Prologue
Noteverything that appears to be a weed lacks purpose; each has its own path to bloom.
It was a warm autumn day, perfect for starting life anew. The foliage on the trees shimmered like a whimsical gradient, transitioning from vibrant yellow to soft burgundy. The air, still carrying echoes of summer, felt pleasant, and the wild chrysanthemums growing along the old roadside stirred fond memories of home.
For the first time, young Kairyn had ventured far from her native lands. The cart creaked as if complaining about every stone it encountered, and in her hand, she clutched a letter. From her hip pouch came occasional rustling sounds—it was Tutti, her friend, a rare magical creature resembling a fluffy ball of fur. She had bought him from a merchant at a fair who annually brought peculiar creatures from all corners of the world to the town for the holidays. These creatures were guardians of homes and belongings, willful but never dull. When the rustling became unbearable, Kairyn opened the pouch. Two large, round eyes peered out, and a pink nose twitched, eagerly sniffing the surroundings.
— Stop being naughty — Kairyn whispered softly to him — or I’ll have to keep you in the pouch until we arrive.
She tapped his nose with her finger and laughed. In response, she heard only indignant grumbling. Tutti rubbed his nose with his fluffy paw and quieted down, gazing at the passing scenery.
Oh, the letter—it had come from her late Aunt Gailis, who had bequeathed her house to her niece in the charming village of Wolfdale, nestled in a green valley. For Kairyn, it was more than just a house; it was a place of warmth and tender nostalgia.
Wolfdale was a breathtakingly picturesque place, stretching across the Pontbelton Valley with its endless green meadows, scenic forests, snow-capped mountains, and quaint cobblestone streets lined with charming houses topped with colorful tiled roofs. A sense of peace permeated every moment in this enchanting place. The old Winric Square, with its massive tree whose trunk and leaves shimmered gold and bloomed with silver flowers, was a sight to behold. The tree greeted travelers even before they reached the village.
The cart’s wheel jolted into a deep rut with a thud, and the old driver turned.
— We’re here — he shouted.
Kairyn’s heart raced. Before her stood the very house, its roof covered in moss, nearly hidden by the overgrown, blooming clematis. Though the house needed care, it felt deeply familiar and welcoming. Tutti poked his snout out of the pouch, sneezed at the unfamiliar scent of the flowers, and promptly tumbled back inside from the surprise.
If this place has a heart, Kairyn thought, it beats right here. She felt an overwhelming urge to touch it, as if shaking hands to seal an unspoken pact with her new life.
