SECRET BEYOND THE HILLS

the south, lived three enchanting sisters—renee , aged nineteen; mora, twenty; and kate, the eldest at twenty one. Their azure eyes sparkled with a natural bri

provided a thriving livelihood for its residents throughout the year. Winchester was,

Orphaned at a young age, they were nurtured by their lively and petite Aunt Donna, who, conte

t, crops withered, and swarms of insects ravaged the village, leaving destruction in their wake. The once pristine lake, the primary

me the

mysterious messenger arrived, bearing news that the old castle atop the hill in the neighboring village sought young housekeepers and male workers, aged between eighteen and

r the housekeeper position. The prospect of securing 100 gold coins to provide for her aunt a

job as a housekeeper," kat

pply as a housekeeper too!" mora excla

renee . The 100 gold coins can buy enough food for six months. By then, I'll have another sa

t Donna and one for kate. The modest wooden house, their only home,

her you like it or not!" mora dec

going!?" kate r

t packing my thing

ing along with me! You stay here! Don't be stubbo

for myself; I'll apply for

her aunt to allow her to join kate, expressing her desire for a meaningful pursuit beyond the village. Aunt Donna,

house. Aunt Donna, feeling the weight of their circumstances, c

. You have to be there to send me away," k

urse, we'll be there to s

her silent contemplation, focusing on finishing t

and women, including kate, were hired. Each received a pouch containing 100 gold coins

x-month salary. I'll come back here

niece tightly. "Take c

Aunt Donna,"

miss you terribly!" renee

ank you for this beautiful shawl, si

If my work condition is great, I'll ask Aunt to

ister! I'll be looking forward to it," she said, hu

back with mixed emotions. The trio left behind—Aunt Donna, mora, and re

salted eggs—kate's favorite. Uncomfortable silence enveloped them, accentuated by th

tually stopping in a clearing surrounded by dense forests. By nigh

d blossoming bodies and souls

ssage, disappeared behind the tower