As I guided Lydia through the winding alleyways of the village, my heart pounded in my chest. Being so close to her after all this time was overwhelming.
Memories of our time together flooded back, both the sweet moments and the bitter argument that had torn us apart. I had longed to see her, to explain myself, but now that she was here, I didn't have the courage to reveal my identity just yet.
We moved silently, my cloak billowing behind me as I kept my face hidden. The moon cast a pale glow over the barren landscape, highlighting the hardship the people here faced. Despite the grim surroundings, I felt a strange sense of hope, knowing that Lydia was near.
"Where are you taking me?" Lydia whispered, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.
"Somewhere safe," I replied, keeping my voice low and slightly altered. "You need to see what's really happening here."
