One month had elapsed after the village's destruction. The days had blurred together in strange silence—training, healing, avoiding eye contact with the ones who looked at him like he was something fragile.
This afternoon, the silence returned in the form of routine.
"Amelia, Noah," Sarah called from the main room, holding a small basket of coins and a carefully folded list. "Would you two mind going into the market today? We're out of salt, bread, and some fruit. The Kingdom's marketplace opens early."
Amelia and Noah exchanged a look.
"But Dad said we were training together today," Noah complained as he laced his boots. "Remember? Academy entrance prep. He's been planning this session for weeks."
"Your father will understand," Sarah said, though her voice sounded tired.
Akihiro, standing quietly by the doorway, finally spoke. "I'll go."
Akihiro, standing quietly by the doorway, finally spoke. "I'll go."
They all turned to look at him.
