The stone castle walls came into view on the morning of the third day, beyond the great forest of Morlune. Feryn—a trading city flourishing in the middle reaches of the Tira River. Roughly forty-five kilometers northwest of Hasla village. A town of fifteen thousand souls, the largest in these parts. Flags stood atop the ramparts, and cargo wagons lined up before the gates. At the sight of human presence for the first time in days, Elara felt the tension in her shoulders ease just slightly. For three days, the two of them had spoken almost nothing. The first day, they practiced manipulating mana while walking through the forest. The second day, the old man's memories from the abandoned house wouldn't leave her mind. The third day, they simply walked. Strangely, the silence was not unbearable. Kael walked three paces ahead, and Elara followed. That distance had become natural without her noticing. Suddenly, Elara became aware of her own change. *When did I become so comfortable with