The return of Emily, Cece's younger sister, did not shake the ground like the War Lord, yet somehow it settled deeper into the hearts of the tribe than any victory ever could.
The atmosphere was alive in a way that made even the quietest corners of the cave glow with a sense of peace. This celebration was something that lingered in smiles, in relieved sighs, in the way people stood a little straighter as if something important had finally returned to them.
The cave had been prepared carefully; vines with small, glowing flowers hung across the stone walls, and the usual harsh firelight had been replaced with softer crystals that bathed everything in a gentle, golden glow. Even the food looked different this time, properly arranged, cooked with care instead of thrown together like survival was the only goal.
