*Soren*
As Mila left the village, I watched her back fade into the darkness. I shook my head.
So, she was off on another venture on her own. She still hadn’t learned anything.
I hadn’t expected her to stick around, especially after she refused my request to stay. I had expected her to keep me in the loop as she promised to do.
Was I getting soft by believing she’d change?
Fortunately, I was prepared for her not to change. I was prepared for her to do something like this.
Payne joined me on the porch. He handed me a travel backpack.
“Ready to go?” he asked me, looking into the darkness after Mila.
“Let’s do it,” I said. Shouldering my backpack.
Payne nodded respectfully.
I’d noticed a change in Payne since he’d told me everything about Mila and Pomeni pack and the artifact. He was showing a lot of respect and care toward Mila. It seemed like he supported everything she chose to do now but he’d still be there to help her out when she needed it.