Chapter 13

Brielle's aptitude for waking up early wasn't what made her eyes open the next day. It was her stomach rumbling. She and Talin hadn't eaten all day yesterday. Her stomach gnawed at her, caving from inside out, begging to be filled.

A plan began to formulate. She could make a nice, hearty meal for them, using the stove, not the firewood. After serving the defender her share of the food, Brielle would ask for a blank slate, an opportunity for a new beginning. The two of them assumed...