They'd been camping for about two weeks now--sleeping in the inn was far too dangerous.
Still, I'm amazed at how we've adapted. Lucian stoked the fire as he stayed awake for first watch. Now that they wanted to unravel the memory...who knew what waited on the other side.
If anyone told me I'd be camping outside for more than two days, I'd think they were crazy.
"And yet," Lucian mumbled. "here we are."
He remembered his wish--a life where he could just be normal.
Well, going outside is kind of normal. I just think it's weird because I'm used to working in funeral homes.
+
Lucian stood in the heart of spiral ring five.
The wind had stopped again. Not in warning—just waiting.
The sealed page in his hand fluttered like it breathed.
The Rite of Lingering EchoesReveal the grief that never found a voice. Use only where silence is deepest. Whisper once. Burn nothing.
Alice stepped quietly to his side. "This is where you're starting?"
Lucian nodded. "It feels… heavy here."
