Isabella finally dismissed the gathered villagers, her smile fading the moment they began to disperse. Without wasting a second, she turned on her heel and marched straight toward Kian.
He noticed her coming and raised a brow, half-expecting her to say something lighthearted again. But Isabella's expression was all business.
"Kian, where is Shelia?" she asked, voice flat and direct.
Kian's brow dropped, the change in his demeanor instant. His tone turned colder than usual, eyes briefly flicking away. "She's sick. She's no longer in the village."
Before Isabella could respond, he turned sharply and began walking off. The two visiting dignitaries—Garan and Euphim—fell in line behind him, saying nothing.
Isabella narrowed her eyes at his retreating back, her jaw tightening.
Opehlia appeared beside her, her voice urgent. "Isabella… is he being serious? Is Shelia really no longer in the village?"
