Ace's POV
The moment my words left my lips, the cheerful atmosphere at the breakfast table shattered like thin ice. A heavy silence settled over the group, and I watched as expressions dimmed—especially Ovelia's. Her fork stilled mid-air, her shoulders slumping almost imperceptibly. The golden morning light streaming through the windows suddenly felt too bright, too cheerful for the weight in the room.
Philip was the first to break the silence, offering a small, bittersweet smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'll be leaving the village today as well," he said, his voice steady but subdued. "I need to report everything that happened here to King Alfred."
Colt nodded, tearing a piece of bread absently. "Same. I finished my report to Sir Ray last night, and King Raymond wants me and my men back in Wildfire to help repair the bridge."
