บท 119: Ambush in the woods

As Rose's words settled in her mind, Mallory found herself reflecting on how much she had evolved in Hadeon's presence. It wasn't merely change, she realised, but growth. This thought brought to mind something her grandmother had once told her:

'One day, Mal, you won't have to shoulder everything on your own. Someone will be there to carry the burden with you, and life will become easier.'

A smile touched Mallory's lips at the memory, though it quickly faded. Sensing the shift in Mallory's thoughts, Rose added gently, "Not every death must be tragic. I sense that Hadeon has already decided how he wishes to meet his end."

Mallory's brow furrowed in confusion. "How so?" she asked.