Chapter 49 Fourty Eight

• "Say... Avelyn. If I may ask... why are you alone in this forest?" Captain Jazper asked, holding his fishing line steady as he waited for a bite.
• The question caught Avelyn off guard. She paused, trying to gather her thoughts, and managed a small smile. "Well... uh..." she began, stammering as she searched for the right words. She clearly wasn't comfortable sharing her story.
• Jazper noticed her hesitation and waved a hand dismissively. "Ah! Never mind. You don't need to answer. I'm just curious, that's all. It's not every day you see a pregnant woman managing all of this by herself. You're stronger than most," he added with genuine admiration.