*Rory*
The sky is the clearest shade of blue I’ve seen in months, like it’s been scrubbed clean after all the fires, battles, death, and storms. I stand on the ridge just above the castle and look down at everything we’ve rebuilt.
The watchtower is finished, and the walls are reinforced. The courtyard is buzzing with life again: carts creaking, bairns laughing, the smith’s hammer ringing out in steady rhythm. I breathe it all in and feel... peace.
Behind me, the wind stirs the heather, and below, the flag bearing Cait’s family crest flies high and proud above the gate. Now, it’s my crest and gate too. This is no longer just a place I landed by accident, or just a crumbling castle I helped put back together. It’s home.
I shift my weight slightly, still favoring the side where the blade
