SIGRID

After several rounds of clashes, things finally somewhat settled.

Silas and I made up a story—we were just a couple. No one spoke of my true origin, and I never mentioned that I was a sorceress.

With luck, no one would recognize me. Elementals weren’t naturally attuned to sensing power in supernatural beings, which was why they were often deceived.

Turns out, the old woman was the healer of the village—another elemental, but one who knew medicinal plants, assisted in childbirth, and had some knowledge of medicine.

Since this cabin had been abandoned for years, they let her live here—she preferred the quiet, the solitude, being close to the forest.

“My father… he should be the rightful owner of this house,” Silas said, standing behind me.

The old woman and I were sitting at the small wooden dining table.

“You’re the boy that was stolen from here, aren’t you?” she asked, her tone calmer now.

Silas gave a rough, quiet nod.

“Your father… after they took you, and your mother died de