Night deepened. The meal had long since gone cold, with a film of congealed fat floating on the soup.
The old woman paced restlessly, then went to the window again to wipe the condensation from the glass.
"Where on earth has that child gone...?"
"Grandma, don't worry too much."
Alina set down her bowl of cold soup and stepped forward to comfort her.
"Little Tal is strong, remember? Last time, she killed that Rift Beast taller than the door with one swing of her sword."
She took the old woman's arm and urged her gently:
"Please stop pacing and get some rest. I'll stay here and wait for her."
The old woman looked at Alina's determined face and finally let out a long sigh.
"All right... Don't stay up too late yourself. Get some sleep."
After seeing Grandma back to her room, Alina turned to Grandpa, who was still sitting by the coals.
"Grandpa, you should go to bed too."
Alina crouched beside him and spoke softly.
He shook his head, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames.
Alina took his rough hand in hers.
"I'll keep watch. I'll call you the moment I hear anything."
Faced with his granddaughter's stubborn, concerned gaze, he finally relented.
"Then... make sure you get some rest too."
"I will," Alina said with a nod.
After what felt like ages, the lights went out, and the house fell silent.
The rustle of clothing sounded in the dark. Alina wrapped her cloak tight and crept along the wall until her fingers found the wooden handle of the axe.
"Why aren't you asleep?"
The sudden voice made Alina jump. She pressed a hand to her chest and turned around awkwardly. Grandpa stood fully dressed in the doorway to the inner room.
"Grandpa..." she murmured.
"You were