The faint light of dawn seeped through the small window, painting gentle patterns across the wooden walls.

Elynara woke slowly, the comforting scent of old wood and faint herbs grounding her even before her eyes fully opened.

Her room was simple but felt safe. The thick quilt she had been given the night before was warm, and the low creak of floorboards beneath her feet when she stood was oddly soothing.

It was a small comfort, but after the terror of the wolf attack yesterday, she took it as a precious thing.