Chapter 99

ELIZA'S POV The sun was just starting to rise. I stood at the edge of the clearing, watching the soldiers of Simonton get ready to head back to the capital. Spring was finally here—the snow was melting, turning the ground into muddy patches, and the air smelled like wet earth. It had changed from the cold, winter air we’d been breathing for months. The soldiers looked lighter somehow—less worn out, more hopeful. They were ready to go home. I could hear Vivi’s voice nearby as she talked with the others about the trip. She and the rest—Boone, Rod and Cynthia—had given everything in this war. They were being called heroes now, though none of them seemed fully comfortable with the title. I crossed my arms, watching quietly. I knew Vivi meant well, but I also knew what came next. Rewards. Promotions. Power. And none of us wanted any of that. We didn’t fight to climb ranks or wear medals. We fought for each other. All they wanted now was peace and a chance to go home and heal. So I stepped f