The morning sun painted the sky in shades of amber and rose as it crept over the horizon, its warm rays touching the reborn world. The air carried a crispness that felt new yet familiar, a clean slate for all who lived under its expanse. Annie and Ethan stood on a hilltop overlooking the vast expanse of the land they had fought so hard to save, their expressions a blend of wonder and uncertainty.
For a moment, neither spoke. They simply stood side by side, letting the gentle breeze tug at their hair and clothes. The weight that had pressed on them for so long seemed to have lifted, leaving behind a quiet stillness that felt alien after months of chaos.
“This feels… surreal,” Ethan finally said, breaking the silence. His voice was soft, almost hesitant, as if speaking too loudly might sha
