The moment they stepped back into the village, a wave of emotion crashed over them.
Mothers and fathers ran toward the rescued children, their cries of relief piercing the night. Parents clutched their little ones as if they would vanish, sobbing into their dirt-covered hair. Some villagers sank to their knees, thanking the heavens, while others simply held their children and refused to let go.
Lidia stood there, arms crossed, chin high, watching the scene unfold.
This—this was her doing.
She made this happen.
Her.
Lidia, the girl who literally could barely fight off a goblin a few days ago.
Now look at her. A savior. A hero. A—
Her stomach let out a deep, mournful growl.
Okay, maybe a starving hero.
But still!
The tearful reunion didn't last long before the village elder stepped forward.