Gwen led us back through the underground settlement while the glow from the forge fires reflected across the metal pathways beneath our feet. Even this late into the night, the dwarven kingdom remained alive with movement. Sparks erupted endlessly from distant forges while dwarves carried crates of ore, weapons, and strange mechanical parts through the streets with practiced efficiency. The entire kingdom felt like a machine that never truly rested. Everything moved with purpose. Every sound had rhythm. Every dwarf seemed to know exactly where they belonged within the endless machinery of the city.
Yet despite how impressive it all looked, I could still feel the emptiness hidden beneath it.
