Bess nodded her head, surprised to see Tauriel acting this assertively. Tauriel gripped Bess's hand and dragged her into a nearby room, shutting the door behind them. The air inside was thick with tension, the dim candlelight casting long shadows on the walls.
"Sit," Tauriel instructed, gesturing towards the bed. Bess complied without protest, though curiosity flickered in her eyes.
Tauriel sat beside her, their eyes locking. Her voice was laced with concern as she asked, "Have you visited the town lately?"
Bess tilted her head, puzzled by the sudden question. "No, why?"
Tauriel let out a wry chuckle, twirling a few strands of her hair between her fingers. "People have changed there. Just like 'her.'"
