Chapter 164

• As the early light of dawn appeared, Shaelan was pacing by the window, looking down at the rest of the village. The others were moving around quietly, she wasn’t sure if they had slept, she knew she hadn’t. For a few hours, she lay in Calum’s arms, watching him. She didn’t know how he had managed his short nap. Although he was probably more used to this sort of thing than she was. When he’d finally spoken, she’d almost fallen off the bed in surprise, not even realizing he was awake.
• The village was so quiet now, no one was awake yet. She knew that was going to end shortly. Everyone would come out of their homes when the bell rang, all would be present to witness their lives changing.
• She was sure it was the stress. The unknowns weighing on her that made her feel this way. Panicked, but almost depressed at the same time. So many things could happen, the outcome was not guaranteed. If Leroy backed down, was it truly over? She didn’t trust that. He could only be saying that, saying anything to buy more time to come up with a new plan or angle. He could take off and then the wondering would always be there, they’d be looking over their shoulders for the rest of their lives.