The next morning, Helena and Lydia awoke to find their dresses cleaned and neatly laid out for them. The fabric was still slightly damp, but it was comforting to see something familiar. As they dressed quickly, a sense of urgency hung in the air, the realization that they needed to leave growing stronger with each passing moment. Helena adjusted the collar of her gown, smoothing the wrinkles with trembling fingers, while Lydia busied herself with her hair, tying it into a simple braid.
When they stepped outside, they were met with an unexpected change—the weather, once sunny and bright during their stay, had turned gloomy. Dark clouds gathered overhead, casting a shadow over the village. The sunlight barely pierced through the thickening sky, giving the morning an almost surreal quality. A cold wind swept through the trees, rustling the leaves with a hollow sound. Helena shivered, her heart sinking at the ominous shift in the atmosphere.
