Lucius got back into his office with a tired sigh, finally letting the quiet wrap around him. His thoughts barely had a chance to settle before the door burst open.
Berry and Mira barged in, both grinning like fools.
"You're coming with us."
Berry declared, grabbing Lucius by the arm.
Lucius frowned.
"I have work to—"
"No excuses. The settlement is celebrating. You're the reason they survived yesterday. You can't just hide in here like a grumpy old man."
Mira cut him off, tugging at his other sleeve.
Before he could resist, the two of them dragged him out into the settlement's square.
Fires burned high in barrels, laughter echoed through the night, and the people of Dawn settlement cheered their victory over the monsters.
Tables were lined with food, mugs overflowing with alcohol, and music carried on from one end of the square to the other.
Lucius hesitated, uncomfortable at first, but the smiling faces around him made it hard to simply leave.
