We make our way through the streets, and several people notice our presence. There’s no need to hide Lor any longer, but now is not the time to reveal everything either. Their curious glances follow us, but no one stops us. “Rhiannon convinced one of the wealthier merchants to give up his home for a few days,” Etienne explains.

Quite frankly, I’m a bit surprised there are wealthier merchants in the settlements, but I suppose power will always grow in a vacuum. We pass through the village and head into the outskirts on the far side, delving into the trees.

“Where are we going?” Lor asks.

“Lord Maida built this house many years ago,” Etienne says. “Apparently, he finds the village depressing.”

Lor lets out a derisive snort. “How charming.”

We wind through the trees for a few minutes before coming upon a black wrought iron fence with a tall gate spanning the pathway.

“He also wants to keep everyone out,” Etienne says wryly.

“Who is he?” Lor asks.

“He claims he’s a very distant descendent of the Heart family,” Etienne says, and I hear Lor’s sharp intake of breath. “But as far as anyone can discern, he’s likely full of shit.”

“Why do you say that?”

“No one can remember him from before the breaking,” Etienne says. “But he did show up with money and helped fix up some areas of the settlements while also establishing many of the buildings you see. And then he built himself this.”

Etienne pulls out a key and unlocks the gate, swinging it open for us.

The short walk leads us to a modest home two stories high. Though it’s not extravagant, it’s clearly well tended and loved, as evidenced by the verdant garden, blooming with red roses, and the sculptures that dot the pristine green lawn.

“Why have I never heard of this place?” I ask, and Etienne shrugs.

“He mostly keeps to himself. Doesn’t like to mingle too much.”

“And where is he now?” Lor asks.

“Rhiannon has a seaside villa in Alluvion,” he says. “Some rich suitor gifted it to her years ago. She offered it to him for a few weeks, and he jumped at the chance to enjoy a little beach holiday.”

I cast my gaze about. Though the home is nice, this forest is gloomy. A sense of foreboding hangs in the air, and I understand why he took Rhiannon up on the offer.

Etienne swings open the door to find Rhiannon already on her way down the hall.

“Lor! Nadir!” she exclaims. “It’s so good to see you again.”