Years had turned the battle-scarred valley into a land of steady light and open roads.
Nora stood on the high balcony of the council hall and watched the morning move through the empire. "Look at them, Blake. Look at Drew. Lily and Max run the day like they were born for it."
Blake joined her at the rail. "Lily handles the east scouts better than I ever did. Max keeps the listening lines clear across six valleys. Greater responsibilities sit natural on their shoulders."
Drew came up on her other side. "Equal partners still. Devoted fathers too. We raised them for this. Feels right to step back a little and watch."
Nora smiled. "Long journey from the early days. I reflect on it every morning. We fought. We healed. Now the empire stands strong and stable because of all of us."
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