As Zephara and I trudged through the forest, our victory still fresh in our minds but our bodies weary from the battle, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief knowing that we were finally on our way back to Zain Castle. The adrenaline rush from the fight was fading, replaced by a bone-deep exhaustion that seemed to seep into every fiber of my being.
Zephara must have sensed my weariness because she reached out and squeezed my hand reassuringly. "We did it, Leora," she said, her voice soft but filled with pride. "We defeated the rogue demons and saved the people."
I managed a tired smile in response, grateful for her unwavering support. "Yeah," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I can't wait to collapse into bed and sleep for a week."
Zephara chuckled softly, the sound like music to my ears. "Well, lucky for us, we're almost back at the human castle," she said, gesturing ahead to where the dim outline of Zain Castle loomed in the distance.
