Soon, the shimmering barrier of his territory came into view, glowing softly under the midday sun.
But then—Elias stopped.
A large crowd had gathered inside, near the edge of the dome.
Dozens of people stood there, their eyes fixed on the Embergrove forest... waiting for someone.
Waiting for him.
As he stepped out from the trees, one man spotted him and gasped.
"Lord Elias has returned!!" he shouted.
The effect was immediate.
The group—recently freed from slavery, their hearts just beginning to heal—rushed forward against the dome's barrier. They screamed, they cheered, some even dropped to their knees.
"Hero!"
"Savior!"
"Bless the young Lord!"
Elias blinked, surprised. He had expected a few people to welcome him back to his territory—but not like this.
Still, a gentle smile tugged at his lips. He stepped forward, passing through the dome and into the territory.
The crowd parted for him reverently, forming a path down the middle as he walked through them.
