Ariana's body remained frozen—she hadn't expected that at all.
How did he know? How was he aware?
The fact that they were actually going to visit her mother… Her heart thudded at the thought. A heavy silence fell—not intense, but overwhelming. Her eyes watered as Zavren's gaze remained fixed on her. And just as he opened his mouth to speak, she wrapped her arms tightly around him.
Ariana couldn't explain the feeling.
Yes, she had visited her mother a few times—mostly with her father and sister—but it had always been difficult. The cemetery was miles away from home, and walking there took nearly four to five hours. They usually had to save up just enough money to book a local carriage from the village center, which cost ten pennies—a hefty amount. So those visits were rare, but when they happened, they brought a joy that words couldn't describe.
And now… Zavren had said it. Just like that.
He was taking her. Without her asking.
And somehow, that made it mean even more.
