Chapter 505

Elise’s POV

The night was quiet as Joe finished his story.

The only sounds were the crackling of the fire and the distant rustling of leaves in the breeze.

I sat back, trying to process everything Joe had said.

Joe glanced at Rose before looking back at the fire “Rose if you don’t mind, I would like to hear what you faced in that village” I said so genuinely.

***

Joe’s POV

I sat across from Rose, watching her closely as the fire between us starts to burn out.

There was something in her eyes—something that told me her experience in that small village with Celine wasn’t a simple story.

I’d heard bits and pieces, but I wanted to hear everything. I shifted forward slightly, leaning my elbows on my knees.

“Rose,” I began, my voice low but steady, “I want to hear about what happened in that village with Celine. Everything you faced.”

She looked at me, hesitating for a moment. I could tell s