We finished the remaining boundary markers just as the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in deep shades of gold and violet. As the last sigil settled into a steady, silver glow, a palpable wave of protective energy washed over the forest edge, locking the territory’s outer warding line tight.
We turned to head back down the trail, our boots crunching softly over the fallen leaves. Athena slung her outer jacket over one shoulder, looking over at Eloise with a thoughtful expression.
"I don't know what you're doing for work or if you even need a job," Athena said, her tone genuine and impressed, "but we can definitely hire you in security under the wards department. Your precision with those focus-runes is sharp."
Eloise offered her a warm, appreciative smile, though she
