Chapter 30. Under the Healer’s Roof

The forest rolled past in a quiet blur, a soft hush filling the car as Kaelen drove. Tall trees reached high overhead, their branches catching the sun like lace, filtering gold down through the canopy. Mira sat beside him, her hands folded neatly in her lap, the hem of her shirt brushing her knees. Her fingers toyed idly with a thread, but her silence wasn’t anxious—it was watchful. Still. She didn’t speak, but Kaelen could feel her presence like a steady hum beside him, grounding him.

It wasn’t the same silence they’d once shared when fear and uncertainty clouded every glance. Now, it was gentler, easier. Still laced with unspoken thoughts, but no longer shadowed by doubt.

When they reached the village square, Kaelen cut the engine and stepped out. The moment his boots touched the dirt, he moved around the car, opening her door as if it were second nature. He offered his hand without a word. Mira took it with a faint smile and let him help her out, even if she didn’t re