The drums didn't stop.
Leo woke to rhythmic pounding echoing through the capital, not war drums or mourning drums but celebration drums, loud, insistent and joyful.
He dressed quickly and found the delegation already gathered in the main hall, everyone wore formal attire now—bright colors, ceremonial robes, the complete opposite of yesterday's dark clothing.
The shift was jarring.
Iori wore crimson and white that matched her markings, the colors made her stand out even more than usual, "Ready?" she asked.
"For what?"
"To see how we show defiance."
They left with crowds already filling the streets, the transformation from yesterday was complete, banners hung from every building—bright colors, celebratory designs and defiant messages written in multiple languages, We Stand United, Strength Through Adversity and Life Conquers Fear.
People laughed, embraced and celebrated with desperate energy.
