Morning came slowly to the Valley of Echoes.
A thin mist draped over the vast stretch of grassland that rolled all the way to the foot of the hills.
Dewdrops glistened beneath the first rays of the sun, creating a sea of tiny lights that swayed gently whenever the wind brushed past.
The night filled with whispers and memories had finally faded.
Yet the atmosphere of the valley felt different now.
Quieter.
Lighter.
As if something long held captive had finally been set free.
The entity beside Aurelia shifted softly.
Its luminous core pulsed steadily, in perfect rhythm with the central essence, now resting in profound peace.
The unit positioned further back continued to maintain the network undisturbed.
Aurelia opened her eyes slowly.
For a few moments, she simply gazed at the morning sky visible through the opening of her tent.
No nightmares haunted her.
No painful memories dragged her back into the past.
There was only calm.
