The burly man lowered himself into one of the rickety wooden chairs near the fire. The chair creaked under his weight.
His eyes were cold and sharp, flicked from Yara to Varn, then lingered on both with a gaze that felt like a blade pressing to their skin. His thick brows furrowed, enhancing his naturally intimidating features.
A moment later, Darel sat down opposite him, his jaw tight and posture stiff.
The man folded his arms. "I respect the fact that you didn't try to run."
None of them responded aloud, though all three felt the same thought churn quietly inside. "We couldn't have run from you even if we tried!"
The burly man leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. "You've clearly been through something. I want to hear it. Everything. From the start."
There was a pause. Then Darel nodded slightly. "Alright."
