The morning began with the scent of freshly cooked food filling the inn's common room.
Lorraine moved with practiced ease, placing steaming plates of breakfast on the wooden table.
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, warm light pooling across the floorboards.
Today marked another step in their journey.
After breakfast, they would pack their things and continue down the road.
If everything went smoothly, they would reach Starbloom City in just two more days.
Lorraine's heart fluttered faintly at the thought.
Two more days.
Her father, Gerome, settled himself into a chair, studying her face with keen eyes.
His brow furrowed slightly.
"Is it just me," he said slowly, "or do you look… more beautiful than you did yesterday?"
Lorraine hesitated, her cheeks coloring faintly under his scrutiny.
She knew what he meant. After her breakthrough last night, she had noticed the change too.
