The dense shadows of Grimwood Forest gave way to open air as we stepped beyond the treeline. The change was stark—no longer were we hemmed in by towering trees and an oppressive canopy. Before us stretched rolling hills that dipped and climbed, their green hues blending into the horizon where the land met a pale blue sky. The sunlight was softer here, warmer, as though welcoming us into a new world.
Emery exhaled audibly beside me. "It's… beautiful," she murmured, her voice filled with quiet awe.
I nodded, my eyes scanning the vast landscape. After the suffocating gloom of Grimwood, this felt like freedom. But the knot in my chest didn't loosen. We might be out of the forest, but we weren't safe—not yet.
Bjorn came to a stop ahead of us, planting his axe firmly into the ground. He turned, his usual grin replaced with a more serious expression. "Alright," he began, his voice steady, "time for a little talk."
The group gathered around, their weapons resting but still close at hand. Bjorn's gaze settled on Emery and me. "We've been talking," he said, his tone measured, "about what to do with the two of you."
I stiffened, my body instinctively tensing at his words.
"We can't take you to the academy," Astrid cut in, her voice sharp. "It's not a place for people who don't belong."
"Enough, Astrid," Ingrid said, her tone firm but calm. She stepped forward, her staff planted lightly against the ground. "We've already decided."
Bjorn nodded. "That's right. Ingrid had an idea, and we all agreed it's the best option."
I glanced at Emery, whose expression was a mix of apprehension and curiosity. "What's the idea?" I asked.
Ingrid smiled warmly, her eyes meeting mine. "We're taking you to my family's farm," she said simply.
"Your farm?" Emery repeated, a hint of relief creeping into her voice.
"I'm an only child," Ingrid explained, her tone soft. "My parents always wanted more children, but… well, the gods had other plans. They'll take you in. I know they will."
"Why?" I asked, unable to keep the skepticism from my voice. "Why would they want us?"
Ingrid's smile didn't falter. "My mother would adore Emery," she said with a laugh, glancing at her. "You're exactly the kind of girl she'd spoil rotten. And my father…" Her gaze shifted to me. "He's a retired warrior. He could use some help on the farm."
Bjorn snorted. "He's also as stubborn as a mule, so you might have to prove you're worth the trouble."
"Don't mind him," Ingrid said, waving Bjorn off. "Once my father sees you're willing to work, he'll come around. Trust me."
I exchanged a look with Emery, who gave a small nod.
"Alright," Bjorn said, his grin returning. "Now that's settled, let's get moving. We've got a long walk ahead of us."
---
The mood lightened as we set off, the tension of Grimwood slowly melting away. Bjorn and Astrid took the lead, their bickering filling the silence.
"I bet I could hit that tree from here," Astrid said, gesturing to a distant oak perched on a hill.
"With that aim? You'd miss and hit Viggo," Bjorn shot back, earning a laugh from the gentle giant.
"You're just jealous because I'm better with a bow than you are with an axe," Astrid retorted, not missing a beat.
Bjorn feigned offense, clutching his chest. "Better than me? Please. My axe could split that tree in half before your arrow even got there."
Ingrid rolled her eyes, leaning toward Emery. "They've been like this for years. It's best to ignore them."
Emery smiled faintly. "It's… kind of nice. Familiar, in a way."
Ingrid returned the smile. "You'll get used to it. And don't worry—I'll make sure my parents treat you both like family."
---
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the hills, Emery and I lagged behind the group, our voices dropping to a more private tone.
"We need to make this work," Emery said quietly, her eyes fixed on the path ahead.
"I know," I replied, my voice steady.
"No," she said, turning to face me. "I mean we have to. We don't have anywhere else to go, Logan. If Ingrid's family doesn't take us in…" She trailed off, shaking her head.
"They'll take us," I said firmly. "They have to."
"And if they don't?"
I hesitated, then reached for her hand. "They will," I said, more for her sake than mine. "We'll make them see. We'll work, we'll help. Whatever it takes."
Emery's fingers tightened around mine, her expression softening. "I'm glad I'm not doing this alone," she whispered.
"Neither am I," I replied.
We walked in silence after that, the hills rising and falling around us as the last rays of sunlight painted the landscape in hues of gold and orange. For the first time since waking in this strange world, I felt a flicker of hope.