The brisk air of early autumn rolled across the granite bluff by six in the morning, carrying the crisp scent of fallen oak leaves, damp pine needles, and sea salt. The summer heat had faded, leaving behind a clear blue sky touched with thin, wispy white clouds. Down in the valley, the trees were turning rich shades of amber, rust, and bright yellow, framing the quiet blue waters of the bay.Inside the kitchen of the community center, the giant iron stove burned hot with dry split hickory.Elowen stood at the center island wearing a long dark-red wool dress with a clean white apron tied snugly at her waist. Her dark hair was styled in a tight braided crown, and her father’s gold locket rested warm against her collarbone. She was busy peeling crisp autumn apples, dropping the clean white slices into a heavy iron pot to cook down into sweet preserve.The heavy iron latch on the back door lifted with a sharp, familiar click.Cassian stepped inside, carrying a massive wicker basket packed
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