Chapter 5

The night before he left, Rowan went north.

The convoy carrying Clara's mother was moving slowly, so he decided to meet them ahead of time and spend the night in a village along the way.

Before he left, he came to find me, holding a new shawl in his hand.

"It's cold at night, don't sit by the window to read."

He unfolded his shawl and draped it over my shoulders.

"I'll be back tomorrow afternoon. Wait for me to have lunch together."

I touched the soft edge of the shawl.

"I will eat on time."

Rowan smiled, as if those words were merely a docile promise.

He bent down and hugged me.

"I'm relieved that you've been able to get some rest these past few days."

I let my hands hang by my sides, waiting for him to let go.

I didn't take off my shawl until the footsteps disappeared down the corridor. I folded it and put it back on the bed.

Then, I sat down at the table and finished writing the last letter.

It was still dark when we set off.

Six days have passed.

I changed into my old forest ranger's cloak, put my mother's small comb into my pocket, and picked up my luggage.

The dried flowers, the jewelry, and the dress that Rowan chose for me are all left where they were.

I did not open any more boxes.

In the stable, the gray horse heard my footsteps and gave a soft neigh.

I touched its forehead and fastened its saddlebag.

The guards at the castle gate recognized me.

These past few days, I've gone horseback riding to the outer villages several times in the early morning. As usual, he asked if I needed anyone to accompany me.

"No need. I know the way."

The door opened behind me.

It also closed slowly behind me.

……

When I reached the fork in the road leading to the South Gate, I did not continue along the main road.

The gray horse followed my lead and turned into the woods.

The sky gradually brightened.

The old road was covered with wet leaves, and the horse's hooves made a soft sound as they trod over it. I dismounted before the steep slope, led the horse slowly, and stopped to drink water when it got tired.

As I passed the landslide area, the pain in my injured leg caused cold sweat to break out on my forehead.

I braced my hands against the rock face and rested for a while.

They didn't go back.

After crossing the ridge, the low stone walls of the old sheepfold finally came into view in the distance.

The sound of wheels came from another road.

Bren was already there.

His sister was standing right next to him.

When I saw her, I suddenly lost my grip on the reins.

She walked over quickly and hugged me tightly.

"Nora."

Just by calling my name, my tears began to fall.

My sister hugged me tightly, but she didn't ask me why I was only coming back now, nor did she ask about the letters that were never delivered to her.

She just touched my hair.

"Let's go home."

I nodded and pulled away from her embrace a little.

There's one more thing.

The pull that belonged to Rowan in my chest is still clearly there.

It once made me believe that no matter where we went, we would find each other.

Now, I finally stand where he could not decide for me whether to stay or leave.

I took my sister's hand and slowly steadied myself.

“I, Nora Weir, no longer accept Rowan Hale as my partner.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a sharp pain shot through his chest.

I bent over and almost couldn't stand up, but my sister immediately helped me up.

That familiar pull tightened, then slowly snapped. Pain crept up my chest, making even breathing difficult.

I held her hand tightly, waiting for the most intense moment to pass.

He did not retract his words.

After a long time, I was finally able to lift my head.

My sister wiped away my tears and helped me into the caravan's wagon.

Brun tied the reins of the grey horse to the side of the carriage.

As the wheels started turning again, I leaned on my sister's shoulder and closed my eyes.

***