Chapter 34

The night air was sharp, biting into Lily's skin as she tightened the tattered cloak around her shoulders. The yard was still, except for the occasional murmur of restless slaves in their makeshift shelters. Shadows danced against the worn walls of the enclosure, the light of the moon casting everything in an eerie silver glow.

She spotted Ewan near the dying embers of the fire pit, his back to her as he hunched over his meager portion of food. His frame was rigid, his shoulders tense—his silence louder than words. He had been like this since the flogging three days ago, retreating further into himself each time she tried to talk to him.

"Ewan," she called softly, stepping closer.