The Dawn of a New Era
The aftermath of the battle still lingered—smoke curling from extinguished fires, the metallic scent of blood heavy in the air—but for the first time in years, a sense of hope began to creep into her heart.
Behind her, Alex walked into the room, his footsteps light despite the weight of exhaustion he carried. His armor was scratched and dented, evidence of the fierce battle they had endured, but his golden eyes were clear and sharp.
"It's over," he said quietly, stepping beside her. "He's gone."
Aria nodded, her jaw tightening. "He's gone, but the scars he left behind aren't. We have a lot of work to do, Alex."
Rebuilding and Reflection
The estate, once a fortress of fear under their father's reign, now stood as a symbol of resilience. Allies and loyalists moved throughout the grounds, tending to the wounded and fortifying defenses. Despite the destruction, there was a palpable energy of renewal in the air.