The horizon looked different though the land remained the same. Meaning had shifted. Distance carried weight now. Ilyra stood at the edge of the fields and watched light move across the hills. The presence beyond them did not hide anymore. It rested within awareness like a known truth.
The town resumed rhythm. Children ran. Voices lifted. Life returned without hesitation. Balance allowed normalcy to bloom. Caelen joined her with quiet ease. No urgency followed his steps. Only shared understanding.
Liora observed from afar satisfied that the lesson had been learned. Not power. Not control relationship.
The borrowed body responded with harmony. Movement felt natural. Breath aligned with intention. The line between self and vessel softened. Ilyra realized then that borrowing had never meant taking. It meant carrying with care.
The horizon would change again someday. She accepted that without resistance. For now the world held steady. And she stood ready within it.