After leaving the darkness of Black Hollow, Damien and Elara began the journey back to the village, the morning sun spilling warmth over the land, melting away the last remnants of shadow. For the first time in years, Damien felt the heavy weight of magic and curses lift, replaced by a refreshing clarity. He glanced over at Elara, who looked out at the landscape with awe, as if seeing it anew.
“This land… it feels alive again,” Elara murmured, her hand trailing over the wildflowers sprouting along the path. Birds chirped above, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh earth and budding trees—a stark contrast to the darkness that had plagued them for so long.
Damien smiled, the lines of tension easing from his face. “It’s like I’m seeing the world for the first time. This is real life, Elara. No shadows, no curses. Just… us.”