CHAPTER 44: CH 44: SETTLE DOWN - PART 1

The group walked in silence as Lucian led them through the trees. Their steps were unsteady, exhaustion heavy on their shoulders, but none dared to speak.

Each time the wind rustled the branches above, the rescued families glanced around nervously, as though the elders might suddenly return.

Lucian moved with certainty, his cloak swaying with each step. Eventually, he stopped at the mouth of a narrow path that wound deeper into the valley.

The land here was quiet, shielded by jagged rocks that almost seemed to guard the entrance.

Moreover, the spell casted by the fairies guarded the entrance as well, making the space truly safe for anyone living inside.

He turned to face the group, his sharp gaze sweeping across them.

"Before you go any further, you will all sign the contract."

He said, his tone calm but firm.

The people stiffened. Some exchanged uncertain glances, but the memory of their cages was still fresh, and the boy who had freed them now stood as their only lifeline.

One by one, they lowered their heads and agreed.

Lucian extended his hand. A faint glow spread in the air, and parchment-like sheets appeared, etched with strange markings that shimmered faintly.

Each person stepped forward, pressed their hand against the script, and felt the warmth of binding magic seep into their skin.

None resisted.

Once the last contract dissolved into light, Lucian gave a curt nod and turned back toward the path.

"Good. Let’s go."

The tension eased slightly as they followed him into the valley.

The air shifted almost immediately. Where the forest had been cold and damp, the valley was warm, filled with the faint fragrance of roasted food and herbs.

A gentle mist hung above the earth, glowing faintly under the afternoon sun.

The moment they stepped inside, gasps escaped their lips.

"It’s... warm here."

A woman whispered, clutching her child’s hand tighter.

"Smells like food," one of the men murmured, his eyes widening with wonder.

Lucian kept walking without comment. At the heart of the valley, a wide clearing opened up where smoke curled lazily from a firepit.

Berry was the first to notice them. The round-faced boy froze, his wooden spoon slipping from his hand as he blinked at the sudden crowd. Then his expression broke into pure joy.

"You’re back!"

He shouted, rushing toward Lucian. Behind him, Mira followed at a steadier pace, her eyes curious.

Lucian raised his voice, addressing the others who had already gathered in the clearing. "

These people are our new companions. From today, they will live here with us. In time, they will help us."

He declared. His tone was calm, measured, but it carried the weight of authority.

Berry grinned so wide his cheeks nearly split.

"Welcome!"

He said cheerfully, waving at the newcomers. His smile was warm enough to ease even the most cautious hearts.

But then his eyes darted back to the firepit, to the small pile of ingredients and the single pot simmering over the flames. His face went pale.

"Ah...Wait... wait, this is bad. I didn’t cook for this many people! And the utensils—"

Berry muttered, clutching his head.

He looked around frantically, his voice rising.

"We don’t have enough bowls! What are we going to do?!"

His panic spread to a few of the rescued families, who looked uneasily at the fire as if the lack of food would send them right back into despair.

Lucian, however, didn’t react. His gaze was drawn instead to the girl at his side.

Luna hadn’t let go of him once.

She clung tightly to his sleeve, half-hidden behind him, her eyes downcast as though the sight of so many strangers frightened her.

Mira, who had been watching silently until now, frowned. She noticed the girl instantly. She looked about the same age as herself and Lucian, though thinner, almost fragile.

Curiosity stirred inside Mira. Without hesitation, she stepped closer and extended her hand.

"Hi, I’m Mira. What’s your name?"

She said with a small smile.

Luna peeked at her but didn’t move. Instead, she pressed herself even further against Lucian’s back, her grip on his sleeve tightening.

Mira blinked. Then her smile faltered.

She felt something strange rise in her chest, an irritation she didn’t quite understand. Why was this girl hiding behind Lucian like that? Why was she clinging so tightly to him?

For a fleeting moment, Mira wanted to reach out, grab the girl by the wrist, and pull her away.

But before she could act, Lucian shifted. He placed a firm hand on Luna’s shoulder and gently pushed her out from behind him.

"This is Luna. From now on, she will be our companion as well."

He said, introducing her in the same calm voice he had used before.

Luna’s head lowered. She didn’t speak, but her small fingers refused to release his sleeve, her knuckles pale with the force of her grip.

The sight made Mira’s jaw tighten. Irritation pricked at her like thorns.

She pouted before finally reaching forward, grabbing Luna’s free hand.

"Fine. Come on. I’ll show you around."

She muttered.

Before Luna could protest, Mira tugged her away, half-dragging her across the clearing. The girl stumbled at first, but followed obediently, still sneaking glances back at Lucian.

Only when the distance between them grew did Mira’s shoulders relax. She felt lighter, strangely satisfied that Luna was no longer clinging to him.

Still, she didn’t understand why she had felt so upset in the first place.

Behind them, the adults chuckled quietly, watching the interaction.

"Those two are cute."

One of the women whispered, her voice tinged with amusement.

The laughter faded, however, when Berry let out a loud, horrified gasp.

Everyone turned to see him frozen in place, staring at the shelter in the distance.

"This is bad... really, really bad. We don’t have enough space to fit everyone in there! Where are they supposed to sleep?!"

He muttered, his face pale as he clutched his head again.

The clearing fell silent.

For the first time, the reality of their numbers sank in.