The first thing Marron smelled was bread.
It wasn't dungeon moss, ash, or strange metal. Instead, it was yeast and the faint sweetness of sugar caramelizing on a perfectly baked crust. The nostalgic smell hit her like a fierce slap as Meadowbrook's rooftops came into view, sunlight spilling over them like butter over toast.
Her cart creaked beside her, its wheels humming a low, pleased sound through their bond. Even it seemed relieved. After weeks of stone corridors and magic light, the dirt road felt gentle beneath the wheels. She reached out and gave its handle a fond pat.
"Almost there," she murmured.
Behind her, Mokko stretched his arms until his joints popped. "Did you ever think you'd see sky again?"
"I dreamed about it every day," Marron said softly.
Lucy's translucent outline shimmered in the morning light. "We're glad you're home with us now."
