The hut was small and cramped. It was barely large enough for the five of them. Maren had found it. It had her refuge for years. It was like a hunter's shelter, abandoned years ago, its roof sagging, its walls held together by memory and desperation. But it was dry. It was hidden. And for now, it was safe.
Matt led Yvonne inside, his hand still wrapped around hers. She was trembling—not from cold, not from fear, but from the sheer weight of what she had endured. The illusions. The visions. The mage's relentless assault on her mind.
Maren looked up as they entered. Her eyes widened. "You found her."
Matt nodded. "She's exhausted. She needs rest."
Sam and Sid were huddled in the corner, their faces shadowed. They didn't speak, but their eyes followed Yvonne as Matt helped her sit down by the small fire.
"Tell us what happened," Matt said quietly. "When you're ready."
Yvonne stared at the flames for a long moment. Her hands were still shaking.
