The wind no longer howled.
It whispered, gentle and golden, winding through the thatched rooftops and open fields of the valley villages. Sunlight poured in warm streams between clouds, casting a hush of peace that felt borrowed from another lifetime. Rose walked slowly along the worn path, her steps soft against the earth, her presence drawing quiet glances from those around her. No one spoke her name aloud, but they all knew who she was.
Children—fae and lycan, drakeborn and sprite—chased each other between the trees and houses. Laughter erupted like music. A tiny fireling with sparks for hair ran past her feet, followed by a winged child who squealed with delight. Mothers stood near doorways or leaned over baskets, eyes flicking between their children and Rose, a protective calm in th
