Whispers of Destiny: Bound by fate, Torn by secrets, Healed by love.

The fading light of dusk painted Brighthaven in hues of gold and amber as Aurora sat on the porch of Granny Elle's cottage, her chin resting on her palms. The strangers had left hours ago, yet her thoughts lingered on the peculiar boy with piercing blue eyes.

"What's on your mind, child?" Granny Elle's voice broke through the silence as she stepped onto the porch with two cups of tea. She handed one to Aurora before taking a seat beside her.

"Nothing," Aurora replied, though the slight furrow in her brow betrayed her.

Granny Elle chuckled softly. "You're a terrible liar, my dear. Is it about the boy?"

Aurora turned sharply, surprise flashing in her eyes. "How did you..."

"I've lived long enough to see the signs," Granny Elle interrupted gently, taking a sip of her tea. "He intrigued you, didn't he?"

Aurora hesitated before nodding. "He's... different. Quiet, but not in a shy way. It's like he doesn't care if anyone notices him or not."

Granny Elle hummed in agreement. "That kind of quiet often hides a storm, my dear. Be careful around people like that—they tend to change the course of rivers."

Aurora didn't fully understand the metaphor but sensed the weight behind Granny Elle's words.

Meanwhile, Elliot and his grandfather were making steady progress toward the next town. The repaired carriage creaked softly as it rolled over the uneven dirt road, the night air cool and filled with the sounds of nocturnal creatures.

"You're thinking too hard again," Edward said, breaking the comfortable silence.

Elliot glanced at his grandfather, his expression unreadable. "About what?"

Edward smirked. "About the girl. Don't deny it—I saw how you looked at her."

Elliot's brow furrowed. "She's just a child. Why would I think about her?"

Edward raised an eyebrow. "A child? You're not much older yourself, lad. Besides, it's not about age—it's about connection. And whether you admit it or not, there was one."

Elliot said nothing, his gaze returning to the road ahead.

The following days in Brighthaven passed uneventfully. Aurora resumed her routine of helping Granny Elle while visiting Tiana whenever time allowed. Yet her thoughts often drifted to the brief encounter with Elliot.

One afternoon, as Aurora helped Granny Elle organize her shelves of herbs and remedies, a knock at the door startled them both. Granny Elle opened it to reveal a young messenger from the neighboring town.

"Excuse me, ma'am," the boy said, slightly out of breath. "There's been an accident near the pass. A carriage overturned, and the driver is injured. They said to fetch you—said you'd know what to do."

Granny Elle's expression turned serious. "Of course. Give me a moment to gather what I need." She turned to Aurora. "You stay here, child."

"But I can help!" Aurora protested.

Granny Elle hesitated, then relented. "Alright, but only if you follow my instructions without question."

Aurora nodded eagerly, grabbing her shawl.

The accident site was about a mile outside the town, where the forest grew thick, and the road narrowed precariously. The overturned carriage lay on its side, its contents scattered across the ground. Two figures stood nearby: an older man with a bandaged arm and a boy who looked startlingly familiar.

Aurora's heart skipped a beat as she recognized Elliot.

Granny Elle wasted no time, approaching the older man with her supplies. "Let me see your arm," she said briskly, her tone brooking no argument.

Aurora, meanwhile, found herself standing awkwardly beside Elliot.

"You again," she blurted before she could stop herself.

Elliot glanced at her, his expression as unreadable as ever. "Seems that way."

Aurora flushed, unsure how to continue. "What happened?"

"Our horse spooked," Elliot said simply. "Grandfather lost control of the carriage."

"Is he going to be okay?"

"He's fine. Just a scratch."

Aurora frowned, glancing at the overturned carriage. "Doesn't look like 'just a scratch' to me."

Elliot's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "You're nosy, aren't you?"

Aurora opened her mouth to retort but was interrupted by Granny Elle's voice.

"Aurora, bring me the salve from my bag," she called.

Aurora hurried to comply, grateful for the distraction.

As the sun dipped lower, Granny Elle finished tending to Edward's injury and gave them instructions on how to proceed.

"You'll need to stay off that arm for a while," she said firmly. "If you push yourself, it'll take twice as long to heal."

Edward nodded, his gratitude evident. "You've been a great help, Elle. I don't know how to thank you."

"No thanks needed," Granny Elle replied with a wave of her hand. "Just take care of yourself."

Elliot and Aurora exchanged one last glance as the group prepared to part ways. This time, it was Elliot who spoke first.

"Thank you," he said quietly, his gaze steady.

Aurora blinked in surprise, then smiled. "You're welcome."

As she watched him walk away, a strange feeling settled in her chest—a sense that their paths were destined to cross again.