Moonbound
Emily walked toward the house with Kael beside her, but with every step she took, a strange feeling settled deeper inside her. The scene before them was beautiful in a way that almost hurt. Sunlight poured over the green meadow, wildflowers moved gently in the breeze, and somewhere near the house she could hear children laughing. Her parents were standing together on the porch, looking younger than they had in years. Elara was sitting beneath an enormous oak tree, reading a book while occasionally looking up toward the house. Even the First Mother was there, standing quietly beside the garden with a peaceful expression Emily had never seen on her face before. There were no armies, no ruined