The morning sun rose over Haven, casting long shadows across the village square. William stood at the edge of his house, watching the village come to life. It was the sixteenth year since the fall of the Council—the sixteenth year since he had walked into the arena and changed everything. The sixteenth year of peace.
Elara came to stand beside him. "You're up early."
"Couldn't sleep."
"Thinking about the ceremony?"
William nodded. "Sixteen years. It feels like a lifetime."
"It has been a lifetime. For all of us."
---
The ceremony was held in the village square.
The entire village gathered—farmers, healers, builders, traders. William stood at the center, his hands empty, his heart full. Anna stood beside him, her blue eyes bright. Vesper stood behind them, her white eyes soft. Lira
