One by one, the house fell into a peaceful stillness.
The only sounds were the soft rustling of blankets, the occasional shifting of pillows, and quiet yawns echoing through the halls.
Ruby yawned deeply, her limbs feeling like lead as she stepped into her room.
She placed her bag of money safely inside her wardrobe, locking it securely.
Finally, she turned off the lights, letting the darkness wrap around her like a blanket.
As soon as her head touched the pillow, her body melted into the softness of her bed.
The tension, the exhaustion, the weight of the entire day—all of it faded away.
Within seconds, her breathing slowed, her thoughts grew distant, and she slipped into sleep.
The festival had been a success.
There was still a long way to go.
Still so much more to achieve.
But for now…
For now, she would rest.
And tomorrow would be another day.
**
The sun had barely begun to rise, painting the sky in soft hues of gold and pink, when Ruby's eyes fluttered open.
