When Lila opened her eyes, she lay on a bed of green moss under the dawn sky. Air was fragrant with rain and soil, and birds warbled a gentle melody in the trees above. She sat up slowly, the pendant still on her neck, warm and pounding softly.
Eron crouched beside her, relief written on his face. "You did it."
Lila blinked, as tears flooded her eyes and the recollections of the battle descended upon her. "She's dead. Morgana is dead."
Eron nodded. "The Heartstone is whole again, and the darkness has passed."
Around them, the village of Auraleaf vibrated with light. Lanterns drifted higher than ever, their radiance brighter, streaming through the valley like a river of stars in the morn mist. Villagers had started gathering, their eyes aglow with hope and wonder, tears streaming, but also gentle laughter.
Elin arrived, carrying a wreath of white flowers, and placed it on Lila's head. "You are the light-bearer, child. You have freed us.".
The children of the village hurried along ahead, laughing, sweeping Lila up in a dance around the fire at center, their feet kicking rose petals up as flutes and drums started to play, and sweet bread was being handed from person to person. The fire spat softly with blue tongues as the villagers celebrated, singing songs that spoke of courage and the return of dawn.
As the sun set, coloring the valley gold, Lila found herself a hidden place near the river of lanterns with Eron and Elin.
"It's time you returned," Elin said softly. "Your world is calling you, and your people are waiting."
Lila looked down at the pendant, the light now calming and peaceful. "Will I ever come back?"
Eron placed a hand on her shoulder. "The secret door always opens to the brave. And you, Lila, have bravery that will take you wherever you go."
Elin hugged her, wood smoke and herbs drifting from her clothing. "Tell your grandmother Maeve that Auraleaf is safe."
They walked together out to the edge of the village, where lanterns grouped, illuminating a bright path back into the woods. The sprites danced about her, singing softly, to guide her to the place where the hidden door shone in the air.
Lila glanced over once more, seeing Eron and Elin standing among the villagers, lanterns towering over them like benedictions.
"Thank you," she gasped, her cheeks shining with tears, but her heart alight.
She moved through the door.
Back Home
Lila stumbled through the attic of her grandmother's house, the hidden door closing quietly behind her, leaving a trail only of glitter in the air. The pendant still warm on her throat.
"Lila!" a voice bellowed.
Her grandmother Maeve came, climbing the attic stairs, tears streaming through her wrinkled cheeks. She wrapped Lila in a tight hug, holding her as if she was never going to let her go.
"You found it," Maeve whispered. "You found Auraleaf."
Lila nodded, her face buried in her grandmother's shoulder. "They're safe now. The witch is gone."
Maeve retreated, looking at Lila's eyes with pride and sadness. "I knew you would be brave, just like I was too."
They sat quietly in the attic, Maeve holding Lila's hand as they looked at the dawn through the cobweb-covered window, the pendant glowing softly between them.