ASHER
Everything went quiet, like we hadn't stared death in the face only a month ago.
The sun spilled through the high windows of the packhouse, golden and warm, dancing across the polished floors and breathing life into the silence.
Birds chirped outside, oblivious to the fact that the world had nearly fallen apart.
It was almost... peaceful.
Loria was curled up on the couch beside Nadia, sketching something in a notebook with surprising focus.
Elira sat by the window, her fox spirit flickering softly at her feet like a loyal shadow. She hadn't spoken much since she woke, and while it pained me, I understood. After everything she'd endured, silence was her way of healing.
Her powers had been restored, but her heart? That would take time.
Nadia caught me watching her, her lips curving into a soft smile. There was tiredness behind her eyes, but also something else.. hope.
"I think she's starting to forgive herself," she whispered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
