“No, you did not.”
Bellmere changed over the last year in ways I still struggle to fully understand. The fear never vanished overnight.
The merchants started waving when I crossed the market.
Then Bellmere simply... continued accepting me until one day I realized people no longer looked at me like I was waiting to become dangerous.
I finally feel like I belong and that realization still unsettles me.
The lakeshore fills quickly by evening.
Lanterns move across the lake in glowing clusters while musicians tune instruments near the ceremony platform. Bells sway gently from decorated arches throughout the shoreline, their tones mingling softly with laughter and conversation.
Roseth stands beside me near the dock wearing deep bronze fabric threaded with silver stitching along the sleeves. The lantern light catches against her curls each time she moves.
She notices me staring.
“You are being strange tonight.”
“I am always strange.” I whisper.
“Fair.”
Music quiets as the new Town Head steps onto the ceremony platform.
The crowd settles gradually.
“I know Bellmere remembers this festival differently now,” he begins. “One year ago we nearly lost our town. We nearly lost each other.”
Silence spreads across the shoreline.
“But Bellmere still stands because people chose courage instead of fear.”
Unease twists immediately in my chest and Rose squeezes my hand once.
Several townsfolk glance toward me briefly before looking back toward the platform.
“Khaivor of Kantor protected Bellmere when destruction reached our shores. He shielded our families. He saved lives at great cost to himself while expecting nothing in return.”
A murmur moves through the crowd.
The new town’s head lifts a small bronze crest shaped with Bellmere’s lake symbol.
“For his courage and for the home he has helped protect, Bellmere welcomes Khaivor fully among its people as one of us.”
Applause rises across the lakeshore.
Emotion catches painfully beneath my ribs, stealing my voice.
I spent years crossing kingdoms convinced there would always be another reason to leave before attachment became dangerous.
Roseth looks up at me softly while the applause continues around us.
“You should probably say something,” she murmurs.
“That seems unlikely.”
She laughs quietly. “Terrifying soundweaver defeated by social interaction.”
