The dying embers in the hearth cast a warm glow on Mara's face as she opened the door to Ethan. A smile, brighter than the firelight, bloomed across her features. "Ethan," she greeted, her voice laced with a sweetness that sent a pleasant shiver down his spine.
Ethan mirrored her smile, his own tinged with a touch of nervousness. "Mara," he replied, stepping inside.
The familiar scent of woodsmoke and cinnamon filled his senses, a stark contrast to the tense energy that had crackled around the training grounds all day. He glanced around the room, noticing the unusual stillness. "Where is everyone?"
Mara leaned against the doorframe, her eyes sparkling with a playful glint. "Father's been reinstated as head of security," she explained, her voice dropping a touch. "He's swamped, prepping for the attack tomorrow, you know? And Mother's helping organize the women fighters."
