Chapter 487

Rose’s POV

It was nightfall by the time Celine and I finally returned home.

The walk back had been quiet, the air between us heavy with the weight of what we had just discussed.

The moon was rising slowly, our shadows reflecting on the dry ground.

I felt the unease that I couldn’t shake, and I knew Celine felt it too.

We stepped inside her small home, and I could see how tired she was.

Her face looked worn, like someone who had carried too much for too long.

She motioned for me to sit, and I followed her lead, sinking into the chair by the small wooden table.

For a while, she didn’t say anything. I could tell there was more on her mind, more that she wanted to share but wasn’t sure how.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she broke the silence. “You know, it wasn’t always like this,” she began softly. “This land…it used to be beautiful. Full of life. We had everything we needed—water, crops, laughter. But then…” Her