CHAPTER 20

(SHEILA’S POV)

As I prepared to tend to Willowhart’s herb garden beside the community healer hut, the tranquility of the morning shattered under the heavy tread of soldiers arriving at the haven. Their ominous presence sent a shiver down my spine, quickening my pulse with a sense of impending danger.

The sight of their increased numbers only heightened my concern. Hurriedly, I abandoned my gardening tools and rushed back to my modest hut, my mind racing with the need to protect Orion.

I burst through the door, my heart hammering in my chest as I scanned the room. Relief flooded through me as I found Orion still peacefully asleep on the bed, unaware of the imminent threat lurking outside.

"Orion, wake up," I whispered urgently, my voice barely audible as I gently shook him awake. "We need to leave, now."

"Sheila?" Orion's voice was thick with sleep-induced confusion as he struggled to rouse himself. But as realization dawned on him, he began to stir, albeit still clouded by drowsiness.