Chapter 45; Sparks Of Gossip

ARWYN POV

The sun began to paint the sky in soft hues of pink and gold as we rode into the camp the next morning, the air still crisp with the lingering chill of night. The campfires from the previous evening had long since dwindled to embers, sending thin tendrils of smoke curling into the dawn air.

Thrystan rode beside me, behind us, the deer hung from the back of my horse, its lifeless body swaying gently with each step.

As we entered the camp, heads began to turn. Murmurs rose among the gathered hunters and soldiers even to the honourable guests, their eyes flicking from the deer to me, then to Thrystan. Some whispered behind cupped hands, others simply stared, but all wore expressions of curiosity—mixed with a touch of admiration.

I felt the weight of their gazes, the hush that fell over the camp as we passed through, but I kept my head high, refusing to let it rattle me.

"Looks like we’ve caused a bit of a stir," Thrystan murmured under his breath, his lips curving into a sly sm