Chapter 33: Morning Reflections.

Two days after their return to Green Arbor, the morning sunlight filtered softly through the windows of Jess and Miko’s home, casting a gentle, golden glow across the room. The warm, familiar scents of Jess’s kitchen filled the air, mingling with the earthy tones of Green Arbor beyond the open windows. The early morning stillness wrapped around them, quiet and safe, a world apart from the chaos of Dust Haven.

At the kitchen table, Talon sat across from Jess, a gentle sense of peace settling over him that he hadn’t felt in years. Across the room, his mother, Selene, sat in an armchair with a serene but tentative smile. She held baby Talon on her lap, her movements slow, almost cautious, as if she were afraid this new life might vanish if she let her guard down. By her feet, little Ava leaned against her knees, focused on her drawing, casting an occasional curious glance up at Selene.

Jess poured a steaming cup of tea for Talon, her gaze soft and understanding. “It must feel surreal, finally having her here.”

Talon took the cup, holding it in his hands as if grounding himself. “It’s strange,” he admitted, his gaze drifting over to Selene, who was now brushing baby Talon’s hair back with gentle, unfamiliar fingers. “For so long, I didn’t think I’d see her again. I tried to push it out of my mind, tell myself it was impossible. And now…” He trailed off, his words getting lost in the space between them.

Jess reached out, placing a warm hand on his arm. “It’s alright, Talon. There’s no rush to figure everything out. She’s here now—that’s what matters.”

He managed a small, relieved smile but hesitated. “I’ve been wondering, though… What should I do about her? She’s been through so much. I want her to feel safe here.” He glanced at Jess, his voice a little uncertain. “Could you… look after her?”

Jess smiled, a spark of reassurance in her eyes. “I already had plans to take her around the market today. We’ll get her some clothes, a few things to make her feel at home.”

Talon’s eyes widened, and he let out a low laugh, running a hand over his face as he reached into his pocket for some coins. “I didn’t even think about that,” he admitted, pulling out a handful of coins. But Jess placed a hand over his, stopping him.

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“It’s fine, Talon. It’s on us—or, well, on Miko,” she added with a playful smirk. “Same thing.”

They shared a light laugh, the warmth of the moment soothing the tension that had lingered since their return. Jess gave him a knowing look. “You and Ava are alike in that way. All you own and wear is your Sentinel gear and combat boots.”

Talon chuckled, shaking his head. “Guess we could both learn a thing or two from you.” He hesitated, then added, “I asked her to stay with me, but she found a room at the tavern. Said it felt more like home.”

Jess’s smile softened, and she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Don’t worry, Talon. It’s as new and strange for her as it is for you. She’s gone from a life in Dust Haven to finding her son. Now,” she glanced at Selene, who was still gently rocking baby Talon while little Ava giggled at the funny faces Selene was making, “she’s suddenly got this whole new family around her.”

Talon’s expression softened, the weight of the past days lifting as he watched Selene. He squeezed Jess’s hand in thanks. “Thank you, Jess. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Jess’s face softened, her eyes reflecting a quiet pride. “You’d manage just fine,” she said, giving him a fond pat on the arm. “But I’m glad to be here.”

Talon took a deep breath as he observed his mother with the children, her face softening into a look of pure, quiet joy. It was a sight he never thought he’d see. For a moment, he let himself hope that maybe, just maybe, she could find peace here, too.

Finally, he stood, clearing his throat gently. “Selene—” he started, but corrected himself, the word feeling both strange and familiar on his tongue, “Mum, I need to go to work.”

Selene looked up, her eyes softening as she met his gaze, still holding baby Talon, who was contentedly clinging to her finger. “Go on, don’t worry about me. These two will keep me busy enough,” she said with a small, genuine smile, nodding down at baby Talon and little Ava, who grinned up at her.

Talon chuckled, leaning down to give Jess a grateful kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Jess. For everything.”

“Of course,” she replied, giving him a warm smile as he moved toward the door.

“Bye, kids!” Talon called, waving to the little ones as he reached the doorway.

“Bye, Uncle Talon!” they chorused, their voices bright and playful.

Selene, caught up in the cheerful moment, added her own playful farewell. “Goodbye, Uncle Talon.”

The children burst into laughter, shaking their heads and giggling. “No, he’s your son, silly!”

The laughter echoed softly as Talon chuckled, casting one last glance back at his mother and the children, the warmth of the moment grounding him as he stepped outside. He let the door close gently behind him, a smile lingering on his face as he walked into the morning, carrying the quiet joy of newfound family with him.