Aria’s POV

The land was healing.

I stood at the edge of the forest, watching as new growth pushed through soil that had been scorched by battle just months ago. Wildflowers bloomed in patches of brilliant color, purple and gold and deep crimson. The river that ran through our territory, once murky with blood and ash, now ran clear and bright, the water singing over smooth stones.

It felt like the earth itself was celebrating the peace we had fought so hard to build.

"It's beautiful," ...