Whispers Of Hope

Chapter 19

Sansa's POV

Grandpa Falkor's voice rumbled through the night, his words tinged with gloom. "The fire will be faded," he vowed, his gaze piercing the flickering flames.

Mother Lucinda and Xavier both looked at him, their expressions furrowed with concern and wonder.

Falkor clarified, his voice heavy with urgency. "I mean that we need more wood to keep the fire going. It's our only source of warmth and safety in this harsh environment."

Xavier, ever the protector, got to his feet, a determined expression on his face. "I'll go get some more wood. You stay with her until I return."

Xavier went briskly into the surrounding darkness, disappearing into the night like a shadow, without waiting for a response.

When left alone, Grandpa Falkor and Mother Lucinda felt a smothering cloud descend over them. The quiet between them grew oppressive, their mutual hatred hovering in the air like a specter. They avoided each other's eyes, their common history feeding the animosity in the air.