The quiet after the battle was almost deafening. The makeshift infirmary buzzed with activity, healers moving swiftly among the injured. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and sweat, punctuated by the occasional groan of pain. Outside, villagers worked to clear the remnants of the bandit camps, reclaiming what they could while others prepared pyres for the fallen.
Elena stood at the edge of the clearing, watching the smoke curl into the sky. She felt the weight of exhaustion settle into her bones, but her mind refused to rest. The⁹ victory had been hard-won, but the cost lingered in every corner of her thoughts.
"Elena."
She turned to see Kael approaching, his arm wrapped in a hastily tied bandage. Despite his injuries, his stride was steady, his expression unreadable.
"You shou
