#Chapter 248: Never Ready

Olivia The nursery was shrouded in a gentle, late evening haze. Only the soft hum of the nightlight filled the room, casting a pale, golden luminescence on the sleeping twins. Elliot and Aurora, their tiny forms cocooned in soft blankets, breathed softly, creating a rhythmic lull that reverberated throughout the space. Leaning back into the plush rocking chair, I found myself entrapped in a swirling vortex of thoughts and emotions. Every whisper, every disdainful glance from the townsfolk, played back in my mind. “Witch!” they had said. “Traitor!” Truthfully, I didn’t know whether anyone actually meant what they said. Maybe they were just too scared, battered, and tired. But it didn’t make their words hurt any less. Below me, the rocking chair swayed gently, its soft creaking a soothing constant and an anchor amidst my tumultuous thoughts. Nathan watched me, a look of concern evident in his piercing blueish green eyes. They shimmered, reflecting