The morning sun rose over the mountains, painting the valley in shades of gold and amber. The birds were singing. The breeze was gentle. The world was peaceful.
And for the first time in years, Ethan felt something he'd almost forgotten.
Excitement.
Not the excitement of a new battle. Not the excitement of a new discovery. Something simpler. Something purer. The excitement of a new beginning. A chance to do something good without having to fight for it. A chance to help without having to defend.
He stood on the porch of the community center, watching the light spread across the buildings below. It had been three months since the shadow had fully integrated into the community. Three months of watching it guide, teach, and heal. Three months of watching the community grow stronger and mo
