Like every town in the kingdom, the rats in Penn Weir were running riot, but the inn had been good at keeping them out and I was relieved to find them welcoming when I arrived. With limited money and no form of transportation, I wasn't able to travel far, but the innkeeper and his wife were happy to allow me a room as long as I worked for them. Cooking and cleaning was not particularly interesting work, but it was far better than what I might find on the streets.

Although I'm sure they just took pity on me, given my bedraggled state when I arrived, I will never be able to thank them enough for all they have done. Even helping me to pen a letter home asking for my things to be sent here, it was far more than I ever had a right to expect.

I cannot imagine returning to the home I used to know, but the mementos I collected are still in a box beneath the bed. A book that was my mothers. My father's signet ring. So many treasures that only mean something to me. My aunt and uncle might not have been particularly fond of me, but I hope they'll find it in their hearts to return them.

I'll stay here for as long as I am able. Despite it only having been a few days since I fled, I was beginning to feel somewhat safe here. The first night, I didn't sleep a wink. Too afraid Atticus and the guards would come looking for me. When they didn't, a mix of disappointment and relief hit me. I don't know why I expected them to chase me down. Why would they care for one woman?

Straightening my borrowed dress, I shot my reflection a look and forced a smile, before heading down to grab some dinner before the evening rush began.

"Gwen? A letter arrived for you." Robyn lisped, her curly hair bobbing against her shoulders as she bounced over to me as soon as I hit the bottom step.

"Thank you." I smiled back, taking the offered envelope and ruffling her hair.

"Hey!" she laughed, ducking to avoid me. "Mama said you can help me in the gardens tomorrow. I'll show you where all the best things are."

I chuckled, turning the letter over in my hands to look at the seal. "I'll look forward to it. You better get back to the kitchens before your mama has my head for distracting you!"

Robyn giggled and pulled a fierce face that looked a little too like her mother for comfort, before dashing off to back to the kitchens.

Breaking the letter open, I didn't recognise the writing as I made my way into the main hall in the inn, which was already filling with patrons.

Frowning, I took a seat as far from them as possible and settled down to read.

Dear Gwen

When you left this town, I had hoped never to see or hear from you again, so the guilt at what I did might be forgotten. That is until two days later, when your Father was brought into town.

All these years we believed him dead and I am ashamed to admit we gave up looking for him far sooner than we should have, as the winter was setting in. He hasn't been able to speak much, other than to confirm your mother has indeed passed away and it is only him.

Lord knows how he made it through all that snow and survived on the mountain for as long as he did.

He is ill, gravely so, but he has survived thus far, and I believe he is capable of overcoming this with proper care. Be thankful he was found before it was too late.

I know we let that monster take you, and your aunt and uncle shared your letter with me. If you can get back here to see your father, I believe there will be no greater joy than seeing you reunited once more.

If you cannot get back, please know, I beg for your forgiveness and will never stop trying to atone for what I did as long as I live.

Mayor Merridean

I sat back in the chair, mind reeling, as I processed the contents of the letter. All those years I had believed that when the great avalanche hit, my parents were killed by it. Their cart swept off the road and destroyed and them along with it.

Millions of questions plague my mind. How did my father survive fifteen years out there, and why didn't he ever return for me?

A gust of wind caught the letter, nearly pulling it from my hands, as the door to the inn burst open. My head snapped up to look at the cause of it, and I wasn't the only one. The conversation dropped as everyone began to take in the all too familiar figure in the doorway.

Lyron.