Freya's POV
The warm soapy water slid over my hands as I scrubbed the last of the dishes, the workers chatting quietly around me. Their voices created a comforting hum in the background, but my thoughts felt heavy. The morning had been quiet, almost too quiet, and I welcomed the simple task of cleaning to distract myself.
Just as I dried my hands, I turned to leave the kitchen and bumped into Roy. His broad frame blocked the doorway, and his expression was lighter than usual, almost mischievous.
“You’re dressed. Are you going somewhere?” I asked, my eyes trailing over his casual but practical outfit.
“It’s been ages since I stepped beyond the woods. I figured it’s time to go out for a bit, stretch my legs,” he replied, his tone easy and relaxed.
I nodded, understanding the restless energy that seemed to hum around him. The woods were his retreat, his escape.
“You know,” he added, his eyes narrowing slightly in thought, “maybe you should come with me. You’ve barely gone out s
