing through the trees.
Something had changed.
Eira stood alone near the edge of camp, arms crossed, watching the fire crackle. Her usually sharp features were softened by fatigue. The edges of her armor dug into her shoulders, and the wind caught strands of her white hair.
She wasn't used to stillness.
She wasn't used to people not trying to kill her—or kiss her, or beg her to stay.
Being around the brothers was disorienting.
Cain, always quiet unless provoked, treated her like she was invisible now. Ayden kept his distance, only offering cold glances when necessary. Selene, though polite, clearly didn't trust her—especially since the whole Cain situation.
But it was Lucien who had surprised her the most.
The chaotic, smug bastard had actually started... trying.