Chapter 18 Secrets Hidden in the Shadow

(Hilda)

The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled light across the garden where I found Nixie working among the flowers. The vibrant colors of the blooms seemed almost to mock the unease that gnawed at me. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation I was about to have.

“Nixie,” I called gently, trying to keep my voice steady. She looked up, her surprise giving way to a warm smile.

“Oh, Hilda! Good morning. What brings you here?”

“I was hoping to talk to you about something,” I said, my heart racing a bit. “Is now a good time?”

“Of course,” she replied, setting aside her gardening tools and brushing her hands on her apron. “What’s on your mind?”

We walked to a shaded bench under an old oak tree. I could hear the faint buzz of bees and the distant sound of laughter from the pack house, but my focus was solely on Nixie. Once seated, I gathered my thoughts, trying to find the right words.

“I overheard you talking yesterday,” I began, my voice trem