As the seven-year war finally came to an end, the empire slowly began to breathe again.
The armies that once marched without rest were now scattered across the lands, for cleanup.
Burned fields were being cleared.
Broken cities were being rebuilt.
The wounded were carried home, and the dead… were finally given peace.
It was no longer the sound of clashing swords that filled the air, but the quieter noise of recovery.
A strange calm had settled over the empire.
It was peaceful.
And far away from all that…
Inside the Zenithara Estate.
Morning had arrived gently.
Soft sunlight slipped through the tall windows of the main house, spreading across the polished floor.
The air felt light, and the faint sound of birds chirping could be heard from outside.
Everything felt calm.
Almost too calm.
At one of the upper floor windows, a pair of small birds landed on the edge.
