The valley unfolded before them like a scene from a forgotten dream. Towering redwoods cast long shadows across a lush meadow, and a crystal-clear stream meandered through the vibrant landscape. The air, sweet with the scent of wildflowers, felt like a balm after the damp and oppressive atmosphere of the caves.
Exhaustion gnawed at Cinder's bones, but a wave of relief washed over her. They had made it. They had escaped Volkov's grasp and found a sanctuary, a place to rest and regroup.
As they ventured deeper into the valley, a low growl echoed through the air. Cinder froze, hand instinctively going for the hilt of the moonstone dagger. Zara, however, chuckled softly.
"Relax," she said, her gaze fixed on a group of figures emerging from the shadows of the trees. "Those are our people."
