It was a costly victory.
Nobody cheered.
For the remainder of the day, Deklan and a handful of the able-bodied dug a single, yawning grave right outside the hamlet's edge. The work was slow, grim, and silent as the people stayed behind to watch the grave being dug, whimpering and sobbing all around.
All the grieving combined into a haunting melody that chilled the soul.
By the time the last body was laid to rest and the final shovelful of dirt patted down, the night was deep and absolute around them.
As if the world was mocking them, the air was chilling tonight.
And soon, it started to rain—the sky cried alongside them.
Marsha helped the people go back home and took shelter from the downpour lest they get sick.
She was clearly struggling with her emotions, but the people needed her support more.
Like always, she put others' needs above hers.
Even until she brought away the last one, Marsha didn't say a single word to Deklan.
Heck, she didn't even glance at him.
