Village

The quiet stillness of the village settled over me as I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. Raven's steady breathing beside me was a comfort, a reminder that I wasn't alone, even as the weight of everything I'd gone through pressed down on my chest. The bed was soft, the sheets warm, and yet sleep refused to come. My mind churned with restless thoughts, replaying the battle with the entity, the moment I had unleashed that blinding light, and the lingering darkness that I couldn't seem to shake.

I turned my head slightly, watching Raven as she slept. Her face was peaceful, a stark contrast to the fierce determination she had worn during the fight. I reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. She stirred but didn't wake, her hand instinctively moving to cover mine. A part of me envied her ability to find peace, even if only in sleep.