As I rounded a bend in the path, I caught sight of something up ahead—a figure moving slowly along the water's edge.My heart leapt into my throat as I quickened my pace.
But as I got closer, it became clear that it wasn't Claire's grandmother.It was just a deer grazing quietly by the lake.
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding and continued on my way.The cold air stung my cheeks and nose as I pressed forward with renewed determination.
The minutes stretched on endlessly as I searched every inch of ground for any clue or sign that might lead us to her.
The helplessness persisted, gnawing at me like an old wound reopened.All my training seemed useless in this moment—no enemy to fight or strategy to employ—just an endless expanse of cold darkness and uncertainty.
Chapter20
Claire
Iwandered around the lake, scanning the familiar spots for Gran.The early evening light cast a soft glow over the water, making it shimmer like a field of diamonds.I finally spotted her, sitting on the old wooden bench, her gaze fixed on the horizon.She looked so peaceful there, lost in a world of her own memories.
“Gran?”I approached cautiously, not wanting to startle her.“Gran, I?—”
“He’s not coming,” she interrupted, her voice trembling.“Your grandfather isn’t coming.”
My heart squeezed at her words, and I felt a lump form in my throat.My eyes welled up with tears that I fought to keep at bay.Sitting down next to her, I took a deep breath.
“No,” I murmured softly, reaching out to hold her hand.“No, he’s not.”
She turned to me then, confusion clouding her eyes.“But he promised, Claire.He promised he’d be here.”
I bit my lip, struggling with how to comfort her.How many times had we had this conversation?Each time it hurt just as much as the first.
“I know, Gran,” I said gently.“But he’s watching over us now.”
Her eyes softened for a moment as if she understood.But then the confusion returned.She squeezed my hand tightly.
“You know, Claire,” she whispered conspiratorially, “I think that young man staying at your inn...He looks like he’s hiding from something.”
A small smile tugged at my lips despite the heaviness in my chest.Even in her moments of confusion, Gran’s perceptiveness never wavered.
“Yes,” I agreed.“He does seem like he has a lot on his mind.”
Gran nodded sagely as if she had just imparted some great wisdom.Then she turned back to the lake, lost once again in whatever memories or dreams she clung to.
We sat there together in silence for a while, watching the sun dip lower in the sky.The quiet was comforting; it felt like we were both holding on to something precious and fragile.
As I sat there with Gran, I heard footsteps approaching from the other direction.I turned to see Christian walking toward us.He glanced at Gran and then back at me, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"Claire," he called out, his voice steady but tinged with worry.
I forced a smile, not wanting to add to his concerns."Christian, it's okay.We were just enjoying the view."
He nodded but didn't seem entirely convinced.
"Thank you," I said, standing up and gently guiding Gran to her feet."For… everything.We should head back anyway."
Christian fell into step beside us as we made our way along the path.Gran hummed softly to herself, seemingly content in her own world again.
"You don't have to do it all on your own, Claire," Christian said quietly, his gaze fixed ahead."Someone taught me that."
His words caught me off guard, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest.My lips curved up in a genuine smile."I appreciate that, Christian.Really."
Gran's humming filled the silence between us, and for a moment, everything felt right.
