Ostarius
The moon lingered a little longer in the sky that night. As if it didn't want to miss it. As if, for once, even time knew to hold still.
Adam and Aurora walked back together, side by side, no hurry in their steps. The air around them felt lighter now, like the burden they always carried had finally loosened, just enough to let them breathe without armor.
The hall was quieter than before. Most of the plates had been cleared, the candles burned low. But the moment they stepped through the archway, the hush shifted.
All eyes turned.
And then—
Cheers. Again.
But not loud this time.
Not like war had been won.
Something softer.
Warmer.
Everyone stood. Not all at once. Not rehearsed. Just one after another, with small smiles and quiet claps and a few teary looks from the younger ones who didn't fully understand what just happened—but knew it mattered.
