Chapter 47

• The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the stronghold. The air was calm, a stark contrast to the chaos of the battle that had raged not long ago. The villagers and warriors moved about with purpose, rebuilding what had been lost and celebrating the unity that had emerged from their shared struggle. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, there was a sense of peace.
• Amara stood on the balcony of the stronghold, the soft breeze tugging at her hair as she gazed out at the village below. The artifact rested in her hands, its light faint but steady, a reminder of the journey that had brought them to this moment. She felt a sense of pride and gratitude for the progress they had made, but a small part of her remained cautious. Peace was fragile, and she knew better than to take it for granted.
• She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Xander approaching, his expression softer than usual. His sharp blue eyes held a warmth that made her heart skip, and the tension she hadn’t realized she was holding eased at the sight of him.