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Chapter 38: The Weight of Waiting

Author: Yanny Starz
last update Last Updated: 2025-09-12 16:32:44

The man stood very still, and the silver light in his eyes was soft, not like the fierce blaze from Liora’s palm. It was the gentle glow of moonlight on water. He looked old, but not weak. His shoulders were straight under his worn coat, and his hands, though lined with age, looked like they could still hold an axe or calm a scared animal.

Liora’s heart beat fast against her ribs. Granddaughter? The word echoed in the quiet he brought with him.

Ash stepped forward, standing slightly between Liora and the stranger. His knife was in his hand. “Who are you?” he asked, voice rough from running.

The man’s sad smile stayed. He kept his eyes on Liora. “My name is Ronan. I was your grandmother’s husband.”

“Prove it,” Kael said sharply, his hand on his broken knife. He watched Ronan like a hunter would watch prey. “The forest is full of liars tonight.”

Ronan’s silvery eyes moved to Kael, calm and tired. “You are Lyra’s boy, you have her stubbornness and her courage.” Then he looked at the jour
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