The world snapped back into shape with a soft pop.
Kael lowered his hand from the finger snap, the lingering gold of his magic fading as the familiar scene unfolded around them.
The center of the town.
Towering roots rose like pillars, forming natural walls.
And as it was already evening, lamps filled with fireflies were lit up in the paths. Houses built within giant roots curved around the plaza, warm and lived-in.
As he teleported there, he was in the air along with Evethra, Selene, Lyratheia, and Darian.
People saw him the moment he came, and a wave of emotion washed across the plaza.
"Lord Kael!"
"He's back."
"Who's that man next to him? Never seen him before?"
"Maybe someone Lord Kael saved."
People smiled, nodded, and bowed—some respectful, some friendly, some far too enthusiastic—while all of them wondered who Darian was.
Kael lifted a hand lazily in greeting, as if casually acknowledging applause he hadn't asked for.
