Chapter 323

T he next four meetings followed the same pattern, though the tension in the air seemed to shift as word of our message spread. By the time we reached each new gathering, the crowd already knew what to expect. Still, unease lingered. Many were wary, fearful that Leonardo and I might betray them in favor of the Fae. Others voiced concerns that Noemi and Graziana might harbor resentment toward the human realm, choosing instead to fight for their own. We didn’t dismiss their fears or brush them aside. Instead, we acknowledged their concerns, validating the risks they were taking. At every meeting, we reminded them of what we all stood to lose—a future that went beyond individual realms.