The yard was relatively quiet as the time ticked closer to noon.
Dazzling sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting golden threads on the ground. The breeze blew past, carrying the floral and earthy scent of flowers, grass and wood.
At this hour, everyone was resting, especially the three exhausted men.
In the neighboring cottage, Hazel and Regina sprawled across the living room couch. One of them was half-buried under a blanket, while the other had a novel in her hands.
From the room down the hallway, Isaac's deep and uneven snoring rang. The noise mixed with Felix's fainter one as he slept in another room.
Both men had collapsed the moment they returned. After all, the advancement had not only drained Felix, but also Isaac and Ashrik. The two elder men had supported and fought beside him.
