Kaelen walked through the streets of Dunhaven as the last light of sunset faded into twilight. Lanterns flickered to life along the cobblestones, casting warm pools of light on the faces of the people he passed. They nodded to him, smiled, called out greetings. He returned every one of them.
The city felt different now. Lighter. The fear that had once clung to the dungeon's shadow had dissipated like morning mist. Children played near the gate without their parents calling them back. Merchants sold their wares with genuine cheer rather than nervous energy.
He reached the delegation quarters and found Roland sitting on the front steps, a glass of wine in his hand.
"Evening," Roland said.
"Evening." Kaelen sat beside him. "You look relaxed."
