Isabella carefully stepped down from Cyrus' tail with a little wobble—part exhaustion, part dramatics—and made her way toward Kian, brushing nonexistent dust from her skirt like she was preparing for a red carpet stroll. Around her, the villagers, who had previously dispersed like startled chickens, slowly trickled back, peeking around corners and bushes to witness the newest development.
"You're here," Isabella said, offering Kian a warm smile that managed to look completely genuine despite the swarm of things she was juggling in her head. She gestured toward the well with a sweep of her hand like she was unveiling a grand painting. "It's done."
Kian looked at her but didn't respond right away. His expression was unreadable as usual—somewhere between deadpan and mildly impressed, with a hint of permanent suspicion. Instead of answering, he turned and walked over to the well.
Only then did Isabella notice the two men standing beside him.
