The sun rises gently over Kola, painting the sky with soft hues of pink and orange. The morning is still, with only the occasional chirping of birds breaking the silence. Sam is already awake, sitting on the edge of his bed, staring out the window. The events of the previous night linger in his mind, but today, he resolves to push them aside, only for a little while.
The smell of freshly baked bread wafts through the house. Granny Maya is already at work in the kitchen, her hands moving with practiced ease as she kneads the dough. Her humming fills the space, a comforting melody that makes the house feel like home.
Sam rises and dresses quickly, pulling on his worn boots and fastening the leather belt that holds the pouch with the Heartstone and Orb. He's careful to keep them hidden, knowing that they must remain guarded. As he makes his way to the living room, he hears Bella and Jack's voices mingling with Maya's, their conversation light and easy.
"Granny, this bread is amazing!" Bella exclaims as Sam enters the kitchen. She's perched on a stool by the table, a thick slice of bread in her hand. Her dark hair is tied back, and her face is bright with a smile.
"Best I have had in ages," Jack adds, his deep voice warm with appreciation. He's leaning against the counter, a mug of steaming tea in his hand. His strong frame fills the small kitchen, but there's a softness in his expression that belies his tough exterior.
Maya chuckles, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You two flatter me too much. It's just an old recipe."
"But it's the way you make it, granny," Sam says as he takes a seat at the table. He reaches for a slice of bread, enjoying the warmth that seeps into his fingers. "No one makes it like you do."
Maya waves off the compliment with a smile, but Sam can see the pride in her eyes. She's always been the heart of their little family, keeping them grounded even when the world outside feels chaotic.
As they eat, the conversation drifts to the tasks of the day. Jack mentions needing to repair the fence by the garden, which has been damaged by the recent storms. Bella talks about gathering herbs in the forest, a task she's taken on to help Maya with her remedies.
"What about you, Sam?" Bella asks, her tone light but with a hint of curiosity. "What is on your agenda for today?"
Sam hesitates for a moment, his mind flashing to the artifacts hidden beneath his cloak. But he forces a smile and shrugs. "Just the usual—helping around the village, maybe checking on the livestock."
Bella eyes him for a moment, as if sensing something beneath his words, but she doesn't press further. Instead, she nods and takes another bite of bread. "Sounds like a plan."
As the morning wears on, the three of them go about their tasks. Sam heads out to the village, offering a hand where it's needed. He helps Old Man M fix his roof, which had been leaking since the last rain, and lends a hand to Mrs. Xi, who's struggling with her vegetable garden.
In the midst of these tasks, Sam finds himself enjoying the simplicity of the day. It's a welcome change from the tension and danger that usually surrounds him. He laughs with the villagers, shares stories, and for a little while, forgets about the responsibilities that weigh so heavily on his shoulders.
Meanwhile, Bella and Jack work together in the forest, their movements synchronized from years of knowing each other so well. They chat as they gather herbs and wood, their voices mingling with the sounds of nature around them. They talk about the future, about the possibilities that lie ahead, but there's an unspoken understanding between them that things are never as simple as they seem.
By the time they return to the village, the sun is high in the sky, casting a warm glow over everything. Sam meets them by the well, wiping sweat from his brow as he finishes drawing water for Mrs. Xi.
"How was the forest?" he asks, handing Bella a mug filled with water.
"Peaceful," she replies, taking a sip. "It's nice to get away for a bit."
Jack nods in agreement. "We found some good herbs too. Your granny will be pleased."
They spend the rest of the afternoon together, finishing their chores and enjoying the company of the villagers. Sam finds himself relaxing, the tension easing from his body as the hours pass. It's a rare day of calm, and he savors every moment of it.
As evening falls, the three of them return home, their spirits lifted by the day's simple pleasures. Maya is waiting for them with a warm meal, and they sit together around the table, the conversation flowing easily as they eat.
But as the night wears on, and the fire in the hearth burns low, Sam feels the weight of his responsibilities creeping back in. He knows that this peace is temporary, that the dangers he faces are far from over. But for now, in this moment, he's grateful for the normalcy, for the chance to simply be with those he cares about.
As they finish their meal, Bella and Jack begin to clear the table, their movements unhurried. Maya watches them with a soft smile, her hands resting on the table as she sips her tea. Sam sits back in his chair, letting the warmth of the fire and the comfort of the moment wash over him.
But even as he relaxes, he can't shake the feeling that something is coming, something that will disrupt this fragile peace. The Guardian System has been quiet all day, but Sam knows it's only a matter of time before it calls on him again.
For now, though, he pushes those thoughts aside and focuses on the here and now. The laughter of his friends, the warmth of the fire, the simple joy of a meal shared with those he loves. These are the things that keep him going, the things that give him the strength to face whatever lies ahead.
And as the night deepens and the village falls silent, Sam makes a silent promise to himself: he will protect this peace, no matter the cost. He will do whatever it takes to keep Bella, Jack, and his grandmother safe, even if it means facing the darkest of dangers.
For now, though, he lets himself enjoy the moment, knowing that tomorrow will bring new challenges, new trials. But tonight, at least, he can rest, knowing that he is not alone.