The rich aroma of Emberstone Stew drifted through the lively tavern, wrapping the air in a warm, earthy scent laced with a hint of something sweet and hard to place. The room was alive with chatter, clinking mugs, and the soft crackle of a hearth fire.
As Olivia and Sienna-Rose stepped inside, dozens of curious eyes turned toward them, intrigued by the presence of strangers—especially ones who carried themselves with such quiet grace.
A waitress approached their table, dressed in the revealing, flamboyant fashion typical of Talastra. Her movements were slow and deliberate, clearly meant to be noticed.
Olivia's fingers tightened around Sienna-Rose's hand, memories flashing through her mind—warnings from the other wives not to let Sienna Rose coming back home with another wife, fears whispered late at night.