They burst forth of the Seal with dawn's break, the light of the Heartstone pouring into the valley, driving the last lingering shadows.
As Lila and Eron stepped into Auraleaf, the villagers erupted in cheers, their lanterns firing into the morning air, each burning brighter than ever before it had burned, blazing like remade stars.
Elin moved up, tears forming in her eyes as she hugged Lila closely. "You did it, light-bearer. You have freed us from the fear we have lived in for so many generations."
Children danced around them, making garlands of glowing flowers and weaving them into Lila's hair, singing softly:
"Light is born within, the dawn returns again…"
The village square was filled with warmth and color as lanterns filled the sky, their shadows on the river of lanterns filling the entire sky with light. Delicate, happy songs on flutes and strings were sung by musicians, and villagers shared sweet bread, berries, and hot tea from herbs in restored gardens.
The Pendant's Secret
That evening, under the lanterns that floated like a stellar sky across the village, Lila sat with Eron and Elin beside the Heartstone, the pendant laying softly in her hand.
"I can feel it," Lila said, tracing over the runes. "It's different now."
Elin nodded, a peaceful stare. "It holds the light of Umbraath's serenity, and your courage has been incorporated into it."
Eron placed a hand on Lila's shoulder. "The pendant will always guide you, Lila, but it is also a beacon for those who will need your light in the days ahead."
The Heartstone pulsed softly, radiating waves of heat through the air.
Lila shut her eyes, pressing the pendant to her heart. She listened to the soft whisperings of the lanterns, the laughter of the children, and the serene promise of dawn:
You are not alone.
A Promise Kept
That night, Lila approached the hidden door next to the river of lanterns, Eron and Elin following. The sprites swirled around them, with sparks of light like tiny stars.
"It's time for you to return," Elin said softly.
Lila looked out at the village, the lanterns, the river, and the glow of the Heartstone. "Will I ever see you again?"
Eron smiled. "Auraleaf will never depart. And the secret door will groan open again when you are summoned."
Lila embraced them both, then moved through the secret door, the glow of the pendant leading her home.
Back Home
She strayed into her grandmother's attic, the door creaking shut behind her with a warm light.
"Lila?" Maeve's voice called up from downstairs, tinged with relief.
Lila ran downstairs into Maeve's arms, the pendant glowing softly between them.
"It's over, Grandma," Lila whispered. "They're safe."
Maeve kissed her forehead, her eyes shining with tears of joy. "And so are you, my brave girl.".
In the evening, side by side on the porch, Maeve ignited small lanterns in the garden and let them drift into the warm night.
Lila held the pendant, its soft throb, remembering Auraleaf, river of lanterns, Eron and Elin, and the promise of dawn.
The lanterns drifted upward, above, into the stars, and made promises of light in the darkness.