The day passed in a blur of joy and laughter. Caelia couldn't remember the last time she had felt so light, so free. Mira had stayed by her side, her usual bubbly energy infectious. They talked about everything—the things Caelia had missed, the changes in the village, and, of course, the people. It was a quiet, simple day, and for the first time in a long while, Caelia allowed herself to feel the comfort of normalcy.
Mira had been filling her in on all the things she'd missed during the weeks of her illness. Some things were small, like the arrival of new merchants in Brimshore and the coming harvest festival, while others were more significant. "Oh, Caelia, did you hear? The Prince has been crowned the Crown Prince!" Mira said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Caelia's brows furrowed at the mention of the Crown Prince. "Caelum Veyron," she murmured, as if testing the name on her tongue. "The Midnight Heir?"
Mira laughed and nodded. "Yes! That's what they're calling him. I hear he's as handsome as they say—like a god, they say—but he's also cold. Completely indifferent to everyone, even the nobility. He's not interested in the social scene at all, just power and duty. It's strange, though, isn't it? To be so distant and still hold everyone's attention." She shrugged. "Still, they say no one dares speak against him. You know how the nobles gossip, though. It's all hearsay."
Caelia felt a strange flutter in her chest at the mention of the Crown Prince. She had heard rumors of his coldness, his imposing presence, but also his beauty. It wasn't that she cared for him—she had no interest in such matters. But the stories surrounding him fascinated her. How could someone so young and powerful be so aloof? There was a mystery in it, something that piqued her curiosity.
"Well," Caelia said, shaking off her thoughts. "It seems like he's not someone to be messed with."
Mira nodded emphatically. "Exactly! He's not like the other princes. They say he hardly speaks to anyone except his closest allies. Oh, and his knights—his Golden Knights—they're said to be the best warriors in the land. They follow him without question."
Caelia was about to respond when Mira suddenly stood up, clapping her hands together with enthusiasm. "You know, Caelia, we've been cooped up in here all day. It's time to step outside. Fresh air, sunshine—it's good for you. You need to enjoy life again!"
Caelia hesitated for a moment, the warmth of the hut and the familiar comfort of being inside making her feel safe. But Mira was insistent, pulling Caelia toward the door with a playful grin.
"Come on! The whole village will be thrilled to see you. They've been so worried."
Reluctantly, Caelia allowed herself to be tugged outside, the fresh air immediately hitting her skin and filling her lungs with a sense of renewal. The village of Wrenford looked the same as she remembered—peaceful, with its quaint cottages and humble gardens, surrounded by rolling hills and forests. She had always loved this little corner of the world, where time seemed to move slower, where life felt simple and unhurried.
But today, everything felt different.
As soon as the villagers saw her, their faces lit up in surprise. Whispers rippled through the crowd, and before she knew it, several villagers had approached her, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"Caelia!" they exclaimed in unison. "You're alive!"
Tears welled up in Caelia's eyes as several of the older women wrapped her in their arms, hugging her tightly. She had missed these people more than she realized—these kind-hearted souls who had cared for her when she had no family, when she was just a girl with nothing. She could feel their warmth, their joy, and their relief in every embrace.
"I thought we'd lost you," one of the women said, her voice choked with emotion. "You're stronger than any of us realized, Caelia."
"Gods bless you, child," another woman whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Mira stood to the side, her hands clasped in front of her as she watched the reunion. Her face was bright with happiness, her eyes shimmering as she observed how Caelia was surrounded by people who loved her.
As the villagers continued to embrace Caelia, Mira's mother, the village healer, came rushing toward them. Her graying hair was tied back in a loose braid, and her weathered face was filled with concern as she scanned Caelia's health. But when her eyes landed on Caelia, her expression shifted. A smile broke across her face, and her eyes filled with tears.
"Caelia," she gasped, rushing forward. "I can't believe it! You're truly alive!"
Before Caelia could react, Mira's mother wrapped her in a tight, warm hug, squeezing her so tightly that Caelia almost lost her breath. "You're a miracle," she whispered, her voice trembling with joy. "When I heard the news, I thought it was too much... that we had lost you forever. But here you are. Healthy. Whole."
"I don't know how it happened," Caelia whispered back, her voice cracking. "But I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."
The healer pulled back slightly, holding Caelia at arm's length as she examined her closely. "You're stronger than ever," she murmured, her eyes filled with pride. "The gods must truly be watching over you, Caelia."
Caelia smiled softly, feeling the weight of the love and care that surrounded her. "I've been given a second chance," she said, her voice filled with quiet determination. "And I intend to make the most of it."
Mira stood by her side, grinning widely. "We've got a lot to do, Caelia. So many things to fix, to change... and I'll be with you every step of the way."
As the villagers continued to shower Caelia with affection, she felt a sense of peace settle over her heart. This was where she belonged, among these people who loved her, who believed in her. She had been given a second chance, and she wouldn't waste it. Not for herself. Not for anyone.
And as she glanced up at the sky, the sun shining brightly over the hills, she couldn't help but think of the future. There were new challenges ahead, new paths to walk—ones that would lead her beyond Wrenford, to the palace, to the Crown Prince.
But for now, all she needed was to be here, with the people she loved, taking one step at a time.