The battlefield was silent.

No more shadows.

No more whispers.

Just the sound of breathing.

Lyla sat on her knees, heart pounding.

The war was over.

The whisper was gone.

But victory didn’t feel like she thought it would.

Not relief.

Not joy.

Just… exhaustion.

Because winning a battle was easy.

Rebuilding after one?

That was the real fight.

And Lyla wasn’t sure what came next.

A soft groan.

Lyla turned.

Aleron lay on his back, his breathing ...