283 Proving trust (part 1)

As the door closed behind their departing guests, Egon glanced at Adela, his gaze carrying a meaningful message.

"What's going on?" she inquired.

"Get ready."

"Ready for what?"

"We're leaving for Latora in a few hours."

She stared at him as though he had sprouted a third arm, her silent objection apparent and provoking an exasperated response from him.

"Just say what's on your mind, Adelaide. We're short on time."

His words had a sharp edge, but beneath it, the warmth he had been gradually showing her still resonated. He had asked her to trust him on many occasions, and now, she needed to trust that the moments they shared in their newly founded home were not as fragile as a sandcastle on the shore.

"Why the rush?" she asked with diplomatic concern.

"Because I want that witch out of Lanark sooner rather than later," he replied sharply.