Chapter 506

Rose’s POV

I could see the admiration in Joe’s eyes as I spoke. But the truth was, it hadn’t been easy.

The whole time, I had been scared—scared that we wouldn’t make it, scared that the man would catch us, scared that the village would remain under his control forever.

But now, sitting here with Joe, I felt at peace.

I had done what I needed to do, and the village was safe. That was all that mattered.

Elise, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke up. “Rose, what you went through…it’s more than anyone should have to face. You’re brave for doing what you did.”

I smiled at her, feeling a warmth in my chest. “Thank you, Elise. But I couldn’t have done it without Celine, or without the villagers.”

***

Joe’s POV

I nodded in agreement with Elise. “You’re stronger than you think, Rose,” I said, my voice firm. “And now we know more about this ruby and the power it holds. We need to be careful,