Canna didn't know how long he had been asleep when he finally stirred, but judging by the angle of the sun, he guessed it had been almost a full day. The sanctuary was still and quiet, a peaceful lull after the chaos of the recent battle. As he shifted slightly, Canna felt a small weight pressed against his side. He glanced down and saw Mira nestled beside him, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder.
Canna's heart warmed at the sight. Mira had come a long way since the day he found her, a scared, malnourished girl who had known nothing but suffering. She had been wary of everyone, trusting no one except Canna, the one who had saved her. Now, she was blossoming—like a flower stubbornly growing in a harsh desert. She was more confident, more assured, and had found her place among the sanctuary's inhabitants.