Serena’s Pov

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the village as laughter filled the air. I sat around the fire with Baird’s companions and the villagers. The evening was cheerful, the air thick with the scent of roasting meat and the sound of crackling flames. It was a rare moment of peace and joy, and I cherished every second of it.

As the night grew deeper, the villagers began to say their goodbyes. They ...