The morning sun rose over Haven, casting long shadows across the village square. William stood at the edge of his house, watching the farmers prepare for the harvest. It was the sixteenth year since the fall of the Council—the sixteenth year since he had walked into the arena and changed everything.
Elara came to stand beside him. "It's strange, isn't it?"
"What is?"
"All of this. The village. The peace. The life we've built."
William looked at her. "Strange, or wonderful?"
"Both."
He took her hand. "I think that's the point."
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The harvest was the largest in Haven's history.
The fields were full, the barns overflowing, the bellies full. The village celebrated with a feast in the square—tables laden with bread, cheese, roasted meat, and fresh cider. The children played in the st
