Chapter 39: I will kill
Vesha stayed silent, the weight of responsibility coiling in her chest. She had already been trying to help her people, already reaching out to the struggling villages. But facing a Spark was one thing. Standing before grieving families and offering comfort was something else entirely.
Still, she understood what Adyr meant. This was her place. This was hers to do. And she would.
Without a word, she stepped forward, Jorvan clinging quietly to her side, tears still running down his cheeks.
Reaching the hatch, she called through the doors of the shelter. "Is there anyone who can hear me?" Her voice was steady enough, though it wavered at the edges.
For a few seconds, there was only silence. Then, finally, an aged voice replied, wary and tense. "Who are you?"
Vesha glanced briefly at Adyr. He remained still, waiting. That steadiness gave her just enough space to find her own.
"My name is Vesha Draven. I'm the daughter of Lord Orven Draven. I've come from the capital... to help." She said, her voice growing stronger with every word.
"We found a boy on the road—his name is Jorvan. He's with us now." She added, keeping her tone calm and practical.
And just as she had expected—or maybe only hoped—new voices began to rise from within the shelter.
"Jorvan? Did you say Jorvan? My son? He's alive?" A panicked voice grew louder, closer. "Open it! Please—I need to see my child!"
After a brief commotion, the heavy wooden hatch creaked open, slow and reluctant.