CHAPTER EIGHTY NINE - THE MIDDLE CHILD’S CRUSH

The morning sun peeked over the horizon, its golden rays filtering through the arched windows of Karina's modest chamber. She stirred awake, blinking the last vestiges of sleep from her eyes as the familiar sounds of the Gorroth Manse rose to greet her. A soft knock at the door startled her. "Enter," she called out, hastily tying her robe. The door creaked open to reveal Lady Becky, her stern features softened slightly by the morning light. "Good, you're awake," she said brusquely. "I have a task for you today." Karina straightened, suddenly self-conscious under Becky's piercing gaze. "Of course, my lady. What would you have me do?" Becky's lips pressed into a thin line. "Nancy requires your assistance today. She needs to gather some rare ingredients from the forest, and I would feel better if you accompanied her." A flicker of surprise crossed Karina's face. Nancy, the free-spirited middle daughter, was an enigma to her. Their paths had rarely crossed since her return to the Mans