Valerie stared into the flames, her spoon pausing midair. "Lena… how long will you stay here?"
Lena turned, studying Valerie for a moment before answering. "As long as needed. A caravan isn't bound to land we move when the wind changes."
Ethan frowned. "And if someone comes looking?"
Lena smiled faintly. "They always do. The only question is how far they're willing to go."
The fire crackled. The night wind slipped through the camp, and Valerie pulled the scarf tighter around her shoulders. For a moment, the warmth and safety felt real almost fragile.
Valerie lowered her gaze, her voice soft. "I don't want to bring danger to anyone."
Lena looked at her with a gaze that was gentle yet firm. "Danger doesn't come because you're here, child. It comes because someone refuses to let you choose."
The words lingered in the air.
Ethan tightened his grip on the bowl, then spoke quietly. "When that moment comes… what will we do?"
