Bailey and Jodis stood on a slow rise above the lush forest. The early spring had already lent the area a rich green color and the smell of the earthy foliage hung in the air. The greenery would have given Bailey a sense of peace if she had not known it to be the cause of much bloodshed.

“All that land belongs to our village,” Jodis said.

“Why can’t you just share it? There’s enough wildlife there to feed your people and Roderic’s tribe.”

“It’s ours.”

Bailey turned and looked at Jodis. “Why is ownership so important? Your people own the forest.” She paused a moment before adding, “Alaric owns you.”

“Ownership is power.”

“So you don’t deny it.”

Jodis shook her head.

Bailey tried to gain Jodis’ attention, but the blue eyes seemed fixed on the ground with a strength of will even Bailey’s hopeful gaze could not break. “You don’t love him?”

“No,” Jodis said, never looking up, never pausing. “I’ve tried, over the years. My mother said I would. But I can’t.”

“Have you ever been in love?”

Jodis looked down at the forest. “Did I ever tell you about the legend of the—“

Bailey grabbed Jodis’ arm and pulled her around to face her. “Have you ever been in love?”

Jodis swallowed visibly. “Once, perhaps.”

Bailey’s voice grew quiet. “And what happened?”

“I don’t know.” Jodis looked to the ground and then back up at Bailey, the smallest hint of a smile playing on the edge of her lips. “Yet.”

Bailey stood, heart pounding, and watched as Jodis walked back toward the village. Only once the Goth had disappeared down the hill did Bailey allow herself to feel the hope rise in her chest. Yet.