Chapter 73: A New Order

Chapter 73: A New Order

Silvia's POV

The sun hung high in the sky as Silvia walked through the heart of what was once Titan's central city, now reclaimed by the resistance. The remnants of war still lingered—burned-out buildings, roads cracked from heavy artillery, and makeshift camps set up for displaced civilians—but life was beginning to stir once more.

People bustled through the streets, clearing debris, setting up markets, and discussing plans for rebuilding. The weight of leadership settled heavily on Silvia's shoulders as she made her way toward the newly established council hall—a repurposed Titan administration building.

Dragon fell into step beside her, hands behind his head. "So, how's it feel being the reluctant queen of the wasteland?"

She shot him a look. "I'm not a queen. We're setting up a council. Leadership is being shared."

"Mhm." Dragon smirked. "And yet, everyone still looks to you first."

Silvia sighed, rubbing her temples. "Because someone has to keep things from falling apart."

He nudged her shoulder. "And that someone is you. Like it or not, people trust you."

She exhaled. "Then let's make sure I don't let them down."

The First Council Meeting

Inside the council hall, the room buzzed with conversation. Representatives from different resistance factions, liberated settlements, and even former Titan-controlled territories filled the space. They had gathered for one purpose—to decide the future of the world they had fought so hard to reclaim.

Silvia took her seat at the head of the table, flanked by Garrik, Tarren, and Dragon. The murmurs died down as she stood.

"We've won the war, but our fight isn't over," she began. "The world we inherited is broken. We can't afford to fall into the same mistakes that led us here. We need structure, stability, and above all—unity."

A representative from one of the border settlements stood. "Are we forming a new government? Or are we just another war waiting to happen?"

Silvia met his gaze. "We are forming a new future. One where power isn't hoarded by the strongest but shared among those willing to lead with wisdom. We're not replacing Titan—we're building something better."

Another council member, an elder from one of the underground factions, leaned forward. "And how do we keep it from becoming corrupt?"

Silvia took a breath, choosing her words carefully. "By ensuring that no one person holds too much power. We establish laws, a governing body made up of representatives from every settlement. Decisions will not be made behind closed doors, and the people will always have a voice."

The room fell silent. Then, one by one, heads nodded. Agreements were murmured. They were ready to begin.

Dragon's POV

Later that evening, Dragon found Silvia standing on a balcony overlooking the city. The golden glow of lanterns illuminated the streets below, casting long shadows as people worked tirelessly to restore their homes. Merchants set up makeshift shops, children played in the dirt roads, and weary fighters exchanged old war stories over the fires. The city, though battered, was alive.

"Still brooding?" he teased, leaning against the railing.

Silvia huffed a laugh. "I'm not brooding. Just… thinking."

Dragon tilted his head. "About what?"

She turned to him, expression softer than usual. "About us. About what happens now. We spent so long fighting. I don't know what life looks like beyond war."

He smirked. "Then let's figure it out together."

Silvia let out a breath, finally allowing herself to relax. "Together, huh?"

Dragon stepped closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'm not going anywhere."

She met his gaze, and for the first time in a long time, hope bloomed in her chest. "Then let's build something worth protecting."

He grinned. "Starting with that date you still owe me?"

Silvia rolled her eyes but smiled. "Fine. But only if you behave."

Dragon chuckled. "No promises."

A Future Worth Defending

The next morning, as dawn broke over the city, the council met again—this time, with a plan. They mapped out districts, assigned leaders to oversee food distribution, and set up patrols to keep the peace.

Tarren tossed a dossier onto the table. "We've still got Titan loyalists scattered across the outskirts. If we don't deal with them, they'll regroup."

Silvia frowned. "We don't have the numbers to fight another war. But if we offer them amnesty, some might join us."

Garrik scoffed. "And if they refuse?"

Dragon cracked his knuckles. "Then we remind them who won."

Silvia exhaled. "We'll send envoys first. Offer a choice—join us, or leave. We're not going to let them sow chaos in the shadows."

Dragon's Plan

That night, Dragon took Silvia on a walk through the newly forming city. He gestured toward the structures rising from the rubble. "You see this? This is what you made possible. And you're going to make sure it lasts."

She shook her head. "We made it possible. All of us."

Dragon stopped, pulling her close. "And you're going to lead them. Not because you want to, but because you're the only one who can."

Silvia swallowed, her heart pounding. "And you? What's your plan?"

He smirked. "Stay by your side, of course. Someone's got to make sure you actually take that break you keep promising."

She laughed, the tension finally breaking. "Fine. But you better keep up."

Dragon grinned. "Always."

As they stood beneath the stars, the weight of leadership no longer felt so heavy. For the first time in years, Silvia wasn't just fighting for survival.

She was fighting for something bigger. For a future.