"Are you okay?"
A soft voice came from behind, catching her waist just before she slipped on a patch of ice, nearly falling into a pile of snow by the roadside. Taya turned, recognizing the voice as Miro's brother. She met his gaze, and a wave of memories washed over her. She had just been discharged from the hospital, relieved to be out of confinement. But seeing him here brought an unsettling feeling, like the events she thought she'd put behind her were creeping back. Why was Miro's brother still lingering in the kingdom? Why hadn't he disappeared as planned? Did he not realize the danger he was inviting by staying?
"No, I'm fine," she replied quickly, pulling herself away from his grasp. Her expression was guarded as she regained her balance, brushing off the snow from her coat. There was an intensity in his eyes as he observed her, a look that hinted at something more, perhaps an intention or a scheme.
