CHAPTER 23

(SHEILA’S POV)

I awoke early in the morning, feeling the gentle touch of dawn's golden rays seeping through the walls of our modest hut. Stretching my arms, I couldn't shake off the familiar ache in my muscles, remnants of yesterday's tragedy. Orion was already up, getting ready to head out for our daily task of fetching fresh water from the nearby stream—a chore imperative for our survival.

As I busied myself with breakfast over the crackling fire, my thoughts drifted back to the events of yesterday. The unexpected arrival of soldiers had stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me, made even more surprising by the presence of two familiar faces among them—my father, Marcus, and my stepsister, Emberlyn.

I steadied my nerves, preparing to open up to Orion about my family. "Hey, Orion," I called out, my voice wavering just a bit.

Orion turned, a questioning look in his eyes as he paused in his preparations. "Hm? What's up?"

Taking a deep breath, I braced myself to reveal the truth. "I d