The crowds dispersed reluctantly.Jin stayed and enjoyed the view with her."The town's going to lose their minds," he said.
"Good."She smiled."Maybe then Lyra will realize I'm not going away."
"She already knows.That's why she's dangerous."His expression darkened."This will make her more jealous, Wren.Not less."
"Let her.I'm done being afraid of her."She looked at her elevated farm, her fortress, her impossible creation.She'd started with nothing, been attacked and lost everything...and built something even better.
Next migration, the monsters would flow harmlessly underneath while she watched from safety.
She'd won.
Sky Farm
––––––––
WORD HAD SPREAD OVERNIGHT.By mid-morning, half the town seemed to be gathered at the base of her farm.Wren activated all the willow ramps and began giving tours in small groups.Her friends had come earlier and had volunteered to help.
Their reactions were everything she'd hoped for.
"This is incredible—"
"How is this even possible—"
"The stained glass—"
"Look at the organization—"
"It's beautiful—"
Madame Lin examined the platform structure with professional appreciation."The craftsmanship is outstanding!Even though it's grown, the attention to detail..."
Mei came through with her husband, both impressed."This changes everything.If farms can be elevated, if we can build around the migration instead of evacuating..."
Sara just hugged her."You're insane.It's perfect.I love it."
Mei-Lin dragged Kenji through, squealing about every detail."The stained glass!The retractable ramps!Wren, you're a genius!"
