Liam walked through the crowd.
The moment the villagers saw him approaching, they instinctively moved aside.
A path opened before him.
Nobody had to tell them to move.
They simply did.
People stepped backward, giving Liam enough space to pass while their eyes followed him with admiration. Some were still cheering, while others had tears in their eyes. A few clasped their hands together as though they were looking at someone who had performed a miracle before them.
Liam didn't say anything.
He simply walked.
His steps were slow, but they remained steady.
That was the impressive part.
Anyone looking carefully could tell that he was exhausted. His pale face had not completely recovered, and his breathing was slightly heavier than normal. His body felt like it was carrying a weight several times greater than itself.
But he never stumbled.
Not once.
He never leaned against anything.
He never asked anyone for help.
He simply kept moving.
Behind him, Irina followed quietly.
