It had been nearly a fortnight since Alyssa Velaryon and her children had taken sanctuary at Storm's End. The storm outside raged against the walls, but inside, the warmth of the hearth and the safe embrace of Lord Rogar Baratheon’s home provided a sense of peace.

Alyssa sat by the fire in the great hall, her children nearby, as Rogar approached, his heavy cloak still wet from the rain.

“Your kindness has been more than I could ever repay, Lord Rogar,” she said, her voice gentle but filled with genuine gratitude. Her violet eyes softened as she spoke, the bond between them slowly forming in the quiet moments they shared over the past weeks.