The following morning, the settlement stirred early. The soft sounds of the villagers going about their morning routines filled the air: water splashing in basins, the rhythmic pounding of grain, and the faint laughter of children playing by the stream. Amara stepped out of the hut into the crisp dawn, her thoughts heavy yet hopeful.
The meeting with the villagers the night before had left a mixture of impressions. While some seemed willing to explore reconciliation, others were cautious, guarded by the weight of past betrayals. Amara understood their reluctance; trust was a fragile thing, easily shattered and slow to rebuild.
Jabari joined her outside, carrying a bundle of fresh herbs the villagers had left for their group. “You didn’t sleep much, did you?” he asked, his sharp eyes catc
