The first sign came during breakfast.
Marla stirred porridge while humming something cheerful. The twins sat side by side, swinging their legs under the table. Shannon read a supply list while Tristan pretended not to see the twins sneaking dried fruit from his plate.
Everything was normal—until Riven suddenly went quiet.
He stared across the table at Eira, who was checking supply needs for the waystation. Eira was both the waystation steward and the lead healer of Greystone.
The little boy's brow furrowed, his amber eyes thoughtful in that way that made him look far too old for his age.
"Auntie," he said softly, "your heart is sad."
The room stilled.
Eira froze, quill hovering above her notebook. "What did you say, sweetheart?"
Riven tilted his head. "Your heart feels… tired. Like it carried too many people."
Tristan's spoon paused mid-air. Shannon glanced up from his list.
