We all froze after Bella finished her story, the weight of it settling over the table like a heavy blanket. No one moved. No one spoke right away. The clink of forks had stopped; even the fire in the hearth seemed quieter.
Kalia was the first to break the silence. She reached across and rested a gentle hand on Bella's shoulder.
"I'm so sorry you went through that," she said softly, voice steady and sincere.
Bella managed a small smile, though her eyes still shimmered. "It's okay. It was a long time ago." She paused, then looked straight at me. "And besides… I have Ragnar now~"
Her voice lifted at the end, bright and teasing despite everything. She gave me that cheerful, lopsided grin that always made my chest warm.
I smiled back—couldn't help it—and leaned forward. "Once things settle down, we can all go visit your tribe. See how they're doing now."
