Journeying back to Grin Hollow from the coast was scenic, though the cargo accompanying Autumn and Lilac made it an unusual trek. Packed carefully into reinforced glass containers, a collection of small, glowing plants and fungi pulsed faintly with green and blue light, the result of their latest experiments in bio-necromancy.

  "This is the strangest caravan we’ve ever been a part of," Lilac remarked, holding a container that housed a softly glowing mushroom. Its cap shimmered as though flecked with stardust.

  "Strange, but groundbreaking," Autumn replied, adjusting her pack. She walked beside the wagon carrying the bulk of their samples, her tinkering tools slung over one shoulder. "If the Academy can study these properly, we might unlock new ways to illuminate Grin Hollow—or even heal it."

  Lilac smirked. "Or terrify it. Let’s not forget some of these plants growl when you touch them."

  "They’re harmless," Autumn assured her, though she couldn’t hide her own amused smile.

  By the time they reached the city gates, night had fallen. The glowing plants in their containers illuminated the dark path, drawing the attention of passersby.

  "Hallowhaveners, prepare to be amazed!" Lilac called as the wagon trundled into the main square. A small crowd began to gather, their murmurs growing louder as they noticed the bioluminescent cargo.

  "What is that?" a young woman asked, pointing at a jar filled with glowing vines.

  Autumn stepped forward, holding up one of the samples. "This," she began, "is the future of bio-necromancy. Using necromantic energy to enhance and animate plant life, we’ve been able to create bioluminescent species that could revolutionize how we light our homes, streets, and fields."

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  The crowd gasped as she opened the jar slightly, allowing the glowing vines to unfurl and shimmer in the air.

  Lilac grinned and added, "And they’re much prettier than torches, aren’t they?"

  One of the older townsfolk, a carpenter named Edda, stepped forward. "Are they safe? They’re not going to sprout legs and start chasing us, are they?"

  "Not unless you provoke them," Lilac quipped.

  Autumn gave her a look before addressing Edda. "They’re completely safe when handled properly. And their glow isn’t just for show—it’s a sustainable light source that doesn’t require fire or fuel."

  The crowd buzzed with excitement, and soon, more people joined to marvel at the glowing plants and fungi.

  Autumn and Lilac spent the evening demonstrating the bioluminescent plants’ potential.

  In one corner of the square, Autumn showed a group of children how a glowing mushroom could be used as a natural nightlight. The kids giggled as they poked at the fungi, their small fingers causing it to pulse brighter with each touch.

  Nearby, Lilac entertained a group of merchants by attaching a glowing vine to her cloak. The vine wrapped around her arm like a living, radiant accessory, eliciting laughter and applause.

  The true highlight of the evening came when Autumn revealed the "Singing Bloom," a flower that emitted soft, melodic hums in response to movement. As she waved her hand over the bloom, its cap shimmered with multicolored light while inside a gearbox hummed a tune, creating a symphony of sight and sound.

  The townsfolk were captivated.

  As the crowd began to disperse, Autumn and Lilac sat on the edge of the fountain in the square, watching as the glowing plants illuminated the city around them.

  "This feels good," Autumn said, her voice soft. "Seeing everyone so excited about what we’ve brought back. It’s... satisfying."

  Lilac nodded, her expression uncharacteristically thoughtful. "Yeah. For once, it’s nice to bring something home that isn’t about survival. Just... wonder."

  Autumn glanced at her, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You’re not getting soft on me, are you?"

  Lilac snorted. "Please. I’m just being practical. If these plants can light up the city, maybe I won’t have to deal with so many people tripping over dead things in the dark."

  The two women laughed, their camaraderie evident in the success of their invention.

  By the next morning, the glowing plants and fungi had been distributed to various parts of the city, and Grin Hollow was transformed. The once-dim streets now glowed with soft, otherworldly light, casting an ethereal atmosphere over the town.

  Grin Hollow and all the residents of the country of Hallowhaven marveled at the beauty and practicality of the bio-necromantic creations over the next few weeks. The glowing plants became a symbol of the city’s ingenuity, a reminder that in a world shaped by the macabre worlds of necromancy and war, there was room for innovation that was beautiful.

  As Autumn and Lilac walked through the illuminated streets, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Grin Hollow wasn’t just surviving—it was thriving. And they were determined to keep it that way.