Kiara POVFive years.It was strange how quickly five years could pass after an eternity of war.The castle that had once echoed with the sounds of marching soldiers, desperate meetings, and endless alarms was now filled with something far rarer.Laughter.Children ran through the palace gardens without fear. Merchants filled the capital's streets with colorful fabrics, spices, and handcrafted treasures from kingdoms that had once been enemies. Wolves and humans walked side by side, no longer divided by old hatred.Peace had become ordinary.And that, I realized, was the greatest victory we had ever earned.The morning sun poured through the palace windows as I stood on the highest balcony, watching the city awaken.Smoke curled from chimneys.Market bells rang in the distance.The sound of birds drifted through the cool air.For years, I had dreamed of hearing ordinary sounds again.Now they were my favorite music.A pair of strong arms wrapped gently around my waist."You've been up
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