The journey back to Ukweli was laden with tension and anticipation. The small group moved in a single line, their steps steady but cautious. Amara led alongside Lila, who carried herself with a quiet dignity despite the uncertainty ahead. Behind them were Jabari, Muna, Ayo, and three villagers who had volunteered for the journey—Ade, the broad-shouldered advocate for reconciliation; Simi, a young woman with sharp eyes and quick reflexes; and Chike, a wiry man who spoke little but observed everything.
The path wound through dense forests and open plains, the air growing hotter as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Amara could sense the unease in her companions, particularly the villagers. They had spent their lives in the safety of the settlement, shielded from the world they had left behi
