Chapter 32: The Lights of Green Arbor.

Days had passed since the harrowing escape from Dust Haven, and as night fell, Talon, Callie, and Selene finally caught sight of the familiar glow of Green Arbor’s lights in the distance. The amber hues illuminated the edges of the town, warm and inviting against the cold twilight.

For a moment, Talon let himself breathe, a rare smile breaking across his face. “I don’t think I’ve ever said this before,” he murmured, “but I’ve missed that sight.”

The Sentinel driver, glancing over at them with a knowing smile, nodded. “There’s no place like home, is there?” he said as he eased the vehicle to a stop just outside the North Gate. “Well, this is your stop.”

Talon helped Selene down from the vehicle, steadying her with a gentle hand. They all began to make their way inside, the usual hum of Green Arbor’s evening routine settling around them like a comforting blanket. A few members of the Arbor Defense Force (ADF) nodded at first but then did a double take when they recognized Talon.

“Oh, sorry, sir,” one of them stammered, looking surprised. “Didn’t recognize you out of uniform.”

Talon waved it off with a grin. “No problem guy's. Has Ava and Lucas made it back yet?”

The ADF guard shook his head thoughtfully. “Not that I know of, but check in with the post. I’ve only been on shift a short while.”

The guard’s words made Callie’s stomach twist with unease, her earlier optimism faltering. Talon noticed her sudden tension and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry,” he said gently, “we had a head start. They were a few days behind us anyway.” Though his tone was calm, he felt the same knot of worry tighten in his own chest.

They moved through the gates and made their way to the Sentinel post. As they stepped inside, Miko was just wrapping up for the day, gathering his things when he noticed them. His face broke into a grin, and he rushed over, pulling Talon and Callie into a tight embrace.

“Talon! Callie! Oh, thank God you’re back,” he said, relief flooding his voice. “Jess has been worried sick about you all. And most of all about you too, Callie,” he added, his gaze softening as he looked at her.

Talon guided Selene forward. “Miko, this is my mother, Selene.”

A look of awe crossed Miko’s face, his smile widening as he greeted her warmly. “Talon, this is amazing. I’m so glad to meet you, Selene.” He gave her a slight bow, his respect evident. “Come on, Jess will want to see you all right away. And… where are Ava and Lucas?” he asked, concern creeping into his expression.

Callie’s eyes lowered as she replied softly, “We were hoping you might know.”

Miko’s face grew serious, and he nodded thoughtfully. “Let’s head to mine, then. We can talk more there.”

As they entered Jess and Miko’s home, warmth and familiarity enveloped them. Jess rushed to greet them, her eyes lighting up as she saw Selene. She took Selene’s hands warmly, leading her to a comfortable chair. “Oh, Talon, this is wonderful. Your mother is here!” she exclaimed, her voice bright with happiness.

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Turning to Callie, Jess took her hand gently. “Come on, kiddo, let’s get you cleaned up. You look exhausted,” she said, her tone gentle and motherly. Callie followed her, grateful for the care and comfort.

As Jess led her to the bathroom, she could feel the tension draining from her shoulders. Jess began to carefully wash her hair, her touch soothing, and Callie felt her guard lower, her voice barely above a whisper. “In Dust Haven, at the house…” Callie hesitated, her words trembling as she spoke. “One of the men… he tried to grab me. I froze. I didn’t know what to do.”

Jess continued washing her hair, her movements slow and gentle, allowing Callie to find her words.

“Ava…” Callie’s voice cracked slightly, but she pressed on. “She just… she didn’t even hesitate. She killed him, Jess. Just like that. I don’t know how she does it. I don’t know if I could’ve done the same.”

Jess combed her fingers through Callie’s hair, her voice soft but firm. “Ava does what she has to so that others don’t have to. She’d face any danger to protect you, Callie. She’s made a choice to carry that burden, so you don’t have to.”

Callie nodded, her brow furrowing as she tried to process it all. “I was so scared, Jess. I didn’t even know if I could follow her out into the corridor after that. I wanted to… but the fear just kept me there.”

Jess placed a hand on Callie’s shoulder, looking at her kindly. “Bravery isn’t about not being scared, Callie. It’s about finding the strength to move forward even when you are. And Ava… she believes in you. She wants you to be stronger, but not by fighting like her. She wants you to be better, to face the world in your own way.”

A small, grateful smile appeared on Callie’s face. “Thank you, Jess. Hearing that… it makes it easier.”

Jess smiled back, her eyes filled with warmth. “Anytime, Callie. You’re part of our family now. We look after each other here.” She brushed a few stray hairs back from Callie’s face. “And don’t you worry. Ava always finds her way home.”

---

Back in the living room, Talon and Miko sat down, recounting the events of Dust Haven. Talon’s expression grew grim as he spoke of the chaos that had unfolded. “It was a mess, Miko. We barely got out of there in one piece. Ava…” He hesitated, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, though it was laced with worry. “She ended up crashing through an upstairs window, of all things. It was… it was something, even for her.”

Miko’s face mirrored the concern Talon felt, his gaze serious. “And there’s been no word from her or Lucas since?”

Talon shook his head slowly. “No. I told Lucas to go ahead, if didn't hear from us, but knowing him, he wouldn’t leave. Lucas may not be a fighter, but he’s loyal to the end. He’ll make sure you're all safe somehow.”

Miko raised his glass in a small toast. “To loyal friends, then. And to Ava, who always seems to survive the impossible.”

Talon clinked his glass with Miko’s, a hopeful smile on his face as he nodded. “She’ll make it back.”

---

In the bathroom, as Jess finished drying Callie’s hair, she noticed the young girl’s hands still trembled slightly. She wrapped Callie in a warm embrace, her voice soft and reassuring. “You’re safe here, Callie. No one’s going to hurt you. You’ve been so strong.”

Callie leaned into the embrace, feeling the steady warmth and kindness Jess offered. For the first time since Dust Haven, she felt a sense of relief, as if the weight of the past few days had lifted, even if just for a moment.

“Thank you, Jess,” she murmured, a soft smile forming on her lips. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without all of you.”

Jess pulled back slightly, her eyes filled with pride. “You’ve done more than you know, Callie. And remember, no matter what, you’ve got people here who will stand by you.”

Callie nodded, her gaze filled with a newfound determination. She was part of something bigger now, part of a family that would protect her—and that she would protect in turn.

Back in the living room, the warmth of family surrounded them as night fully set in. And though their hearts ached with worry for Ava and Lucas, they held on to the unspoken faith that, somehow, everything would come together.