Yshari's heart pounded like a wild stallion in full gallop as the wind swept past her. She urged the horse faster, feeling the earth tremble beneath its hooves. Her laugh rang out, pure and unrestrained, a shout of joy that echoed through the vast plains. The long grasses waved like an ocean, and she was part of it—no longer confined to the shackles of the Empire. She was free.
Her eyes sparkled as the sun kissed her skin, the golden warmth on her face a stark contrast to the cold walls of the empire she'd left behind. Her hair flowed behind her like a dark ribbon, catching the light with each turn of her head. She had nothing but the vast sky and the endless horizon ahead. No longer a slave, no longer bound by fate.
She shouted again, the sound vibrating through her chest as her fingers tightened on the reins. Her heart was as wild as the wind now, and she rode as if she could outrun the past itself.
It had taken so long to get here. So many battles, so much pain. But it was all worth it. The plains stretched out before her, endless and full of possibility. She was the wolf of these lands now—wild, free, untamable.
From behind her, the others followed, a quieter, slower procession. Kael, Lioren, and the others, all riding in a loose formation, moving with the same purpose. Their faces, tired but resolute, reflected the same freedom Yshari felt in her bones. They had come this far together, each step a victory in itself.
And then, as if the universe itself wished to celebrate her freedom, they arrived at a small gathering.
A nomadic clan, a patchwork of tents and yurts rising from the plains, surrounded by the smoke of a fire. The sounds of laughter and music floated through the air, and in the distance, Yshari could see figures dancing. The joy of the celebration was palpable, as if the earth itself had rejoiced in the moment.
As they approached, one of the elders, a woman with strong hands and an even stronger gaze, noticed them. She walked over, her face softening in recognition.
"You are welcome here," the woman said, her voice deep and warm. "Come, share in our feast."
The group dismounted, and Yshari was greeted with food—bread, roasted meats, and the sweet tang of fermented horse milk. The warmth from the fire felt like a soft embrace against the cold wind. It was a simple celebration, but it was one of joy and survival, of freedom that few could ever understand.
Yshari took a deep breath, savoring the scent of roasted meat. She wasn't just eating for survival anymore—she was eating for the first time in years as a free woman. Her eyes met the fiancé's across the fire, and in his gaze, she saw the same understanding.
His face was still drawn, worn by the years of separation and hardship, but in that moment, there was something different. His eyes softened as he offered her a small smile. The promise they had made, years ago, hovered between them, unspoken but undeniable.
She turned to Kael, and Lioren, who were speaking quietly to the others. For a brief moment, Yshari felt a sense of peace. They were safe here, if only for a moment. The pain of the past didn't vanish, but it receded into the background. They would have time to recover, to plan their next move. But for now, at this moment, there was only the freedom of the plains and the warmth of shared companionship.