Shinon and the girls slowly approached the settlement gates. Meanwhile, the atmosphere within the settlement was charged with tension and anxiety.
It had been hours since he left with the girls, and the uncertainty surrounding their return had left the settlers on edge. After all, they had received no information about the battle's outcome.
As such, the guards were on high alert. Although they believed Shinon, the settlement couldn't take chances in case Shinon lost and were prepared to defend themselves in case Aric was headed their way.
However, as a car came into view, the tension dissolved into a wave of relief and excitement. People began to shout and point, alerting others to their arrival. The settlement's residents, including the Phoenixes, rushed towards the gates to greet the returning heroes.
