The rich aroma of meat boiling with spices and herbs filled the room, a comforting symphony of bubbling broth and the gentle clatter of vegetables swaying in the pot. Steam swirled upward, carrying the scent of a meal that promised warmth and solace.On the bed, Tyr stirred. His small nose twitched as the enticing aroma reached him. His pale face, now cleaner and less ghostly, scrunched in faint awareness. Slowly, his eyelids fluttered open, revealing a pair of unfocused eyes. He blinked several times, his vision adjusting to the dim, amber-lit room.Where am I?His gaze shifted upward to the sight of wooden beams running in precise, parallel lines above him. As his senses sharpened, he became more aware of his surroundings. The room was modest yet orderly, with well-crafted furniture and a sense of meticulous care in every corner.Am I in a house? How did I get here?He tried to recall how he'd ended up in this unfamiliar place, but his head throbbed, the memories elusive. Attempting to sit up, he winced as a sharp, numbing pain shot through his leg. His attention snapped downward to the neatly wrapped bandages around his thigh, faintly stained with red."What happened to my leg?" he murmured, his voice hoarse and weak.From the other side of the room, a deep, resonant voice broke the silence, startling him."You're awake."Tyr turned his head, his eyes landing on the large figure of a man approaching. The man carried a wooden bowl in his hands, steam curling from its rim. His face, rugged and weathered, seemed stern, but his tone carried a surprising warmth."This should warm your belly," the man said, holding out the bowl.Tyr hesitated before accepting it. The man turned away, pulling up a sturdy wooden chair beside the bed. Tyr, now fixated on the soup in his hands, felt the warmth radiating through the bowl. The aroma was irresistible. Without a second thought, he brought the bowl to his lips and began to drink.The flavors were overwhelming. The broth was rich, the seasoning perfectly balanced, and the vegetables tender. It was unlike anything Tyr had ever tasted. His face flushed as the warmth spread through him, and he devoured every last drop.The man watched him, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth."Would you like some more, boy?"Tyr's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly.The man chuckled."Why don't you tell me your name first? It's rude to share a meal without introductions."Tyr hesitated, gripping the bowl tightly. He scrutinized the man, uncertain whether to trust him. The man's imposing stature and rugged appearance didn't immediately inspire comfort, but there was something in his tone—steady, calm, almost paternal—that quieted his fears.Finally, Tyr spoke, his voice small but determined."My name is Tyr. Can I have more soup now?"The man raised an eyebrow, amused."Don't you have any manners, boy?""Can I please have more soup now?" Tyr corrected himself, his tone a mix of impatience and desperation.The man smiled, rising from his chair."My name is Hagar. Nice to meet you, Tyr."He returned shortly with another bowl for Tyr and one for himself. The two ate in companionable silence, savoring the meal. Tyr felt a small sense of peace for the first time in what felt like an eternity.When they finished, Hagar stood and gathered the empty bowls."Be back in a moment. Just need to wash up."Tyr nodded, watching as the man left the room. His eyes wandered again, taking in his surroundings. The house was spotless, every item neatly arranged. Shelves lined the walls, adorned with pictures of smiling faces—a woman and two children. Tyr's chest tightened at the sight, a reminder of what he'd lost.Hagar returned, his footsteps light despite his size. His commanding voice broke Tyr's thoughts."So, boy, can we talk for a bit?"Tyr hesitated but nodded.Hagar pulled up the chair again, his tone softer now."Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you."Tyr's voice was barely above a whisper. "I don't trust you. Why am I here?""I found you in the woods. You were unconscious," Hagar explained."So, you just thought you could kidnap me?" Tyr snapped, his small frame tensing. "What do you want with a kid like me?"Hagar's eyes narrowed, his voice dropping."Would you rather die?"Tyr froze, his head lowering as fear crept into his chest. Is he going to kill me?Hagar sighed, his tone softening."You would've died out there if I hadn't found you. You were in bad shape, boy."Tyr's mind raced, fragments of memory flashing—his desperate fight with the wolf, the searing pain, the darkness closing in."I didn't think I'd live," he admitted quietly, tears welling in his eyes. "I thought I'd failed."Hagar placed a heavy hand on Tyr's shoulder, his grip firm yet comforting."You lived. That's what matters. But what were you doing so deep in the woods? Didn't your parents tell you how dangerous it is?"Tyr sniffled, wiping his tears."I don't have parents. All I have is Raina.""She your sister?""No," Tyr said, his voice cracking. "She's my best friend. We promised to stay together forever."Hagar's expression softened as he glanced at the photos on the shelf. His voice was steady as he said,"Loss affects us all. It's cruel, but it's a part of life. All you can do is remember them and carry them with you.""I can't let her be alone," Tyr said, his voice trembling with urgency. "She needs me."Hagar shook his head."You can't even walk, boy. How do you expect to help her like this?"Tyr clenched his fists, frustration flashing across his face. But as the man's words sank in, his expression shifted to reluctant understanding."Then what am I supposed to do?" he asked, his voice breaking. "What if something happens to her?""Believe in her," Hagar said simply. "Believe she'll survive until you're strong enough to find her."Tyr's eyes widened at the words, memories of Raina's strength flooding his mind. A small, determined smile crossed his lips."I'll believe in her," he said firmly, the conviction in his voice undeniable.