The village of Eldrath was quieter than usual. The aftermath of the battle had left the villagers in a state of wary calm, as if they were afraid to disturb the fragile peace that had settled over their homes. The sun had risen, but the shadows of the past night still lingered, casting long, somber reflections on the cobblestone streets.
Elara, Kael, and Morgana walked through the village, acknowledging the grateful nods and murmured words of thanks from the villagers. Despite the relief that the dark orb had been destroyed, an undercurrent of unease ran through the air. The trio could feel it in the way the villagers avoided looking directly at the forest, as if afraid that the darkness might return at any moment.
