Lilith slept through most of the journey, and when she finally opened her eyes, the sun was already beginning to set. The path to her village came into view in the golden light. Though still about twenty minutes away, Eryndor was visible on the horizon.
Her heartbeat quickened, palms growing clammy as the carriage drew nearer. Memories came rushing back, unbidden and overwhelming. Every step of the road seemed to echo with the past. Her eyes welled with tears, but she quickly blinked them away. She had no idea what awaited her there. And truthfully... Eryndor was no longer home. Not after everything that had happened.
A gentle touch on her thigh pulled her from her thoughts. She followed the hand to find Charlotte's concerned gaze.
"Are you alright, Lilith? You haven't said a word since we began the journey."
Lilith managed a soft smile, glancing briefly at Viktor, who was now watching them in silence. "Yes, I'm alright. Just a little nervous, that's all."
