Chapter 90: New Beginnings

Chapter 90: New Beginnings

Silvia's POV

The city stirred before the first rays of dawn painted the sky. The air was still thick with the scent of smoke, but the echoes of war had faded. Now, the hum of rebuilding replaced it—the sounds of hammering, of voices rising in determination, of a people refusing to let their home crumble into dust.

Silvia walked through the heart of the city, her boots crunching over broken stone and charred wood. Despite the destruction, hope pulsed through the streets like a heartbeat. Families gathered in front of ruined homes, working together to rebuild, to reclaim what had been taken from them. Soldiers no longer held their weapons in defense but used them to clear debris, their bodies exhausted but their spirits unbroken.

Dragon followed at her side, silent for once, his golden eyes scanning the city's remains. He had fought in many battles, but rebuilding? That was something new.

"They're stronger than I expected," he murmured, watching a group of children pile bricks into a cart. "Most cities fall apart after war. This one refuses to break."

Silvia exhaled, watching a mother and daughter embrace amidst the wreckage of their home. "Because we have no choice. Survival isn't enough anymore. We have to build something better."

Garrik approached, his usual gruff demeanor softening. "We've begun reinforcing the walls. Engineers from the outlying villages have already arrived to assist. With their help, we can create defenses far stronger than before."

Silvia nodded. "Good. We can't afford another attack like this."

Tarren joined them, her bow slung across her back, her expression troubled. "Scouts returned this morning. There are remnants of Titan's forces still lurking beyond the borders. They're leaderless, scattered, but dangerous."

Dragon crossed his arms. "A desperate enemy is the most unpredictable. They could regroup, retaliate."

Silvia tightened her grip on her sword. "Then we don't give them the chance. We send out patrols, keep our borders secure. I want no more surprises."

Garrik smirked. "Starting to sound like a real leader, Earthstar."

Silvia shot him a look, but there was no venom in it. Only tired amusement. "I didn't ask for this."

Tarren raised an eyebrow. "And yet, you're the best one for it."

She let their words sink in as she looked around. The people needed structure, guidance. They needed stability, and if she was to lead, she had to offer them more than just survival. She had to give them hope that this city could be something greater than it had been before.

A Council of Change

By midday, Silvia stood at the heart of the ruined palace courtyard, where leaders and warriors had gathered. Some represented the city's militia, others were scholars, healers, traders—each one crucial in rebuilding their future.

"We need to think beyond just recovery," Silvia began, her voice steady despite the weight of their gazes. "The world has changed, and we can't afford to live as we did before. This city isn't just a battleground—it's a home. And it's time we treated it like one."

A murmur spread through the crowd. Some nodded, others exchanged uncertain glances.

An elder woman, a healer, stepped forward. "You speak of change, but what does that mean for us? The old ways kept us alive."

Silvia met her gaze. "And they nearly got us killed. We need more than just warriors. We need builders, thinkers, diplomats. We can't just fight to survive—we have to create something worth living for."

The words hung in the air, heavy yet electrifying.

Dragon leaned toward her, whispering, "You're making speeches now?"

Silvia ignored him, turning back to the gathered leaders. "We form a council. Not just military, but representatives from all walks of life. We make decisions together. No more blind rule, no more kings and tyrants. We build a city that thrives, not just one that endures."

A pause. Then Garrik let out a low chuckle. "Well, damn. Never thought I'd see the day."

Tarren smirked. "She's got my vote."

The murmurs grew into nods of agreement. The first step had been taken.

As the council discussions continued, Silvia saw how people's doubts gradually transformed into cautious optimism. Plans were made for defensive upgrades, trade routes, and diplomatic outreach to nearby settlements. They were no longer just warriors defending ruins—they were founders of a new era.

Dragon's Proposition

That night, as the city settled into an uneasy peace, Silvia found herself once again atop the watchtower, gazing at the stars. The air was cooler now, the night whispering promises of something new.

Dragon joined her, silent for a while. Then, "You really are serious about all this. About changing everything."

She sighed. "I don't see another choice."

He studied her, then smirked. "Then I suppose you'll need an advisor. Someone who's been around long enough to know when you're making a terrible decision."

Silvia gave him a sideways glance. "Are you offering?"

He shrugged, stepping closer. "I'm already here, aren't I? Besides, watching you command an entire city is far too entertaining to leave behind."

She scoffed but didn't push him away when he reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers. The contact was grounding, solid—a reminder that, despite everything, she wasn't alone.

He leaned down, his voice lower now. "And, if we're being honest, I like being close to you."

Silvia swallowed, but instead of pulling back, she turned to face him fully. "Dragon, are you ever serious?"

His smirk softened into something else, something deeper. "Only when it matters."

For a moment, the war, the city, the responsibilities—all of it faded. There was only the quiet of the night, the warmth of his touch, and the promise of something neither of them had dared to acknowledge until now.

He reached out, brushing his knuckles gently against her cheek. "You've changed, Silvia."

She met his gaze, searching. "So have you."

Dragon chuckled, tilting his head. "Maybe. But one thing hasn't changed."

Before she could ask, he leaned in, capturing her lips with his own. This time, there was no hesitation, no teasing. It was warm, real, full of promises that neither of them could put into words just yet.

When they finally pulled away, Silvia let out a shaky breath. "You do realize this complicates things, right?"

Dragon grinned. "Oh, I'm counting on it."

Just as the moment deepened, a loud voice called from below. "Silvia! Emergency at the west gate!"

She sighed, muttering under her breath. "Of course."

Dragon chuckled. "Duty calls, Queen Earthstar."

She squeezed his hand once before pulling away. "This conversation isn't over."

His grin widened. "I'd be disappointed if it was."

As she descended the tower, ready to face whatever came next, Silvia knew one thing for certain—her fight wasn't over, but for the first time, she wasn't facing it alone.