Stuck in an Island with Twelve Beautiful Women

Jude followed her gaze, watching as the first stars began to appear. "The light?"

She shook her head. "The peace."

He exhaled slowly, considering his answer. "I don't know. But I think as long as people keep moving forward, it has a chance."

She hummed in agreement, letting the conversation drift away. The city had been through so much, but it was still standing. That had to count for something.

The next morning, Jude woke to the sound of rain tapping lightly against the rooftops. It was the first rain since their return, and it smelled fresh, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and new beginnings. He stepped outside, feeling the cool droplets against his skin. Around him, others were doing the same, faces turned up toward the sky, arms outstretched to catch the falling water. It was as if the rain was washing away the remnants of the past, leaving them with only the present.

Lyara appeared beside him, a hood pulled over her head. "Looks like today's going to be slow."

Jude shrugged. "Maybe that's a good thing."

She smiled. "Maybe."

The day passed quietly. The rain softened as the hours went by, turning into a gentle mist. Jude walked through the city again, stopping to help where he could. He lifted crates, carried supplies, and spoke with those who needed reassurance. He wasn't sure why he did it, maybe because it gave him a purpose, or maybe because it reminded him that they were all in this together.

By evening, the rain had stopped, leaving behind puddles that reflected the golden light still hovering over the city. The air was crisp, the world around them refreshed. Jude stood by the river again, watching as the water carried away the last traces of the storm.

Lyara joined him, her hands tucked into her sleeves. "You're always here."

Jude smirked. "And you're always finding me."

She laughed softly. "I suppose I am."

They stood in silence for a while, the quiet settling between them like an old friend. The city continued to hum with life behind them, but here, by the river, it was just them and the water.

Eventually, Lyara broke the silence. "What do you think will happen next?"

Jude sighed. "I don't know. But whatever it is, we'll handle it."

She nodded, satisfied with that answer. The city still had a long way to go, but for now, they had this moment. And that was enough.

The night air carried a crisp chill, the kind that settled deep into the bones yet felt strangely comforting. Jude leaned against the worn stone railing of the old bridge, watching the city lights shimmer in the river below. The golden energy still pulsed faintly, a reminder of everything that had changed. The people had begun rebuilding, repairing broken structures, mending the wounds left behind by chaos. Life was returning, though it was not the same as before. Nothing ever truly went back to how it once was.

Footsteps echoed softly behind him. He didn't need to turn to know it was Lyara. Her presence had become familiar, an unspoken constant in his life now. She stopped beside him, pulling her cloak tighter against the wind.

"You didn't come to the plaza today," she said after a moment.

Jude exhaled slowly, watching his breath form a faint mist. "Didn't feel like it."

She studied him for a moment before nodding. "It's getting better, you know. People are smiling again."

"I know."

"Then why do you look like you're waiting for something bad to happen?"

He turned his gaze back to the river. The water flowed steadily, unaffected by the past, the present, or whatever the future held. "Because peace never lasts. You know that."

Lyara sighed. "That's a depressing way to look at things."

"Is it wrong?"

She hesitated, then shook her head. "No. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy it while it's here."

Jude didn't answer. He wasn't sure he knew how to anymore.

They stood in silence for a while, listening to the distant hum of the city. The laughter, the voices, the quiet strumming of a musician's instrument from the plaza, it all felt so fragile, like a moment that could be shattered with the wrong breath. Jude had seen too much to believe in lasting peace. Yet, deep down, a part of him wanted to.

Lyara reached into her satchel and pulled out a small wrapped package, handing it to him. "Here."

He raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"

"Something you forgot to eat earlier."

He unwrapped it to find a piece of bread, still warm despite the night air. The scent of herbs and butter drifted up, familiar and comforting. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until now. He took a bite, chewing slowly.

Lyara smirked. "See? I knew you'd forget again."

Jude swallowed. "You always seem to know things."

"It's a skill."

They shared a small smile before falling into another comfortable silence. The wind carried the scent of rain from the mountains, a promise of another storm on the horizon. It wouldn't come tonight, but soon.

Eventually, Lyara spoke again. "Do you ever think about what you'd be doing if none of this had happened?"

Jude thought for a long moment before answering. "No."

She raised an eyebrow. "Not even once?"

He shook his head. "Thinking about what could've been doesn't change what is."

Lyara hummed in thought. "I suppose you're right."

They stayed there for a while longer before she finally stretched her arms. "Come on. It's late."

Jude pushed off the railing, nodding. "Yeah."

As they walked back through the winding streets, the golden energy above them pulsed faintly, as if echoing the steady heartbeat of the city. The night was calm, peaceful even. But deep down, Jude knew the peace would not last. It never did.

And yet, as he glanced at Lyara beside him, he thought that maybe, just maybe, he was okay with that.

The streets were quieter than usual, the usual hum of activity replaced by an eerie stillness that clung to the air. Jude walked with his hands tucked into the pockets of his cloak, his boots scuffing against the uneven cobblestone.