The first rays of sunlight broke over Lornwood, casting a pale golden glow across the village. Emily stood at the edge of the square, watching as the light crept over the rooftops, chasing away the shadows of the previous night's tension. The villagers were stirring—some already at work preparing the supplies for the exchange, while others gathered in small groups, their hushed conversations reflecting a collective unease.
Aiden approached her, his expression somber but determined. "They'll be expecting us soon," he said, nodding toward the small group of villagers packing crates with food, tools, and other essentials. "We've got enough to meet their demands for now, but this is going to stretch our resources thin if this truce doesn't hold."
