It was evening, and soon, it would be night, but the village air carried a new energy.
Hammers clinked against wood, voices called out in half-sung chants, and laughter spilled from corners where just days ago silence had ruled.
Children darted barefoot through half-built fences, and the smell of freshly cut timber mingled with the earthy tang of damp soil.
Kael strolled lazily through it all, his black robes swaying, golden eyes gleaming like a man observing an experiment rather than his own handiwork.
Rue swung from one of his arms like a pouch of mischief, giggling, while Rina held tightly to his other hand, her steps smaller but no less eager.
Lyra walked close by, her crimson eyes alert, and Alenia trailed with composed grace, arms folded as if she were already cataloging every detail for later.
It was Alenia who broke the silence. "They've begun planning boundaries."
Kael glanced sideways, brow quirking. "Boundaries?"
He could already see it, but he still asked.
