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~Lisa's POV
The torches glowed brighter than before, their flames dancing in strange, beautiful patterns, almost as if they were celebrating too. The scent of roasted meat and spiced wine filled the air once more, and laughter began to rise, cautious at first, then louder, freer.
Thorne turned to the musicians and nodded. "Play," he said firmly, his voice steady but his eyes still overshadowed with emotion.
The music swelled. People began to move again, talking, clapping, smiling, though every few seconds, I could still feel their eyes on me. It wasn't fear anymore. It was something else. Reverence. Respect.
I turned to Lira, who was finally standing beside me again. "They're still watching," I whispered, half embarrassed, half overwhelmed.
She smiled softly, her eyes warm. "They're not just watching, Lisa. They're seeing hope."
"Hope?" I repeated quietly.
