Shadow of the flame

After the confrontation in the village, Gray retreats into his duties, convincing himself that order and propriety are the only ways to protect his family. But an old utensil brings back memories of a time when their family was still whole—and of the moment that shaped the roles he and Cate would carry into adulthood. While Cate learned to protect them by fighting back, Gray learned to survive by staying quiet, behaving properly, and giving no one a reason to find fault.