Facing the blight

Avery’s POV

He sighed heavily, rubbing his temples before meeting my gaze. “It’s the annual Northern Harvest Festival. With the blight wreaking havoc, we’re facing a dire situation. The crops and animals are suffering. It’s going to be impossible to hold the festival this year. People are too hungry and exhausted to celebrate.”

I nodded, recalling from the books his mother forced on me how crucial these festivals were. They weren’t just about celebration—they were a beacon of hope, a chance for the people to come together and see that their leaders cared. Without it, morale could sink, and faith in Kane’s leadership might wane.

“I understand why you’re worried,” I said softly. “Festivals like this are more than just traditions. They’re vital for keeping the people’s spirits up. If we skip it, it might send the wrong message—that we’re not doing enough to help them.”

Kane looked at me with gratitude for understanding where he was coming from. But then he became frustrated. “I know