The 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.
But Ethan couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
He stood on the porch of the community center, watching the light spread across the buildings below. Three weeks had passed since Senator Vance's arrest. Three weeks since the attacks had stopped. Three weeks since they'd buried their dead.
The community was healing. New cabins were being built. The school was full. The gardens were flourishing. Life was returning to normal.
But normal felt fragile. Like glass that could shatter at any moment.
Nora walked out, her footsteps soft on the wooden boards. Her eyes were brown, peaceful, but there was a tension in her shoulders t
