Dawn broke, casting a gentle light over the village as the morning dew settled on the plants, glistening like tiny pearls. Alarielle slowly opened her eyes, blinking against the soft glow. She felt warmth against her, and it took a moment for her to realize where she was—her head rested on Zār's shoulder, and on her own shoulder, Ravareth's head lay, his breathing slow and even as he slept.
She glanced down and saw Malrek curled up on Ravareth's lap, also fast asleep, his small hands clinging to Ravareth's cloak. They looked so peaceful, as if, for a brief moment, the world had granted them a reprieve from the pain they had endured.
Alarielle felt a strange sense of calm, though she couldn't quite remember how she had ended up this way. The last thing she recalled was sitting beside Rava
