Mara's Pov

I stood in front of the door of Grandmother’s room, taking a long, steadying breath, before I pushed the door open quietly. Elias was already there, sitting opposite to her bed. Grandmother was awake, propped up against a mountain of white pillows. Margaret was sitting beside her, carefully holding a small bowl of porridge.

"I can take over, Margaret," I said softly, stepping into the room. "I’ll feed her."

Margaret looked up, a small, grateful smile touching her lips. "Thank you, Miss Mara. She’s been a bit stubborn this morning." She handed me the tray and slipped out of the room, leaving the three of us.

“Good morning...