The Unseen Strings of Fate

A heavy silence hung in the air.

Ed's breathing was uneven, his mind racing with a storm of thoughts.

Zareth and Vynesaa still had their swords drawn, their gazes sharp, bodies tense.

Fine.

"Okay," he muttered. "Fine. Let's take her to the guards."

Zareth's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Good."

Vynesaa, however, didn't lower her blade.

"Before that," Ed continued, "let me just—" He gestured toward the old woman. "Let me touch her. Just once."

Zareth frowned. "Why?"

"I just want to ask her a few questions."

Zareth hesitated, then nodded. "As long as you don't try anything."

Ed didn't answer.

He simply crouched down, reaching for her.

The old woman was trembling, her body shaking violently.

"Sob… sob…"

She was crying.

Ed felt nothing.

His fingers brushed against her skin—

And nothing happened.

His blessing didn't activate.

His brows furrowed.