• Inn's First Floor •
[Ovelia's POV]
Morning sunlight poured through the diamond-paned windows, painting golden lozenges across the worn floorboards. The scent of frying bacon and fresh-baked bread filled the air as we entered the bustling common room. Villagers looked up from their meals, their weather-worn faces breaking into smiles that crinkled the corners of their eyes.
"Good morning!" they called in cheerful unison.
"Good morning!" I returned, my voice perhaps too bright, still thrumming with the memory of dawn on the rooftop. Beside me, Ann offered polite nods while Ace's greeting consisted of a single sharp chin-lift.
So warm, I thought. Everyone is so warm here. How am I supposed to leave this behind?
My gaze swept the room, searching for Mrs. Melinda's kind eyes or Chief Gareth's broad frame, but found neither. The absence sent a pang of disappointment through me—I'd wanted to thank them properly before we left.
