Two days later,
The afternoon sun shone brightly over the open grounds around the cottage. The gentle breeze carried the sound of laughter as the rescued girls played alongside the boys in the yard. Their earlier fear had slowly begun to fade, replaced by the carefree joy of children who finally felt safe.
Eilika stood nearby, quietly watching them.
The sight brought her a sense of relief, yet a faint worry lingered in her heart.
Damian and Maurice had not returned yet.
She had no news of what was happening outside the peaceful walls of the cottage. After a while, she turned to go back inside.
Just then, the distant sound of galloping hooves reached her ears.
Eilika paused. Quickly, she walked toward the front of the cottage.
As the horses came into view, her eyes widened.
Damian was riding at the front.
