Ophelia had risen early, ensuring everything was in order. She washed up quickly and refilled the hollowed-out gourds with fresh water inside Isabella's small hut.
Turning to check on Isabella, she found her still curled up, Glimora clutched tightly in her hands. Normally, Isabella was the first to wake, but today, she slept soundly. She must have been exhausted.
Deciding not to disturb her, Ophelia made a quick choice—she would head to the palace first. Maybe she could find Shelia. By the time she returned, Isabella would likely be awake.
With that, she pushed aside the hide curtain door and stepped out into the fresh morning air.
A few minutes passed before Glimora stirred, her fluffy white fur glowing faintly in the dim hut. She stretched lazily, yawned, and blinked her big shimmering eyes open—
—and immediately wished she hadn't.
