Chapter 35: A Return to Hope.

As Callie loaded the last of the gear into the vehicle, her hands moved in steady but tense motions, each rifle and med kit a reminder of the mission they were preparing for. Her mind was heavy with thoughts of Ava and Lucas, the worry gnawing at her despite the sense of purpose she tried to maintain. She glanced over as Matt approached, his expression hesitant but earnest as he picked up a few of the smaller packs and began loading them alongside her.

“So,” he ventured, glancing sideways at her, “how was it out there?” His voice was soft, almost shy, as if unsure if she’d want to talk about it.

Callie’s face softened as she looked at him. “It was… an experience,” she replied, a hint of a smile breaking through. “I got to ride on the back of a motorbike for the first time,” she added, trying to lighten the weight of what she didn’t want to say.

Matt’s face lit up in amazement. “Seriously? That’s wild! I’ve always wanted to try that.” His awe was genuine, and it was the distraction Callie needed.

“Yeah, and… I went on a ship too,” she added, watching the way his expression turned to pure excitement.

“All in one mission?” he asked, eyes wide with admiration. “You guys get to do all the fun stuff!”

Callie’s smile faded slightly, her eyes lowering to the rifle she was holding. “It wasn’t all… fun,” she murmured, memories flashing before her—Ava’s fierce protection, the danger, and the man who had tried to grab her. She swallowed, forcing herself to shake off the thoughts. “We still have people out there,” she continued quietly. “We’re heading out tomorrow to find them.”

Matt picked up on her tension and reached out, placing a gentle hand over hers. “Hey,” he said softly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “They’ll be okay. And you’ll bring them back. You’re tougher than you know.”

Callie met his gaze, a warm flush creeping into her cheeks at his words, and for a moment, she allowed herself to feel the comfort he offered. She squeezed his hand lightly, a silent thank-you, as she let out a shaky breath.

The moment, however, was broken by the sudden rumble of a vehicle coming into view from the road. Callie’s heart leapt in her chest as she recognized the familiar outline, dust trailing behind it. Her grip tightened on Matt’s hand as she strained to see.

The vehicle pulled up to the gate, and an ADF guard on top of the wall called out, “Messenger coming in!”

Callie’s shoulders slumped slightly, her hope deflating as the driver stepped out—a tall figure in Sentinel gear, his hood drawn up. But as he walked closer, the figure’s movements seemed familiar. He caught sight of her and headed straight over, his voice a low mutter.

"Oh send the cadet, save your legs." Callie muttered, as the messager got closer. " it's not like I'm busy."

“Excuse me, cadet,” he said, and Callie froze at the voice, her heart skipping a beat.

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She stood there, back turned to him, unable to move as he spoke again, this time with a hint of amusement. “Can you help me, or not?”

“Lucas?” she whispered, turning around, almost afraid her mind was playing tricks on her. But there he was—Lucas, smirking as he pulled down his hood, revealing his familiar, exhausted but smiling face.

A laugh escaped her, and in an instant, she threw her arms around him, holding him tightly. “Where have you been?” she asked, her words tumbling over each other. “We were loading up to come find you!”

Lucas chuckled, returning her hug. “Well, we had to take the scenic route, apparently,” he replied with a familiar dryness.

As she pulled back, Callie caught on the word *we,* her heart racing with renewed hope. “Wait… *we*?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Lucas nodded toward the jeep, his eyes softening. “She’s in the jeep,” he replied gently, watching as Callie’s face lit up.

Without another word, Callie dashed toward the jeep, her steps quick and eager. As she reached the open door, her heart faltered at the sight before her. Ava sat slouched against the seat, forcing a tired smile. Her face was marred with cuts and bruises, her left eye swollen shut and darkened with bruising. A deep gash traced her brow, barely covered by a fresh bandage, while her arm rested in a sling and bloodstained bandages wrapped her side.

“Hey, kiddo,” Ava greeted her, her voice rough but warm. “You made it back in one piece.”

Callie’s hands covered her mouth, her eyes wide as she took in Ava’s battered appearance. “Ava…” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “Are… are you okay?”

Ava chuckled weakly, though it turned into a grimace as she adjusted herself. “I’ll be fine once I get a few drinks in me.” She smirked through her bruises, trying to put Callie at ease. “Come on, help me out. I’m not getting any younger.”

Callie hurried forward, slipping an arm around her to support her as she helped her out of the jeep. As Ava leaned on her, she gave Callie a lopsided grin, squinting with her one good eye. “Just so you know,” she said, “that was me winking at you.”

Callie’s face flushed, laughter breaking through her worry. “Even like this, you can still embarrass me,” she muttered, though her grip tightened around Ava, as if afraid to let her go.

Lucas came over to offer extra support, while Matt looked on with a mix of admiration and relief. The tension in the air began to dissolve as others noticed Ava and Lucas’s return. Slowly, people gathered, a cautious hope spreading as they caught sight of the familiar figures returning home.

“Sentinels returning!” the ADF guard called out, his voice ringing through the quiet, and within seconds, a cheer rose from the crowd that had started to form. Children ran forward, their faces bright with excitement, while adults came with smiles and grateful nods, surrounding the group with warmth and relief.

The sight of Ava—worn, bruised, but alive—brought a sense of unity and hope that Green Arbor had desperately needed. The anxieties that had weighed on the community for days began to lift, replaced by smiles, laughter, and the comfort of knowing their loved ones were safe.

Talon pushed his way through the crowd, his face lighting up the moment he saw Ava. Without a word, he crossed the distance between them, pulling her into a fierce embrace. “You damn fool, Blondie…” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. “What took you so long?”

Ava chuckled, leaning into his shoulder for a moment before pulling back. “Oh, you know… just had to enjoy the view. You wouldn’t believe the company,” she teased, a mischievous glint in her one good eye.

Lucas rolled his eyes beside her. “Not my idea,” he quipped dryly, though his face softened as he looked at her.

Callie watched, her own heart full as she saw the reunion unfold. For the first time in days, she felt a deep, calming sense of relief. This was her family—the people she’d grown to trust and care for, their laughter and resilience filling her with pride.

As the last of the daylight faded and the crowd dispersed, the close-knit group remained, sharing quiet laughter and stories as they stood together. Despite the bruises, the bandages, and the exhaustion, they were together. And in that moment, with the warmth of friends and family surrounding them, they were finally home.