When Darian awoke, excitement carried him through breakfast and morning chores. Today began his job at the family’s bakery—months of kneading, baking, until his father’s keen eyes saw perfection. Long hours spent memorizing recipes, being tested by his mother. The smile on his face, the skip in his step, said it all. His parents left early, as they usually did. They told him to wait at Gram's shop to meet up. Their bakery was well-known in Wickmere, despite neither being rich nor destitute. I...

When Darian awoke, excitement carried him through breakfast and morning chores. Today began his job at the family’s bakery—months of kneading, baking, until his father’s keen eyes saw perfection. Long hours spent memorizing recipes, being tested by his mother. The smile on his face, the skip in his step, said it all. His parents left early, as they usually did. They told him to wait at Gram's shop to meet up. Their bakery was well-known in Wickmere, despite neither being rich nor destitute. I...